Matthew 13:53-14:12
Dear RTB’ers,
Today, two very personal narratives from Jesus’ earthly life. First is His homecoming at Nazareth: And they took offense at Him. (v. 13:57a) The previous verses highlight the city’s knowledge of His family and His background. No doubt the Nazarenes had heard of the mighty works that Jesus had done throughout Galilee. So were the townspeople jealous or angry that He did not do the same there? And He did not do many mighty works there, because of their unbelief. (v. 13:58) Many of us who have moved on from our hometowns have probably felt similar reactions from our hometown family and friends when we returned. But Jesus took it in stride, responding: A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and in his own household. (v. 13:57b) Somewhat similar to “turn the other cheek…”
Second, John the Baptist beheaded… This incident always strikes me hard; a few years ago I came to the realization of Jesus’ true feelings when He heard of this incident. Here’s tomorrow’s first verse: Now when Jesus heard this, He withdrew from there in a boat to a desolate place by Himself. (v. 14:13a) With this verse and others in Mark and Luke I began to sense the full weight of grief that Jesus felt upon hearing this news of His cousin’s murder. He had to get away by Himself – and even though the crowds followed He did not reject them, but instead …He had compassion on them and healed their sick. (v. 14:14b) My Study Bible noted how John was right to challenge Herod – and he paid for it with his life. His is a good example for us to follow in standing up for what is right.
A couple of hard times in Jesus’ earthly life…
Blessings!
See also:
So, thinking about Matthew 13:53-58, what is our own response to Jesus? Are we, like the people of Nazareth, astonished at His claims and teachings such that we take offense at Him with a “Who-does-He-think-He-is?!” attitude? Or are we, on the other hand, so familiar with the stories that we fail to even notice how audacious Jesus is (and as a result treat Him as almost unremarkable)? Do we take the time (and effort) to wonder? Do we, like they, limit Him by our unbelief?