SCRIPTURE: 'When everyone present heard Jesus’ words, they erupted with furious rage. They mobbed Jesus and threw him out of the city, dragging him to the edge of the cliff on the hill on which the city had been built, ready to hurl him off. But he walked right through the crowd, leaving them all stunned. Jesus went to Capernaum in Galilee and taught the people on the Sabbath day. His teaching stunned and dazed them, for he spoke with penetrating words and great authority. Great astonishment swept over the people, and they said among themselves, “What kind of man is this who has such power and authority? With a mere word, he commands demons to come out, and they obey him!” Reports about Jesus spread like wildfire throughout every community in the surrounding region. - Luke 4:28-32,36-37.
LESSON: Here, Jesus is celebrated for His miracles, while in His hometown of Nazareth, He was rejected and therefore unable to perform many miracles. The people here in Capernaum experienced God's touch in their lives and community. The Nazarites rejected Him because they knew Him as a carpenter's son, and the people of Gadarene were upset about the loss of their pigs, not realizing that He was the source of life and could replenish a hundredfold what was lost. Let us not miss our opportunity for a visitation from God. May we humble ourselves to recognize and receive Him, even when He comes in small and unattractive packages.
PRAYER: Lord, we pray that we are not blinded by the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, or the lust for other things, so that we can recognize and accept you wholeheartedly.
LESSON: Here, Jesus is celebrated for His miracles, while in His hometown of Nazareth, He was rejected and therefore unable to perform many miracles. The people here in Capernaum experienced God's touch in their lives and community. The Nazarites rejected Him because they knew Him as a carpenter's son, and the people of Gadarene were upset about the loss of their pigs, not realizing that He was the source of life and could replenish a hundredfold what was lost. Let us not miss our opportunity for a visitation from God. May we humble ourselves to recognize and receive Him, even when He comes in small and unattractive packages.
PRAYER: Lord, we pray that we are not blinded by the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, or the lust for other things, so that we can recognize and accept you wholeheartedly.
