Matthew 13:53–58 (ESV)
Jesus Rejected at Nazareth
53 And when Jesus had finished these parables, he went away from
there, 54 and coming to his hometown he taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished, and said, “Where did this man get this wisdom and these mighty works? 55 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? 56 And are not all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?” 57 And
they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and in his own household.” 58 And he did not do many mighty works there, because of their unbelief.
Just as the people of Nazareth took offense at Jesus and refused to believe in Him, so today many are skeptical of His claims. They may agree that Jesus was a good religious teacher whose example we should follow. But they refuse to believe that He is “true
God, begotten of the Father from eternity, and also true man, born of the Virgin Mary.” If we hear and understand, it is not by our own reason or strength but because the Holy Spirit has created faith in our hearts by the Gospel. Only the Spirit, working
through the Word, can change an unbeliever’s heart.
I pray: Spirit of God, thank You for calling me by the Gospel and enlightening my heart. Amen.[1]