Scripture
"He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: 'The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.' Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. He began by saying to them, 'Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.' 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. Jesus said to them, 'Surely you will quote this proverb to me: ‘Physician, heal yourself!’ And you will tell me, ‘Do here in your hometown what we have heard that you did in Capernaum.’ 'Truly I tell you,' he continued, 'no prophet is accepted in his hometown.' " (Luke 3:16-24)
Observation
In this chapter, we find Jesus returning to His hometown of Nazareth. As He preaches in the synagogue, He confirms to the people that He is the fulfillment of an Old Testament prophecy––He Himself is the Son of God. Despite this, the people of His hometown respond not by praising Him, but rather by doubting Him. Some even went as far as to reject Him. “Aren’t You just Joseph’s son?” they jeered, thinking they knew the entirety of who He was.
Jesus responds with a poignant truth: “no prophet is accepted in his hometown.” Through these seven simple words, Jesus reveals that familiarity, preconceived notions, and skepticism will cause people to doubt us. However, we must remember that the doubts of these people didn’t change the fact that Jesus was indeed the Son of God; these doubts simply prevented them from seeing the miracle right in front of their eyes.
Application
Have you ever been doubted? Have you experienced the skepticism of others because they think they know who you are? Have others ever doubted the transformation of God in your life? If so, remember that Jesus knows how you feel––even He Himself was doubted in his own hometown.
While experiencing the doubt of others never feels good, the doubts of those who have known us for a long time or who are closest to us can sometimes hurt the most because we tend to least expect it from them. Like Jesus mentions in verse 23, sometimes people will doubt you no matter what you do or what you say––and that’s okay! While man may not be able to see your heart, God can. And He doesn’t just know You––He loves You unconditionally.
No matter how many people may have doubted you or how many times you are doubted, know this: the doubts of others do not deny the transformational work that Christ has done in you.
Do not live life seeking man’s approval; true fulfillment and satisfaction is found when we seek God’s approval. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says “therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: the old has gone, the new is here!” Through Christ’s unconditional love and because of His ultimate sacrifice, we are made new. As long as we have accepted His gift of salvation, continue to draw near to Him, and commit to grow deeper in our faith and in our relationship with Him, we are not who we once were. It is not only possible to be made new––you are made new!
Prayer
Jesus,
Thank You for loving me unconditionally and for transforming my life. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins so that I could become a new creation. Thank You that I am not who I was, but rather, I am who You say I am––chosen, accepted, and loved. When others doubt me, remind me of who I am. Help me to respond to these people with grace like You did, deflect these doubts away from my heart, and remember that You see me and You love me just as I am. I live for You and You alone.
In Your name I pray,
Amen
