And they took offense at him.
Matthew 13:57 NIV
But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town and in his own home.”
Nearly everywhere Jesus went, the crowds followed him and hung on his words. Except in his own hometown. Those that knew him best, and had seen him grow up, took offense at him. This is so contrary to what we would expect when the ‘hometown hero’ returns home. In today’s world, we would have a parade and give them the keys to the city. So why not Jesus when he went home?
Taking Offense
Jesus challenged people. He was not content to have a parade in his honor. He wanted to proclaim the kingdom of God. To change people’s lives. But the folks from his hometown could not see beyond Jesus’ humble origins. He was one of them. What right did he have to be telling them how to live?
It strikes me that this is not dissimilar to how many of us who grow up in the church react to him. We have heard the stories of Jesus, as well as the rest of the Bible, over and over. We have grown up with Jesus. He is our friend and we are comfortable with him. And then he tries to take charge of our lives. And we take offense at him. We much prefer Jesus as a friend to having Jesus as Lord.
This is so true ! I find there is an apathy with people in the church.
They sing the songs by rote and listen to the Word spoken and say ……ok.
I say this without judgement.
I have to always guard myself against apathy and making sure my heart is tuned to sing His praise and my ears are opened to hear his word. So many things clamor for attention.
Also your article made me think that many people of his hometown perhaps still thought of Jesus as being illegitimately born( of course he was not ) . Gossip has never changed only it’s clothing has changed. And growing up for him wasn’t easy I would think.
Anyway always wanting Him as Lord of my life. Sooooo very important and to be aware of. Thank you for this reminder.
Thank you so much for your blogs and articles and sharing what God gives you. So blessed.
I am afraid that this temporary world just seems more real to us than does the eternal but invisible. It requires a conscious exercise of faith to see beyond what our physical senses can perceive.
Thanks for your kind words and encouragement.
I’m sooo glad Jesus is my LORD but can’t claim to walk in obedience all the time, thank GOD for his Grace. I find your writings very interesting and simply put, thank you sooo much for your opinions, really appreciated ☺️
Thanks for your feedback. I do pray that the Lord will draw you ever nearer to himself.