From the desk of Pastor Ben
Jesus Returns to Nazareth
“He came to His hometown and began teaching them in their synagogue.”
                    (Matthew 13:54)
Jesus returned to Nazareth following His baptism and temptations (Matthew 4:12-13), and Luke tells us the response to Him then was the same as on this occasion. Then, Jesus had been gone just a short time and was still a familiar figure in the Nazareth synagogue. The devout Jews present on that particular Sabbath had attended services there for many years. They might have thought things would go on as always, but they would witness a fundamental change in Jesus. While away from town, Jesus began His ministry and became well known in the region: News about Him spread through all the surrounding district . . . And He was praised by all” (Luke 4:14b-15b).
For that earlier Sabbath, Jesus stood and read the familiar messianic passage of Isaiah 61:1-2 (see Luke 4:16-22). Realizing that the people’s initial response (4:22) derived merely from a faithless recognition of His popularity and power, Jesus exposed their real motives — wanting to see signs without having to believe. He reminded them of the drought and famine god had sent during the time of Elijah, the divine mercy shown to the Gentile widow of Zarephath, and how God had healed Naaman the Syrian of leprosy but no Israelites during Elisha’s day (vs. 23-27). Jesus’ point is clear: God accepts believing Gentiles, but not unbelieving Jews.
In their attempt to kill Jesus (vs. 28-29), the Jews revealed their evil character. They selfishly wanted only entertainment and earthly benefits from a miracle worker, not forgiveness of sins and salvation from the Messiah.
Ask Yourself:
We, too, can be guilty of wanting Jesus primarily for the things he can do for us, for the way He makes us feel, fo the possibility of answers to our selfish prayers. What happens when these become the primary motives of our faith? How have you experienced the disappointment?