When Jesus goes home, he's dismissed because he's known. After teaching in the synagogue, and amazing people with what he shares, they check themselves and say, "wait-- come on now-- this is Jesus we're talking about-- the the carpenter's son. Mary's his mother, right? He's brother to James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas, right? Well if that's the case, then nope-- can't be special." The text goes on to say that he didn't do many miracles there because of their lack of faith.
Two sides to the lesson here: first, people sometimes just cannot accept the fact that you grow and change. If you've ever attended a reunion, you find that some people revert to their actions and behaviors in a manner reflecting a time gone by. We prefer people to stay the way we know them, because if they change too much, then we don't know them anymore, and we've lost a bit of them. Much easier if people just stay as they are. 2. When all parties involved have faith, great things can happen. Doubters, skeptics, and the blind who are blind only because they refuse to open their eyes can really hinder possible powerful outcomes. Surround yourself with people who are open to wondrous possibilities, and you'll see wonderful things happen in your life.
Readings: Genesis 42:18-43:34; Matthew 13:47-14:12; Psalm 18:16-36; Proverbs 4:7-10
