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READ: Matthew 13:53-58
Matthew 13:54 (NET) “Then he came to his hometown and began to teach the people in their synagogue. They were astonished and said, "Where did this man get such wisdom and miraculous powers?”
We often forget that Jesus faced some of his greatest persecution in his childhood hometown. The historical context of this passage informs us that Jesus was called derogatory names by those he grew up with and worked beside or for. Calling Jesus a “carpenter’s son” is an attempt to level the playing field to make Jesus a common laborer like everyone else. Despite the reputation that preceded Him, many people took offense at Jesus and His ministry (13:57).
Does this mean that we are to forego sharing the Gospel in places where we grew up? Not at all! In fact, Jesus did do miracles in his hometown, just not very many (13:58). The point is that the Greek reads the people of Jesus’ hometown literally “stumbled over him.” We would do well to remind ourselves that those closest to us can often be the harshest people to come to Christ. Your love of God is most tested by those who know your past mistakes and quirks.
Take time today to pray for those in your close relationships that do not know Christ as Savior. Like Jesus, you may face rejection, but you can know that it is for an eternal purpose that far outweighs your suffering.
Faith Lesson: Never stop praying, witnessing to, or showing Christ’s love to those closest to you without eternal life.
In Christ,
Darin Smith
Submitted by Richard
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Do you know Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior? If not, then learn how to make Jesus your personal Lord and Savior. Check out the Daily Message Devotional's new and full-featured website at http://www.dailymessage.org To subscribe to the Daily Message Devotional mailing list, please send a blank email to [email protected] .
Matthew 13:54 (NET) “Then he came to his hometown and began to teach the people in their synagogue. They were astonished and said, "Where did this man get such wisdom and miraculous powers?”
We often forget that Jesus faced some of his greatest persecution in his childhood hometown. The historical context of this passage informs us that Jesus was called derogatory names by those he grew up with and worked beside or for. Calling Jesus a “carpenter’s son” is an attempt to level the playing field to make Jesus a common laborer like everyone else. Despite the reputation that preceded Him, many people took offense at Jesus and His ministry (13:57).
Does this mean that we are to forego sharing the Gospel in places where we grew up? Not at all! In fact, Jesus did do miracles in his hometown, just not very many (13:58). The point is that the Greek reads the people of Jesus’ hometown literally “stumbled over him.” We would do well to remind ourselves that those closest to us can often be the harshest people to come to Christ. Your love of God is most tested by those who know your past mistakes and quirks.
Take time today to pray for those in your close relationships that do not know Christ as Savior. Like Jesus, you may face rejection, but you can know that it is for an eternal purpose that far outweighs your suffering.
Faith Lesson: Never stop praying, witnessing to, or showing Christ’s love to those closest to you without eternal life.
In Christ,
Darin Smith
Submitted by Richard
---------------------------------
Do you know Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior? If not, then learn how to make Jesus your personal Lord and Savior. Check out the Daily Message Devotional's new and full-featured website at http://www.dailymessage.org To subscribe to the Daily Message Devotional mailing list, please send a blank email to [email protected] .
