February 14, 2025 | Be God's Family
Jesus is Rejected in His Hometown
Scripture: Matthew 13:53-58(NIV)
53 When Jesus had finished these parables, he moved on from there. 54 Coming to his hometown, he began teaching the people in their synagogue, and they were amazed. “Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers?” they asked. 55 “Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t his mother’s name Mary, and aren’t his brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas? 56 Aren’t all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?” 57 And they took offense at him.
But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town and in his own home.”
58 And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith.
Devotional
Have you ever returned home to attend your high school reunion? No matter how successful, important or prosperous someone becomes, they are still only seen as the kid who was constantly in trouble or the class clown or the shy girl from math class. That’s similar to what Jesus faced in today’s passage.
He was traveling to a very familiar place – his hometown of Nazareth. What could have been a happy homecoming quickly turns into – well let’s just say – not so happy. Jesus was in the synagogue, and he began to teach. Nazareth was a very small village so it’s likely almost everyone in town was present. We get a little more detail from Luke who tells us that Jesus stood up to read from the scroll of Isaiah - the part that speaks of Jesus and what his mission on earth would be. The people were amazed and impressed until, Luke tells us, Jesus adds this little sentence, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” Wait – what did he just say? Did he just claim to be a prophet and God’s anointed? You can just feel the mood of the crowd changing.
They had just witnessed Jesus’ teaching with authority but now began to question that authority. They began to say, “Wait! Who does he think he is? We know his family. He’s just that little snotty-nosed kid who used to follow Joseph, the carpenter, around. He’s just one of us. How can he come back now and make these claims?” The reaction of the people had gone from astonishment to questioning and was about to turn to anger, rejection and, ultimately per Luke, violence.
Jesus said to them, “Prophets are honored by everyone, except the people of their hometown and their own family.” (CEB) I’m sure Jesus was recalling this from Jeremiah 12:6 (CEB): “Even your relatives, your very family, are planning to trap you. They are out to get you. So don’t trust them, even if they appear to be on your side”.
The crowd was furious, and mob mentality set in. They drove Jesus out of Nazareth and attempted to hurl him off a cliff to his death! But, again, it was not Jesus’ time, and he miraculously walked safely away. This is thought to be his last visit to Nazareth. And it seems to recall something that Jesus said to his disciples as he was giving them instructions before sending them off in ministry. “If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet.” (Matthew 10:14).
Do you believe who Jesus claimed to be? Do you accept Jesus’ authority?
Poem
Where Is My Homeland?
Psalm 27
Where is my homeland?
My place of shelter?
Where the lamplight burns in the winter’s night?
Where I am protected from all which would come against me?
Where mercy and understanding comfort me?
Where I am welcomed with robe and sandals?
Where feasting abounds?
Where I am taught goodness and mercy?
Where I am not forsaken?
Settle me in the House of my Lord!
Where there is no fear
Where confidence in truth prevails
Where beauty and safety adorn
Where I am lifted high from my enemy
Where I am sheltered in sanctuary
Where I can sing and dance with joy
Where goodness is the norm
Where strength is guaranteed
