when Jesus went back to nazareth, it’s no great surprise that He got the reaction He did. and in capernaum, which became home base for Him, the people had a little different reaction to Him. they better understood who He was, and were more receptive to His message. so, all-in-all, His ministry efforts there were better than back home. even though He probably anticipated this reaction from the get go, it must have still been disheartening. knowing rejection is coming doesn’t make it any easier to deal with.

but, in capaernum, the reaction of the people must have been an encouraging switch. when homes are packed out, and people dig through a roof just to get to you, it must be at least a confirmation of acceptance, even if they didn’t come for any other reason than it was something different and new.

obviously, Jesus wasn’t trying just to be a fad with them, but at least they listened and seed could be planted. back in nazareth, the wouldn’t even give Him the courtesy of listening to what He had to say.

it’s easy enough to translate these incidents over to our own lives. we shouldn’t be shocked when our friends don’t believe it when we say we have changed, when family members expect us to act the way we used to, and don’t give us a chance to show them how Jesus has worked a change in our lives. if they accept the change in us, then they may have to make one as well. but oif they write us off as being a little kooky or as being a liar, then they feel like they can continue on with their old lives, unchanged.

acknowledging God in the life of another person means that we must acknowledge that He can do the same in ours, and that means accountability for our actions, and a needed change must come. so, again, it’s no surprise that Jesus was treated the way He was in nazareth. and it’s nice to have people see God at work in us, too. (keeping the ego in check, of course)

don’t ever give up on those people who find it difficult to see change happen in your life. they need the encouragement of seeing that someone else can change. that there is hope for them, too. and if our discomfort brings them a positive example, then maybe we should swing by ‘home’ from time to time to continue to spread the Good News about Jesus, and the joy, hope, acceptance & love that He has given us…