HOMETOWN AUTHORITY

Jesus made it very clear that we are not always as welcome in our hometown and with our families as we are in other places. “And when Jesus had finished these parables, he went away from there, and coming to his hometown he taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished, and said, “Where did this man get this wisdom and these mighty works? Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother called Mary? And are not his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? And are not all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?” And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and in his own household.” And he did not do many mighty works there, because of their unbelief.”

Jesus hardly gave answer about his wisdom and authority except to say that a prophet is not popular in his hometown. He seemed to want to teach two important principles: If there is a will for power there is usually a will to overpower as well. He chose not to overpower the situation. Also, authority is earned, not given. He was given authority by the Father but then earned his authority by obedience to the Father.

Even so, in his hometown he simply said he could do little because of their unbelief… in him. Things have not changed much along those lines.

“A prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown and among his relatives and in his own household.” Jesus