He returned (from the Sea of Galilee) to Nazareth, his hometown. When he taught there in the synagogue, everyone was amazed and said, "Where does he get this wisdom and the power to do miracles?" Then they scoffed, "He's just the carpenter's son, and we know Mary, his mother, and his brothers--James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas. All his sisters live right here among us. Where did he learn all these things?" And they were deeply offended and refused to believe in him. Then Jesus told them, "A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his own family." And so he did only a few miracles there because of their unbelief. Matthew 13:54-58
This
scripture passage tells us that the people of Nazareth…were deeply offended
and refused to believe in him. They were offended—deeply offended.
Scoffing at the wisdom of Jesus, who obviously was a good speaker and teacher,
they couldn’t believe that anyone who grew up there could be so knowledgeable
and wise. Those people in Nazareth had a lot of nerve—self-righteous snobs. Who
did they think they were, judging Jesus? He was full of wisdom and unusual
power. Were they jealous that they themselves…or their son, grandson, or even
nephews didn’t get that wisdom and power? Why should this son of a carpenter
have it? Just unbelieving that anyone from Nazareth—that dusty little
village—could actually be a great teacher. Doubting drains energy. If no one
believed, then no miracles could happen. There were a few miracles exercised on
that trip to Nazareth.
What
does that tell us about faith? I think we have to believe in Jesus as the Son
of God…and that He was a man, incarnate God and man. In that belief, the power
of Jesus is released…and we can ask for healing, for strength, or for wisdom.
Ask, and we will receive…
At that time you won't need to ask
me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he
will grant your request because you use my name. You haven't done this before.
Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy. I
have spoken of these matters in figures of speech, but soon I will stop
speaking figuratively and will tell you plainly all about the Father. Then you
will ask in my name. I'm not saying I will ask the Father on your behalf, for
the Father himself loves you dearly because you love me and believe that I came
from God. John
16:23-27
Ask—it
seems pretty simple, but there are a lot of factors involved. Attitude. Action.
Faith. God’s will. Just believe. God will take care of you—in His way…at His
time. Trust. Trust and Obey.
Prayer
– Lord Jesus, just as You read…“The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, for You are
anointed to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent You to proclaim that
captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be
set free, and that the time of the LORD's favor has come." Luke 4:18-19.
Lord, Your prophesies were fulfilled in the past…and we’re counting on them to
be fulfilled in the future. We look forward to the rapture…and Your return.
Come quickly, Lord Jesus.
Verse
of Salvation ~ But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles,
Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. This foolish plan of God is
wiser than the wisest of human plans, and God's weakness is stronger than the
greatest of human strength. 1
Corinthians 1:24-25
Happy
Birthday, Kim!
May
God continue to bless you…today and always!
© 2026 Text, photos, and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All
rights reserved.
Reused from June 6, 2016, Banquet With The King blog.
All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless
otherwise noted.
New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale
House Foundation.
Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream,
Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.
Books by Mickey M.
Hunacek
Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com
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