"Hometown Hero?"

EPISODE 106

Don't Let Familiarity Breed Contempt

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At the birthplace of many great American heroes, you’re likely to find monuments to their achievements. But this wasn’t the case when Jesus went back home.

“And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. … and he stood up to read. … And all spoke well of him and marveled at the gracious words that were coming from his mouth. And they said, “Is not this Joseph’s son?”” (Luke 4:16, 22).

While the people of Nazareth were amazed at his teachings, they doubted the validity of his message based purely on the fact that he grew up there.

Prophet Problems

““And he said, “Truly, I say to you, no prophet is acceptable in his hometown” (Luke 4:24).

Why is it so hard to listen to someone close to us? Does familiarity really breed contempt? According to Jesus, it’s human nature to reject someone just because we know them too well. And we can do the same thing today! Do you treat strangers better than your own family sometimes? Does it take a third-party saying the same thing your spouse has been saying for it finally sink in?

Let’s never let someone’s familiarity discount their value!

Seeking Seekers

“… there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah … and Elijah was sent to none of them but only to Zarephath … And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian” (Luke 4:25-27).

Jesus goes on to compare himself with two of the greatest prophets that ever lived. Imagine how that must have made their blood boil! But his point was — sometimes those seeking help will receive it over those who would reject it. And “moving on” is exactly what Jesus told his disciples to do when they encountered opposition (Luke 9:5).

So, if we truly want help, let’s be open to receiving it!

Mob Mentality

“When they heard these things, all in the synagogue were filled with wrath. And they rose up and drove him out of the town … so that they could throw him down the cliff” (Luke 4:28-29).

How quickly their praise turned to thoughts of murder! They took Jesus’ rebuke so personally, they were collectively ready to kill him. Have you ever joined in with mob mentality? Why is it we tend to think more clearly when we’re not in a crowd? If you ever find yourself riled up, stop and ask whether you’d be as angry without others “egging” you on.

Let’s be careful to think for ourselves and examine our biases before joining in with those around us!

While those in Nazareth rejected Jesus, will you? Acknowledge him today as the Perfect Prophet, seek his counsel, and come to your own conclusions about him through the study of his word!