We Know His Mother

We Know His Mother

Reading: 2 Samuel 1; Psalm 140; Matthew 13 54 He returned to Nazareth, his hometown. When he taught there in the synagogue, everyone was amazed and said, “Where does he get this wisdom and the power to do miracles?” 55 Then they scoffed, “He’s just the carpenter’s son, and we know Mary, his mother, and his brothers—James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas. 56 All his sisters live right here among us. What makes him so great?” (Matthew 13:54-56 NLT) Jesus was (and is) God’s Son, the Messiah, the Savior! He was teaching Kingdom of God truth and performing miracles. The approval of God was on his life and the power of God was in his words and actions. But when he got back to Nazareth, his hometown, the people soon got over their sense of wonder. Petty jealousy and small thinking took over. They said, “There’s no way he’s special! He grew up among us and went to school here and worked as a carpenter! And just look at his brothers and sisters! They’re normal, just like us! What makes him think he can be somebody?”

It can be hard to see greatness in someone we know well. Does familiarity really breed contempt? It’s so easy to think small thoughts about people we know well and it’s way too easy to take them for granted! Think what the residents of Nazareth missed out on! Think what we may miss by taking others for granted! This is the reality: God’s Spirit is in me and I am a new creation in Christ. God’s Spirit is in my wife, my children and my Christian friends. God has a divine and eternal purpose for each of us. So for my part, I am determined to look for signs of greatness in my wife, my kids, my grandkids, my friends, and my fellow Christ-followers. Friends, I believe there is greatness in you! May you see yourself as God sees you! May you see others through God’s eyes! Prayer: Father, Please forgive me when I have looked at others around me with a “I know their Mom,” and “Who does he think he is?” kind of attitude. Forgive me for making assumptions about people who have the life of your Spirit and the potential for gracious greatness! Forgive me for looking at big people through small eyes. I purpose to look at the people you have put in my life with eyes of faith and expectancy. Thanks for surrounding me with great people! Amen.