December 9, 2022
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Reading along with us in our Advent readings from “The Life of Jesus”? Here’s today’s reading:
Day 9 in the Book: “The Life of Jesus“
The Beginning of Jesus’ Public Life
Read Sections 2.16 through 2.18 (pages 29-31)
This book is an account of Jesus’ life and teachings told through in chronological order from the four Gospels to create one continuous story.
*If you do not have a copy of the book please contact the church at (401)667-0775 and we can get you a copy.
Well Nazareth wanted a miracle and they got one but just not the one they expected. Jesus was able to simply walk away from an angry mob set to throw Him off a cliff….now that is a miracle.
The people of Nazareth wanted Jesus’ to show them something miraculous simply because they were Jesus’ hometown and felt they “deserved” it. They didn’t eagerly seek Him in faith. Many times as Christians we can fall victim to the thought that because we do what we are supposed to we “deserve” our prayers answered. But the faith and desire to seek Him and do everything for His glory many times results in unexpected things we may not understand but doesn’t mean it isn’t God working in our lives as it did for these people.
Day 9
“Now when Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, He departed to Galilee. 13 And leaving Nazareth, He came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the regions of Zebulun and Naphtali, 14 that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying:
15 “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali,
By the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan,
Galilee of the Gentiles:
16 The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light,
And upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death
Light has dawned.”
17 From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
Matthew 4:12-17
I had never thought much about this region of Zebulun and Naphtali or that Jesus went to live there. The easy-to-read version says: “The people who live in spiritual darkness have seen a great light. The light has shined for those who live in the land that is as dark as a grave.” It seemed so severe, like this place that Jesus went to was really evil. I guess the whole world was in the dark!
Kind of seems like our world right now.
No one believed. The only requirement is to believe. Jesus calls them out. Didn’t matter if Jesus did another miracle. They had already made up their stubborn minds. Jesus was on his fathers timetable. Man could not take his life until the exact time God had appointed. How do you walk through the middle of a crowd that wants to kill you!! We all have an Appointment with Jesus and until he says so we are here to do his work. Medical science does not have the last say!
Day 9
2.16 – 2.18
The true nature of authority and power to heal is not found in being present with the person healed, but simply speaking the word. So what a great account here showing Jesus’ power to heal was found in who He was rather than something He did when He was in people’s presence. And beyond that, what great passages that are found in this section that points to the glorious work of Messiah Jesus. God knew full well what Jesus would bring to the table and the things He would do to bring God’s consolation, freedom and transformation, and so He has His prophets speak the promise of what Messiah would bring. And as we see Jesus’ life and ministry, it is exactly what He did…and so yes, in their hearing it is fulfilled because Messiah was there. And I think we understand the familiarity that comes with knowing people…or the fame we have other places and the locals thinking we should bring it there too. But if Jesus is who He claims to be, they should come to Him on His terms and not expect Jesus to come to them on theirs. And what is even worse, is to then get so mad when He doesn’t, that you want to kill him for it. Foolish, self centered humans, huh? You wonder how similar that is to the persecution we face when we challenge people to be or believe something different and therefore don’t give them what they want.