“All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips. “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?” they asked. 23 Jesus said to them, “Surely you will quote this proverb to me: ‘Physician, heal yourself!’ And you will tell me, ‘Do here in your hometown what we have heard that you did in Capernaum.’” 24 “Truly I tell you,” he continued, “no prophet is accepted in his hometown.” Luke 4.22-24
People often think they know better. Isn’t it amazing how easily people can be swayed by opinions? Ultimately, everyone is responsible for what they choose to believe. But it’s surprising how quickly we can be influenced by the opinions of others.
Jesus was popular one moment, and the next, He was being run out of town with attempts made on His life. This is Jesus we’re talking about! If people were so easily swayed by public opinion regarding Jesus, how much more will we lose the battle for popularity?
But life isn’t about gaining a solid reputation to be liked by the world—that is simply foolishness. Rather, we are to align with the Lord and walk according to His will and His ways. Jesus spoke truth from God’s Word, quoting directly from Isaiah, but when He explained it, the people rebelled. Even Jesus was not accepted in His hometown; they thought they knew Him as the son of Joseph.
The key for us is obedience. Obeying God’s Word is essential if we are to walk in the footsteps of Jesus. We are not to turn to the right or to the left, as Proverbs 4:27 instructs, so that we might “keep your foot from evil.” Likewise, James 1:22 reminds us, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”
Navigating the path of righteousness can be challenging if we aren’t listening to the right source. Just as Jesus quoted God’s Word and abided in the Father, so must we “press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14).
“O Lord God, if Jesus was hated, people will hate us too. It doesn’t have to make sense, and we don’t need to understand why. Our goal is to know You, trust You, and love You. Help us abide in You, listen to Your Word, and walk in Your ways. I love You, Lord, and praise Your name. You are my hope, my desire, and my strength. Come now, Holy Spirit, fill me with Your power and love. For You are good, and Your love endures forever.” Amen.