February 16, 2010
NOW OR NEVER?
Matthew 13:53-58
Benson Moore
Central Truth
If we ignore what God has to say, He may limit His activity in our lives.
Key Verse | Matthew 13:58
And He did not do many miracles there because of their unbelief. (Matthew 13:58)
Matthew 13:53-58
Jesus Rejected at Nazareth
53 And when Jesus had finished these parables, he went away from there, 54 and coming to his hometown he taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished, and said, “Where did this man get this wisdom and these mighty works? 55 Is not this the carpenter's son? Is not his mother called Mary? And are not his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? 56 And are not all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?” 57 And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and in his own household.” 58 And he did not do many mighty works there, because of their unbelief.
Dive Deeper | Matthew 13:53-58
If I were Jesus, I would be pumped about coming home to teach my family and friends. In this passage we are not reading about the first time Jesus taught in Nazareth, but the second time. His community had rejected His message during His first visit, but He has returned. Unfortunately, this time was no different. Again, the people questioned His authority and wondered how He could have obtained so much knowledge. "He is just a carpenter's son, and we know Mary, his mother, and his brothers—James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas. All of His sisters live right here among us. Where did he learn all these things?" (Matthew 13:55-56, NLT) His friends and family were deeply offended and refused to believe in Him. What these guys are saying is that they do not need Jesus.
Earlier in the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus' family members seemed embarrassed by His teachings. In fact, they wanted Him to stop. The people of Nazareth seem to have the same response this time. The Word says, "And He did not do many miracles there because of their unbelief." (Matthew 13:58) Here, the people overlooked another chance for salvation. A critical point is that Jesus did not completely reject these people, He just ceased to perform miracles in their midst and moved on. Jesus began to search elsewhere for those who would respond to His miracles and message.
In these verses God is showing us that we may not have many more chances to come close to Him. We must respond to Christ when we have a chance. He wants us to respond when He reveals Himself to us! Now is the right time! If we do not act now, our time may soon expire. God is merciful and loving, but at the same time, He is just.
Discussion Questions
1. Have you turned down opportunities to move forward in your relationship with Christ?
2. Has the Lord revealed Himself to you lately? What was your response?
3. How can you make sure that nonbelievers have a chance to come to Christ?
4. If your time expired today, would you be fully equipped to enter the gates of heaven?
FAMILY DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Is it hard for you to believe in God?
2. What are things that you know to be true about God?