Sunday, June 2, 2024  

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Today's Scripture
Matthew 13:53–58

When Jesus had finished these parables, he left that place. He came to his hometown and began to teach the people in their synagogue, so that they were astounded and said, “Where did this man get this wisdom and these deeds of power? 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 this?” And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, “Prophets are not without honor except in their own country and in their own house.” And he did not do many deeds of power there, because of their unbelief. (NRSV)

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Reflection

Last weekend I watched the movie Do the Right Thing with my teenage sons. Staying awake for an entire movie — even one as riveting as Spike Lee’s 1989 classic — is about all I can manage on a Friday night. But my seventeen-year-old wanted to process the film, and I didn’t want to pass up a chance to connect. So I listened, well past midnight, as he shared his views on all the issues covered in the film, inspiring me with his wisdom and energy and surprising me with the creative lens through which he sees our world.

At this point in Matthew’s Gospel, crowds pause their lives to listen to Jesus’ wisdom, and still others are freed from mental and physical illnesses because of him. And yet when Jesus shares his power in Nazareth, the hometown crowd chooses to be unimpressed. “Jesus is just the carpenter’s kid — he’s not so special,” they say. Jesus moves on, unwilling to perform “deeds of power” with a disbelieving crowd.

The people of Nazareth allowed pride and biased assumptions to prevent them from experiencing Jesus. It’s inconceivable! Until I think of all the times that I allowed my inner voice to assure me I know best because I’m the parent (or the professional, the expert, or the most “knowledgeable”). What wisdom do I miss when I’m unable to learn from those God places in my path?

It’s easy to be defensive, reject others’ experiences, and dismiss the views of those from less “distinguished” groups. But God speaks through unlikely voices. May we be curious enough to seek them out and humble enough to hear the wisdom they have to share.

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Prayer
Loving God, allow my heart and mind to be capacious enough to hear the wisdom and experiences of others, so that I may grow and flourish in your world. Amen.

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Written by Amy Pagliarella, Parish Associate for Caring Ministries

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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