This particular gospel moves so quickly from action to action that it’s hard for me to summarize each chapter adequately. In 6, Jesus is rejected in Nazareth, He sends out the 12, He feeds the 5000, He walks on water, He heals the sick, and John the Baptist is beheaded. In 7, Jesus solves some disputes with the Pharisees, He exorcises a demon over a long distance, and heals a deaf man. When you consider each of these events individually, it is astounding the types of works that Jesus wrought.
In the readings, one sentence jumped at me, so here it is:
“A prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown and among his relatives and in his own household.” Jesus said this, and I know it’s true. It applies not just to prophets, but to pastors, teachers, and evangelists. I believe this is the case because those who are around us the most think they know us the best. Sometimes, this is true, but most of the time, it’s not. For example, I have many friends who know more about my life and my heart than my own parents, or my brother, or any extended family member. They love me and respect me and honor me greatly. But, on the other hand, there are those in our own household who know us best, and the reason we have no honor with them is because they see our flaws on a regular basis. They love me and respect me, but they don’t honor me in the same way those outside do.
I pray that somehow, some way, the Lord can still use me to make a great impact on my extended family and on my immediate family. In the meantime, I will keep sowing and reaping in all places.
Omer Redden 