And all the people in the synagogue were filled with rage as they heard these things; (Luke 4:28 NASB)
That little word ALL is interesting here. There was not one person in the synagogue that day who was not out of control angry with Jesus that day. Not even one.
Why were they so angry? Jesus had said out loud what they were all thinking. He told them that were mostly happy to see Him in the synagogue because they wanted to see Him do some tricks like He had in Capernaum. Apparently He was right. Then, He told them that He wasn't going to be too popular in Nazareth after all, because prophets never are popular in their home towns. He was right about that, too. He reminded them about Elijah and Elisha being sent to Gentiles instead of Jewish people, which implied that they would not be getting any special miracles on an individual basis either. That was pretty much icing on the cake, and they were furious with Him.
Why were they so angry? Jesus had said out loud what they were all thinking. He told them that were mostly happy to see Him in the synagogue because they wanted to see Him do some tricks like He had in Capernaum. Apparently He was right. Then, He told them that He wasn't going to be too popular in Nazareth after all, because prophets never are popular in their home towns. He was right about that, too. He reminded them about Elijah and Elisha being sent to Gentiles instead of Jewish people, which implied that they would not be getting any special miracles on an individual basis either. That was pretty much icing on the cake, and they were furious with Him.
They didn't want truth, they didn't want conviction, and the only thing they did want was more than they already had. They wanted to see corporate miracles and receive individual miracles. They didn't love Jesus. They weren't overwhelmed with gratitude for what God had already done. They just wanted what He could do for them.
I have a friend who often says, "If Jesus never does another thing for me, what He's already done is more than enough!" She's right. Oh if we had that kind of grateful heart instead of a "Nazareth heart" that wants not just more, but something spectacular.
As we begin the Thanksgiving Season, take some time for introspection today. Do you have a Nazareth heart? It's a dread disease, but the cure is simply gratitude. Thank God for all He has done for you. Pray, too, that our loved ones will recognize the goodness of God at work in their lives and that they, too, will express their thanks to Him.
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