Thoughts for the Day

The Rejection of Jesus at Nazareth

He left that place and came to his home town, and his disciples followed him. On the sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They said, ‘Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? What deeds of power are being done by his hands! Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?’ And they took offence at him. Then Jesus said to them, ‘Prophets are not without honour, except in their home town, and among their own kin, and in their own house.’ And he could do no deed of power there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them. And he was amazed at their unbelief.

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

We have seen how Jesus' family travelled to Capernaum when they were worried about him (Mark 3.31-35 ) but now having taken his message to much of Galilee Jesus returns to His hometown, Nazareth, along with His disciples. He goes to the Synagogue as was his custom on the Sabbath, and this is where the problem occurs for he is now facing the reactions of the people who knew him from childhood. Their amazement quickly turns to scepticism, highlighting the challenges of accepting someone familiar as a figure of authority or as a messenger of God. As we say "familiarity breeds contempt"!

This passage has two important things to teach us:

1. Jesus heals no-one in Nazareth. His miracles are intrinsically linked to the faith of the person who comes to him. What might this have to say to us who ask Christ's help each day in our prayers?
2. Prejudice can arise from familiarity. His neighbours saw Jesus as the local carpenter not as a Prophet of considerable fame with a following of thousands, and certainly not as the Messiah sent by God. Have we let doubt and scepticism stand in the way of a miracle today and the help that might be there in front of us?

Today can we open our hearts and minds to what God might be revealing through those who are closest to us, and can we remember that God often speaks in unconventional ways. Our God does not stand still, and we must keep moving with Him. We can find joy and surprise in being responsive to His messages, regardless of the 'vessel' they come through.

Lord God,
through Your Holy Spirit
keep us open to the possibilities
that occur in unexpected ways
and through unexpected people,
so that we may make a response to You
and go where You will lead us.
Amen.