NOW OR NEVER?
- Key Verse
- And He did not do many miracles there because of their unbelief. (Matthew 13:58)
READ THE PASSAGE
Central Truth
If we ignore what God has to say, He may limit His activity in our lives.
Reflections
If I were Jesus, I would be pumped about coming home to teach my family and friends. In this passage we are not reading about the first time Jesus taught in Nazareth, but the second time. His community had rejected His message during His first visit, but He has returned. Unfortunately, this time was no different. Again, the people questioned His authority and wondered how He could have obtained so much knowledge. "He is just a carpenter's son, and we know Mary, his mother, and his brothers—James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas. All of His sisters live right here among us. Where did he learn all these things?" (Matthew 13:55-56, NLT) His friends and family were deeply offended and refused to believe in Him. What these guys are saying is that they do not need Jesus.Earlier in the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus' family members seemed embarrassed by His teachings. In fact, they wanted Him to stop. The people of Nazareth seem to have the same response this time. The Word says, "And He did not do many miracles there because of their unbelief." (Matthew 13:58) Here, the people overlooked another chance for salvation. A critical point is that Jesus did not completely reject these people, He just ceased to perform miracles in their midst and moved on. Jesus began to search elsewhere for those who would respond to His miracles and message.
In these verses God is showing us that we may not have many more chances to come close to Him. We must respond to Christ when we have a chance. He wants us to respond when He reveals Himself to us! Now is the right time! If we do not act now, our time may soon expire. God is merciful and loving, but at the same time, He is just.
Discussion Questions
1. Have you turned down opportunities to move forward in your relationship with Christ?2. Has the Lord revealed Himself to you lately? What was your response?
3. How can you make sure that nonbelievers have a chance to come to Christ?
4. If your time expired today, would you be fully equipped to enter the gates of heaven?
FAMILY DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Is it hard for you to believe in God?
2. What are things that you know to be true about God?
Comments
The views expressed under “Comments” are solely
those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Watermark Community Church.
Sabrina
February 16, 2010 07:50 AM
Great devo Benson! Today's Journey gave me time to pause and reflect on how many times God came knocking at my own door and I didn't answer and how my life at that time reflected my lack of faith and hope. It was a lonely time for me. But today I praise Him for not giving up on me and I give thanks for the day I gave my life over to Him! I have a friend struggling right now with the fact that someone close to her keeps asking her about her faith. He wants to know where she stands. He's afraid she's going to miss the boat. She too, like the people of Nazareth, is offended by his approach. So this is a perfect Journey devo to share with her to help explain why this believer in her life won't give up on this pursuit with her. I would hate to think that one day He may begin to limit His activity in her life. Have a great day Benson!!
Sylvia Bodell
February 16, 2010 08:26 AM
Hi Benson - you Rock! Thanks for your great message this morning!
Sunshine
February 16, 2010 08:33 AM
Thanks for the ever present truth. I have non believing family members and they get defensive whenever we bring up Christ. If I am a fully devoted follower of Christ than I have to try again. I want to take every opportunity that is thrown my way. I have nothing to lose, but so many do. Thanks again
Jonathan
February 16, 2010 08:47 AM
Very insightful Benson. Your explanation opened my eyes to a view I had not previously considered. Thanks.
Katie Skinner
February 16, 2010 09:13 AM
Thanks for the great devo this morning, Benson. You have wisdom beyond your years!
Bill
February 16, 2010 09:40 AM
Benson: Your CENTRAL TRUTH is so incredibly profound. There are many committed Christians (most with decades on you in years) who are wondering why God isn't more active in their lives. The answer is in your CENTRAL TRUTH. You and the Holy Spirit were in sync writing this Journey entry!
Johnny Hawkins
February 16, 2010 11:08 AM
Awesome job Benson! This was a great encouragement to me and reminder to look for the things Jesus is doing in our midst everyday. Thanks again Benson and thankful you are showing your wisdom at a young age.
jo tiller
February 16, 2010 11:12 AM
great job in sharing the truth of this passage...thank you
Alicia
February 16, 2010 05:58 PM
Dear Benson, I so enjoyed the devotional you wrote for today. I especially enjoyed the well thought-out questions you wrote for meditation and family discussions. We miss seeing you and your family on Havencreek. Please send them our love!
Bobby Rodriguez
February 16, 2010 10:11 PM
Great job Benson! I love your central truth and pray that Christ will stay active in your life.
Daniel Bembenek
February 16, 2010 10:59 PM
A most excellent observation. I for one will be eternally grateful that Jesus came back to knock on my door so many times. It is often only when we are in dire straits that we open the door and hear his message.
Millye
February 17, 2010 06:13 AM
Benson, Wow, what a great handle on truth at such a young age! If you can keep applying these truths what a great blessing it will be throughout your life. I agree with you about your parents- they both have such a sweet spirit for the Lord. You are blessed! Thanks for your encouragemnt to not take the Lord's blessings for granted!
Allison koons
February 17, 2010 10:39 AM
GREAT job, Benson. Thanks for pointing us to obedience. His compassion may not always appear that way temporarily, but it's always eternal...thankful that He wants us to see where we are. And thankful for you and your family, who serves so many so well.
Virginia
February 17, 2010 11:15 AM
Benson, you are so right that we need to take the opportunities God presents to us because that is the opportune time for greatest effectiveness. That awareness of God and his guidance will serve you well. God bless you!
Melanie Mittel
February 17, 2010 01:52 PM
Benson, I am so proud of you and the incredible spiritual strength you display in sharing this devo. I praise God for you following the way of the LORD and desiring that He be your constant focus and guide. Your a Beast!!
Melanie Mittel
February 17, 2010 01:52 PM
Benson, I am so proud of you and the incredible spiritual strength you display in sharing this devo. I praise God for you following the way of the LORD and desiring that He be your constant focus and guide. Your a Beast!!
Bart
February 17, 2010 02:23 PM
Benson, I am so glad that Jesus hasn't stopped trying to talk to me. Even though I stray away from his love, he keeps appearing in the best ways. Today, it is through you and your well written devo. Thanks for the reminder!