Context
I can only imagine the stir that was caused by Jesus when he began his ministry. Today, Nazareth, Tiberius, and the Galilee area are modern, bustling areas, but in that day they were sleepy, backwoods regions. Nothing of any importance happened there. Then, one day, Jesus showed up. He went to Nazareth and preached in the synagogue in the town where he grew up. He walked the 12 miles or so down to the sea of Galilee to the little fishing village of Capernaum which became his new home. He proclaimed the message of repentance in light of the nearness of the kingdom of heaven. He began to gather disciples around him, even those like Nathanael who couldn't believe tht anything good could come from Nazareth, down the road from Cana, his home town.
As you can expect, two things happened. Great crowds began to follow him. Word spread like wildfire throughout the Galilee region that a miracle-working prophet was among them. People came from everywhere. But not everyone clicked the like button - especially those who knew him in his hometown. Luke records the story of the first opposition Jesus experienced, from his own people. They couldn't believe Mary's son was making these wild claims, and they tried to kill him, but God's timing is perfect and Jesus walked away in perfect safety, protected by the hand of God.
Devotional - When Times are Hard
Jesus could certainly draw a crowd - I'm guessing few fell asleep when he was proclaiming God's truth. And he was doing miracles before the people's eyes that no one had ever seen before. Demons fled. The lame walked and blind saw. His fame spread as far away as Jerusalem and people were following him. Cheering him. Loving him. Worshiping him.
And hating him. Some hated him. They tried to kill him. Luke tells how the people of Nazareth could not believe it when he claimed to be the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy. They remembered him as Joseph's son - just another boy from the village, no one special. To claim that he was one to fulfill an ancient prophecy, well that was just too much. Jesus did not back down, but reminded them that the chosen people had often opposed and even persecuted the chosen prophets. This infuriated them even more and they tried unsuccessfully to kill him. God protected Jesus and he left and went to Galilee.
What did Jesus do in Galilee? If he was like many Christians, he would find something else to do. "If people are going to treat me this way, I'm not going to serve them!" "I give up." Many Christians are absolutely shocked when they do something good, something godly, something God has called or led them to do, and then they receive criticism, opposition, or some form of hardship. We have bought into some false idea that godliness and obedience is a guarantee of smooth sailing.
Where on earth has anyone gotten that idea?
I'd challenge you to find a man or woman in the Bible who had an encounter with the Living God, who was called to work in name of God, and their life became easier. God can complicate our lives! It is not easy to serve him. Blessed? Yes. Joyous? Of course. Easy? There is no biblical evidence for that.
It is not the presence of hardship or opposition that ought to bother the believer, but perhaps the absence of it. A life of ease and comfort is not a sign of blessing in God's word. Jesus walked in obedience to the Father and immediately people sought to kill him.
But he trusted God. God protected him. And he continued the work!
Father, may I not be discouraged by opposition, by criticism, or by hardship, but may I continue in your power to do the work you have set before me.
Think and Pray about It
- They followed Jesus without reservation.
- They sought others and led them to follow Jesus as well.
Are you an obedient and faithful disciple? Do you follow Jesus with a full and unreserved heart? Do you seek to lead others to follow him as well? Do you have a passion for Christ and for kingdom things?
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