Prepare : There will be varied reactions to my plans. Let me be prepared.
Read : Luke 4:16-30
There is a theory that every new idea goes through three stages - Ridicule, Active Resistance and finally, Acceptance. Remember Ptolemy, Copernicus and Galileo trying to establish Helio-centricism or the theory that it was the Sun, and not Earth, which was the center of the solar system? Acceptance came long after they passed away.
The reaction to Jesus reading from the book of Isaiah was wonder and surprise. These were gracious words from an unexpected source, a carpenter not considered part of the local intelligentsia. Some were probably happy for him. We notice this in our lives too when we have a great new spiritual experience and share our testimony. Everyone is amazed, surprised and happy.
The mood and sentiments changed when Jesus implied that He was the one in whom the prophecy came true (They did not get the hint in verse 21). The congregation mus have deduced a lot of things from what Jesus spoke after. "So are you a prophet? We can't recognize a prophet? God does not think us worthy of receiving prophets?" Enough to make them want to kill Him. The reactions towards us change too when we start to go beyond the testimony and start proclaiming Jesus. "Oh so you are a Holy Joe now?"
Acceptance was neither immediate nor widespread for Jesus, and it is still the same today. It will be no different for us when we proclaim Him. Do not be discouraged.
Respond : Jesus, I pray for those who know about You but have not accepted You.
Read : Luke 4:16-30
There is a theory that every new idea goes through three stages - Ridicule, Active Resistance and finally, Acceptance. Remember Ptolemy, Copernicus and Galileo trying to establish Helio-centricism or the theory that it was the Sun, and not Earth, which was the center of the solar system? Acceptance came long after they passed away.
The reaction to Jesus reading from the book of Isaiah was wonder and surprise. These were gracious words from an unexpected source, a carpenter not considered part of the local intelligentsia. Some were probably happy for him. We notice this in our lives too when we have a great new spiritual experience and share our testimony. Everyone is amazed, surprised and happy.
The mood and sentiments changed when Jesus implied that He was the one in whom the prophecy came true (They did not get the hint in verse 21). The congregation mus have deduced a lot of things from what Jesus spoke after. "So are you a prophet? We can't recognize a prophet? God does not think us worthy of receiving prophets?" Enough to make them want to kill Him. The reactions towards us change too when we start to go beyond the testimony and start proclaiming Jesus. "Oh so you are a Holy Joe now?"
Acceptance was neither immediate nor widespread for Jesus, and it is still the same today. It will be no different for us when we proclaim Him. Do not be discouraged.
Respond : Jesus, I pray for those who know about You but have not accepted You.
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