January 21
Matthew 13:47-14:12
What do you take for granted? What have you become so desensitized to that you have lost your gratitude and awe over that thing? Could this maybe even include God, his grace, salvation, and the work of Jesus? Familiarity breeds contempt. I do not know if this statement is true in all of life, but it was true of the crowds in Nazareth. They knew Jesus’ family and would have known him since childhood and because of this they responded to his claims with “offense.” They could not imagine that the carpenter’s son could be the Messiah. Rather than acknowledging the evidence of His miracles and works, they simply pushed him to the side. Their familiarity caused them to miss who he really was and what he wanted to do in their lives.
Many of the people we interact with may have grown-up going to church, attending a religious school, or knowing some Bible stories, and because of this, they often feel like they are spiritually good and do not really need Jesus. This is foolishness. As we have seen again and again in Matthew, what we do with Jesus is the most important question of life. We need to help people see who Jesus really is and call them to respond in faith. Additionally, we need to make sure that we are continually seeking Jesus and making him Lord over every part of our lives. It does not matter how familiar you are with Jesus; you need to move into a relationship with him.
Father God, help me to make you the center of my life. Help me to daily draw near to you and share you with others. Amen.
How has “familiarity” with Jesus kept you from the relationship, awe, and worship that God calls us to?
What do you take for granted? What have you become so desensitized to that you have lost your gratitude and awe over that thing? Could this maybe even include God, his grace, salvation, and the work of Jesus? Familiarity breeds contempt. I do not know if this statement is true in all of life, but it was true of the crowds in Nazareth. They knew Jesus’ family and would have known him since childhood and because of this they responded to his claims with “offense.” They could not imagine that the carpenter’s son could be the Messiah. Rather than acknowledging the evidence of His miracles and works, they simply pushed him to the side. Their familiarity caused them to miss who he really was and what he wanted to do in their lives.
Many of the people we interact with may have grown-up going to church, attending a religious school, or knowing some Bible stories, and because of this, they often feel like they are spiritually good and do not really need Jesus. This is foolishness. As we have seen again and again in Matthew, what we do with Jesus is the most important question of life. We need to help people see who Jesus really is and call them to respond in faith. Additionally, we need to make sure that we are continually seeking Jesus and making him Lord over every part of our lives. It does not matter how familiar you are with Jesus; you need to move into a relationship with him.
Father God, help me to make you the center of my life. Help me to daily draw near to you and share you with others. Amen.
How has “familiarity” with Jesus kept you from the relationship, awe, and worship that God calls us to?
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Growing up in the Catholic Church, the image I remember most was that of Jesus hanging on a cross front and center above the altar. That image was meant to remind me that he died for my sins and I never doubted that. But so much focus on that image alone kept me from seeking to know his plan for me. He was elevated and out of reach for a 10-year-old as if just knowing that this man/God died for your sins in itself was enough.
nSome years later in life, I remember often seeing the cool hippie Jesus that had been making the rounds in pop culture. This version of Jesus was approachable, but shallow.
nIt wasn’t until I opened a Bible three years ago that I developed an awe filled relationship with Jesus. I believe familiarity with those popular icons in my past delayed me from seeking the depth of the truth about my savior.
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