He went away from there and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. And on the Sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things? What is the wisdom given to him? How are such mighty works done by his hands? Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. And Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown and among his relatives and in his own household.” And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them. And he marveled because of their unbelief. And he went about among the villages teaching.
Anyone who has spent any time in the church understands that there is an unhealthy familiarity that lives in and among those who regularly attend there. Many see it most in the children who have been a part of their parents religious life since birth. For these kids, and many adults, there is no fresh wonder or astonishing awe when they think about God.
Such is the case with the people in Christ's hometown. They had known and seen Jesus all his life. The leaders in the synagogue, like everyone else, watched him grow into manhood and had a difficult time accepting his teaching and understanding his miracles. Because of familiarity their hearts were closed and they did not believe in Jesus or what he taught.
Lord help my faith in you to stay fresh. Please keep me from the sin of familiarity.
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I agree that Jesus Christ, who He is and what He came to do is an incredible story that can often lose its impact through being too familiar. May God help us never to lose the wonder of it.
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