SUNDAY SCRIPTURE (MATTHEW 13:53-58)

And when Jesus had finished these parables, he went away from there, 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? 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? And are not all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?” 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.” And he did not do many mighty works there, because of their unbelief.

Matthew 13:53-58 (ESV)

When Jesus returned to his hometown, he did not receive the reception one would expect. Even though the people recognized the wisdom and mighty works of Jesus, they could not accept Him as their messiah. Instead, they remembered the boy who grew up in their midst. They compared him to his family. How could a family like that produce a teacher such as this? Instead putting their faith in Him, they took offense at Him. They lacked faith.

Today, many lack faith in Jesus as well. They too see Jesus' wisdom and mighty works, but they don't believe that He is Emmanuel, God with us. They don't believe that He died for their sins. They don't believe that He rose from the dead and now rules from heaven above. They refuse to believe that Jesus will someday return to judge both the living and the dead.

Jesus became a stumbling block to the people of Nazareth and He is a stumbling block to many today as well. What about you? Do you believe that Jesus is God in the flesh? Do you believe that He died to pay the penalty for your sins? Do you believe that He has authority over all creation? Do you believe that He will one day return to judge you according to your sins?

Repent and believe the gospel. Jesus is the only way to receive forgiveness for all of your sins. It is only by grace that a person can be saved through faith in the true Jesus. He is not just a good moral teacher, but He is your God who came to rescue you. Put your trust in Him and receive eternal life.