Hometown Surprise

S - "Jesus left and returned to his hometown with his followers. …The people were upset because of what he was doing. But Jesus said, “Prophets are honored by everyone, except the people of their hometown and their relatives and their own family.” Jesus could not work any miracles there, except to heal a few sick people by placing his hands on them. He was surprised that the people did not have any faith." According to Mark 6:1, 3-6

O - This hometown heartbreak highlights a tragic misdirection religion perpetuates.  There is a critical difference between one's theology and one's actual faith.  The people of Jesus' hometown had a truckload of theology and no faith.  How is this so?  Religion's emphasis is on what is perceives to be informational accuracy and God's kingdom emphasis is on relational authenticity with the one sent by heaven. As it turns out, faith is not primarily a theological term but a relational one.  The original term means to have confidence in and to rely on. Specifically, to have confidence in and rely on Jesus of Nazareth; something Jesus' hometown would not do.  Surprise: accurate theology does not equate to faith. 

 

A - All the religions promote the idea that God's greatest gift to humans and the world is actually a book. Torah for Judaism, Quran for Islam, Bible for Christianity, the Vedas for Hinduism and the Tipitaka (also called the Pali Canon) for Buddhism, etc. However, heaven’s greatest gift is a person; Jesus of Nazareth. He is heaven's message to the world.  He clarifies the person and purposes of God. God has never made a Christian, Jew, Buddhist, Hindu or Muslim … humans have made all these.  He's making a family, dearly loved children, brothers and sisters together from every culture, nation and ethnicity. I am very grateful to have confidence in Jesus and to be relying on him; not a concept, principle or plan … Jesus himself; and to be doing so with brothers and sisters from all over the world.

 

P - Our Father,

Thank you for sending Jesus and for your dream for all the world - a family, not a religion, institution or organization. Am so grateful that you can be known not just known about.  You have loved us (the world) first, and most and refuse to change your mind.  Am so glad to be experiencing you and your love in confidence and reliance on Jesus.  

Amazed,

Steve