Where did this man get all these things?

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Scripture

When Jesus had finished these parables, He departed from there.
(Matthew 13:53 NASB)
He came to His hometown and began teaching them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished, and said, “Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers?
(Matthew 13:54 NASB)
“Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not His mother called Mary, and His brothers, James and Joseph and Simon and Judas?
(Matthew 13:55 NASB)
“And His sisters, are they not all with us? Where then did this man get all these things?”
(Matthew 13:56 NASB)

 

Observation


Jesus had been teaching the people of his nation about the kingdom of God and some were really getting it and learning from him. However, when he traveled home to Nazareth -- they didn't get it. They remembered the little carpenter boy who had grown up in their town. They all knew his mother and his brothers and sisters. They absolutely could not figure out how he had become so wise and why he had miraculous power. They couldn't see beyond the little boy who had been raised in their midst. Absolutely dumbfounded they asked, "Where then did this man get all these things?"

 

Application


We must recognize that there are abilities which God gives to his servants for which, at times, there is simply no explanation, except it is a gift from God. We are to glorify God in our lives, day in and day out. Paul said that in our weaknesses he is strong. That is the truth! Too many people today seem to want to take credit for their own skills, abilities and personal success. We must recognize that we are absolutely nothing without God! He is the one who has gifted and graced us, and not for our own personal benefit, but for his use in the kingdom.

My prayer is that people may look at Christ's followers today and ask, "Where did they get all these things?" "How in the world did they end up so wise?" "Why do they have power that seems to result in changed lives?" And at the end of the day, we should respond that we have nothing, except the joy of knowing Christ. Daily we are called into a relationship with Jesus Christ that is transformational. We are on a journey becoming the very reflection of Jesus Christ to our world around us. That is why they ought to be astounded and wonder about the source of these abilities. But wondering about the source is a good thing, if we lead them to the very source! That is how God is glorified in our lives.

The people of Nazareth couldn't handle seeing Jesus in this way. Because they couldn't look past his humanity and see his divinity, they lost out on what he could have brought to them. He simply had to leave town and didn't do much work among them.

Remember the source today. Spend time with the One who can give us wisdom and power to make a difference while working in his kingdom. 

 

Prayer


Lord, may my life be a reflection of you, directing people back to you, the source! Amen.

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