I will tell you that prejudice is frustrating. When Jesus began to preach the Gospel in his hometown, he encountered a lack of understanding and acceptance from the locals. None of them understood or believed in Jesus’ mission. It was just that many people thought Jesus was crazy.
Lent Daily Devotional
All the people in the synagogue were furious when they heard this. They got up, drove him out of the town, and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw him off the cliff. (full text at Luke 4:24-30)
Prejudice is Frustrating
Many people are more successful and achieve more in a new place than among their own relatives. That’s because you don’t have to endure prejudice among strangers.
Devotional for every day here: Daily Devotional
The environment you grew up in often leaves you no room for new things. Everyone thinks they know you well, your weaknesses and mistakes. Therefore, they have a preconceived idea that you are not qualified. Thus, instead of helping you, they convince you that you will fail.
A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. (Matthew 12:20)
This is what happened with the people from Nazareth. They were all under the mistaken impression that they knew Jesus well. And when it turned out that he was not just a carpenter’s son but the Messiah, they couldn’t accept it.
God Needs your Open Heart
But a real opening of the heart is needed for God to work. The people of Nazareth, of course, wanted Jesus to make miracles in their town too. But Jesus did not see the possibility because their hearts were hardened and closed to God’s work.
Check Your Situation
It is not without reason that we read this Scripture during Lent. Jesus’ situation allows us to look into our own hearts. Jesus’ acquaintances thought he had nothing new to say to them.
Perhaps we, too, are often inaudible to our relatives and family members but do not notice this? Maybe we fail to see the great qualities of character or abilities in another person. Maybe our hard hearts don’t know how others love us and want to help us grow. But it doesn’t even occur to us to thank them for it?
Finally, the Lenten devotion wants to open your eyes and tell you that God often speaks to you through other people. But your prejudices prevent you from hearing. Check if this is not the case with you.
Prayer for Today
Lord Jesus, thank You for being my savior and teacher. You want me to grow as a person, indeed. You want my faith to grow and be fruitful. That is why You teach and guide me.
Therefore, today I pray and ask you to give me eyes that see and ears that hear. Help me to welcome everyone with an open heart. You are the Lord. Amen.
