Daily Walk Through the New Testament

April 20

Read Matthew 13:44-14:12

The crowds of Jesus’ day were amazed by His teaching, for He taught as one with authority. As they heard Him teach, they would whisper to each other, “Is that not Joseph’s boy? Isn’t He a carpenter? I think He built our table.” Their familiarity bred contempt, so much so that Matthew 13:57 says, “They were offended at Him.”
Jesus did amazing miracles in many places, but in the area where He grew up, He performed only small miracles. Why? Matthew 13:58 tells us it was because of the people’s unbelief. These people who had watched Jesus grow, who knew His stellar character firsthand, who should have been the first to believe His claims of deity, were one of Jesus’ toughest crowds. They were curious about Jesus, but as soon as He touched on a nerve, they quickly yanked back the welcome mat.
Is there an area of unbelief in your life that is unwelcoming to the mighty power of God? Confess it to Him today, and ask Him to help you with your lack of faith.