When Jesus was about in his late 20’s, he left the northern hill town of Nazareth and went south to the Jerusalem area where he spent time listening to John the Baptist.
He was baptized in the Jordan River by John, and this was a turning point in his life. He began preaching and teaching. Eventually he returned to his hometown for a visit, which is described in the passage above.
We know the rest of the story. Jesus’ hometown people were impressed by “the gracious words that came from his mouth.” But the more they listened, the more he seemed to be suggesting that he was specially chosen by God, even insinuating that he was the long-awaited Messiah.
The wondered aloud, “Who does he think he is? He’s Joseph’s boy. We watched him grow. He’s just one of us.”
It happens all the time. People put us in a box. They always see us the way they used to see us, no matter how we’ve changed.
God never puts us in a box. God knows our potential. God can let go of the past – even a bad past – and move on to a new future. It’s one of the great things about God.
Anything you want to move on to in your life? God will not only let you do it. God will help you do it.
- Little Blue Book, January 8