Today's passage points to the response of some to the gospel message. Even when people recognize Jesus' wisdom and miracles, they can still fail to grasp the underlying truth. They view Jesus as just a man, or perhaps a prophet, but not the Christ, the Son of the Living God. As amazingly dim-witted as this may seem to those who believe, there are still times when our own belief can be shaken, and we can fail to discern the deeper truth of God's work in our own time. Let the word of God prod you to evaluate how you view the gospel message even now, through current events you live through, and enable you to discern more clearly what God is doing and what actions you should take in response.
Matthew 13:53-14:12
13:53 And when Jesus had finished these parables, he went away from there, 54 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? 55 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? 56 And are not all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?” 57 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.” 58 And he did not do many mighty works there, because of their unbelief.
14:1 At that time Herod the tetrarch heard about the fame of Jesus, 2 and he said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist. He has been raised from the dead; that is why these miraculous powers are at work in him.” 3 For Herod had seized John and bound him and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, 4 because John had been saying to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” 5 And though he wanted to put him to death, he feared the people, because they held him to be a prophet. 6 But when Herod's birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before the company and pleased Herod, 7 so that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she might ask. 8 Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me the head of John the Baptist here on a platter.” 9 And the king was sorry, but because of his oaths and his guests he commanded it to be given. 10 He sent and had John beheaded in the prison, 11 and his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother. 12 And his disciples came and took the body and buried it, and they went and told Jesus.
[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?
+ When Jesus returned to His hometown, how was He viewed by those who knew Him before He started His ministry (in spite of perceiving His wisdom and seeing His miracles)? [v53-57]
+ How did Jesus respond to them? [v57-58]
+ Who did Herod think Jesus was? [v1-2]
+ What had happened to John the Baptist, and why? [v2-12]
+ What did Herod have in common with people from Jesus' hometown? [v13:54 and 14:2]
[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?
+ Is there a sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?
+ As indicated in Matthew 13:58, God allows belief in Jesus, or lack thereof, to impact what work He does in our lives. What is the state of your belief, and what is the result in your life? Consider Mark 9:24 where it states, "I believe; help my unbelief!"
[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?
+ What is my next step?
+ Do not be disheartened when not all with whom you share the gospel come to salvation right away, or even ever. Even some who recognized Jesus' wisdom and saw Him perform miracles did not believe He was the Christ. Jesus continued to spread the gospel and focused His energy primarily on those who would listen (His disciples and all who were eager to listen). Whom is God calling you to invest your energy into sharing His love with?