REJECTED BY HIS OWN PEOPLE

PROCLAMATION

“ ‘Truly I tell you,’ He continued, ‘no prophet is accepted in his own hometown.’ ”  Luke 4:24 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, according to Luke, the physician, and a travelling companion of the Apostle Paul.  After He was baptized by John the baptizer, Jesus was led into the wilderness where He was tempted by the devil for forty days. (Luke 4:1-2)  Afterwards, He returned to Galilee and began teaching in the synagogues. (Luke 4:14-15)  When He left Galilee He went to Nazareth.  On the Sabbath He went into the synagogue as was His custom.  On that day He stood up and read from the scroll of the prophet Isaiah. (Isaiah 61:1-2 and Luke 4:16-20)  Then He rolled up the scroll and sat down and said, “This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.” (Luke 4:20-21)  He taught them, and they were amazed for they knew Him as Joseph’s son.  Then He said, “No prophet is accepted in his own country.” (Luke 4:24)  When He finished speaking, the people in the synagogue were furious and they ran Him out of town.  They were going to throw Him off of a cliff, but He walked through the crowd unharmed. (Luke 4:28-30)

 

APPLICATION

It is a sad reflection of reality that we are often more likely to be respected by outsiders than we are by members of our own family.  Our family and friends may love us, but because they know us, they frequently have difficulty accepting us as a wise and knowledgeable person (expert) on any subject.  Even when they know that we have been educated and trained, our wisdom is frequently questioned.  They will ask us for our opinion and then they will argue with us about it.  Do not let this bother you, the family of Jesus, The Christ, did not respect His wisdom or abilities.  He said, “A prophet is not without honor, save in his own country, and in his own house.” (Matthew 13:57, Mark 6:4, and Luke 4:24)  Don’t be discouraged, continue to study and gain wisdom and knowledge, and continue to share it with others, especially regarding The Word of God, because our goal is to be approved by God, not by man. (2 Timothy 2:15)