Friday March 29

Matthew 13:54-58

Bud Helmen

He came to his hometown and began to teach the people in their synagogue, so that they were astounded and said, “Where did this man get this wisdom and these deeds of power? Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother called Mary? And are not his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas?"

Jesus came to his hometown and began to teach people in their synagogue. They were astonished and said, “Where did this man get this wisdom and these deeds of power?”

I would also be surprised if someone I knew had no special knowledge, but yet had so much wisdom and could do miraculous healings.  This would be especially surprising if I knew the family, his brothers and sisters and parents, and they seem to be just ordinary people like others in the neighborhood.

Jesus showed the people that he was not just a man without love and compassion. His ministry was different from that of the Levites, whose rituals were the way that healings were conducted. Matthew says that only a few healings happened because there was a lack of faith and trust in Jesus. He likened Jesus’ ministry to some prophets who were honored in some countries but not given that respect in their own town.

Questions for reflection:

• What would be your reaction to this healing?  How do you think his brothers and sisters reacted?

• How was Jesus an ordinary man?  What made Jesus extraordinary?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, help us people of centuries later to have more faith and trust in your teaching than the people of your hometown.  Amen.