Whether you’ve lived in the same town your whole life or have moved around like a pastor’s family, the way this passage opens can strike a chord. Returning to your hometown or whatever town you currently call home can bring a sense of relief and joy, with a little hopeful expectation tossed in. I experience that each time we return to our Mexico home on the lake. When you come over the mountains and see the lakeside area spreading out below, it takes your breath away. You have your own special arrival moments, too.
But Jesus’ homecoming wasn’t all sunshine and roses, was it? We see a lot of the same negative, condescending types of behavior right there in Nazareth that we see today. Finding fault with others is a lot easier than looking at the faults within ourselves.
For Jesus, it had to be extremely difficult because even though he is 100% God, he is also 100% human, and we know what it feels like to be questioned and unwanted. Perhaps only some of us know what it feels like to be run out of town. The text says Jesus was amazed at the unbelief he encountered.
Can you imagine being offended by Jesus? I suppose it happens when you become uncomfortable when the truth shines in your face. The truth is not always easy, but it is always God’s way. If it’s not from Jesus, it’s not truth, according to Scripture. In John 14:6, Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.”
Equally important in this reading is how Jesus sent out his followers into the world for the first time on their own. We don’t know how many times he may have done this during his ministry, but this was at least the first time. We know Jesus’ disciples had great ministries after Jesus departed, but the first time is always the hardest. What do you think was going through their minds at this assignment?
If you’ve never shared your faith with someone you know who doesn’t know Jesus, it can seem daunting. Or perhaps you’re one of those people on fire for Jesus who just can’t keep quiet about your faith and what Jesus has done. In any event, we can all appreciate the honor of being asked in person by Jesus to do what seems impossible.
The disciples were successful and witnessed many acts of God while they were ministering in the world. Not many of us get to witness the big, drop-your-jaw kind of miracles. Imagine what it was like for Jesus’ disciples. How wonderful it must feel to be used by God and touched by God’s hand in some profound way. Tiny miracles are all around us. Think of a seed turning into a flower or a tree.
Jesus trusted his disciples just like he trusts us. The Holy Spirit is on guard duty to make sure we have the power and discernment we need. It’s up to us to be sure we are utilizing that power in God honoring ways. Jesus charged his disciples with a mission and then empowered them to carry it out. We have the same marching orders. Are we sitting still or moving forward?
Quietly waiting can be the right move as we watch for God to lead us. This is especially true when we’re “in between” things or “waiting for” the next big thing. We can ask, “What does God have in mind for me?” or “What does God need me to do for him?” Pick a question to reflect on today.
Let’s pray. Lord, it can be so hard to endure the rejection we often get from those closest to us. Help me to not get discouraged. I thank you for your promise to never leave us and to give us the power we need to complete your purposes. I stand ready to serve you, Lord, and look forward to each new assignment from you. Help me to rest in you and your love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
