“All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips. ‘Isn’t this Joseph’s son?’ they asked.”
Luke 4:22
In the 1992 American legal drama film A Few Good Men, there’s an intense courtroom exchange. The character Jessup says, “You want answers?” Kaffee replies, “I want the truth!” And Jessup responds, “You can’t handle the truth!”
The people of Jesus’ own hometown couldn’t handle the truth. Jesus taught and read Scripture in such a way that the people were amazed. They thought they knew Him well: “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?” He was just a local boy; He couldn’t be the messenger from God. Why should they listen to Him? They couldn’t handle the truth of who Jesus said He was and therefore wouldn’t accept His teaching. Familiarity breeds contempt.
Has Jesus become too familiar to you? Have you lived with Him so long that you’re no longer captivated by Him? Have you been comforted by Him so many times that you take Him for granted? Do you feel like you’ve already heard all His sermons, convinced there’s nothing new He can say or do for you?
Dear friend, renew your belief in Jesus Christ, the One who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
The people of Jesus’ own hometown couldn’t handle the truth. Jesus taught and read Scripture in such a way that the people were amazed. They thought they knew Him well: “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?” He was just a local boy; He couldn’t be the messenger from God. Why should they listen to Him? They couldn’t handle the truth of who Jesus said He was and therefore wouldn’t accept His teaching. Familiarity breeds contempt.
Has Jesus become too familiar to you? Have you lived with Him so long that you’re no longer captivated by Him? Have you been comforted by Him so many times that you take Him for granted? Do you feel like you’ve already heard all His sermons, convinced there’s nothing new He can say or do for you?
Dear friend, renew your belief in Jesus Christ, the One who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
Scripture Focus
Luke 4:14-22
Insight
Holy Spirit, open my eyes and ears so I may hear and see Jesus afresh, and accept the truths He has for me. Amen
Bible In A Year
- Genesis 31-32
- Psalm 16
- Matthew 24