A prophet is despised in his own country – Matthew 13:54-58
REFLECTION
Picture this: Jesus, the Son of God, standing in His own hometown. Among people who have known Him since he was a boy. Maybe even played with Him in the streets, eaten meals together, studied together.
He’s just returned from other towns. Places where He was followed by crowds as the sick were healed, demons cast out, and lives transformed. But here, in Nazareth? No one’s lining up. No hopeful parents bringing sick children to Him or desparate friends tearing down roofs.
Instead, when He begins teaching, people are skeptical and disbelieving. “Isn’t He Joseph’s son?” “Don’t His brothers live here?”
The result?
“He did not work many miracles there because of their lack of faith.”
I see myself in them. How many times have I prayed but still remained anxious, still wondered if He would really answer me?
It makes me wonder, how often do we miss seeing and experiencing God’s Hand in our lives because we’re too familiar, too guarded, too doubtful?
There have been times I have prayed, but deep down I was bracing myself for disappointment. Like the Nazarenes, I have boxed the Lord in. I have measured my prayers, asking for “just enough,” not too much. I have been too afraid, too skeptical to ask for big things. And in doing so, I have shut the door on Him.
But here’s the thing: Jesus usually doesn’t barge in. He stands at the door and knocks. My job? Open that door wide. Trust Him completely. Even when I don’t see instant answers — keep trusting, hoping, and praying big things.
Right now, I’m in the middle of praying for big things. On some days, that sneaky little doubt bug tries to get me, but I shout it down and flick it off my mind.
And I keep waiting on Him patiently, joyfully, hopefully. Knowing that He is not just the carpenter’s son but the Maker of all the world.
Is there something big and wonderful that you’ve been hesitant to pray for? Join me today in putting aside doubt and putting on hope and trust.
Let’s pray boldly, trust completely, and wait on Him with joy.
And then when the time is right, we’ll say together: “What marvels the Lord has done for us; indeed we are glad!” (Psalm 126:3)
In faith,
