In the Epiphany to the Magi, Jesus was accepted by foreigners and rejected by his own people. The same resistance occurs when Jesus returns to Nazareth. Likely, an over-familiarity with Jesus breeds a kind of contempt for him when the ministry begins. Jealousy, pride, and indignation rob the hometown people’s hearts from being able to listen. They refuse to rejoice at the Messiah coming from among them. Sense the freedom that Jesus has to “call it as it is.” You might reread the Old Testament stories alluded to by Jesus in 1 Kings 17:9 and 2 Kings 5.
Reflect upon yourself. Do you live according to others’ images of you, or of God’s? Conversely, is there someone in your life who finds it difficult to fulfill God’s plan because you lack faith in God’s vision for him or her?
What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Examples: Jesus at home in my heart v. 23
Sundays are dedicated to the Gospels from the Revised Common Lectionary.
In year C, we generally read from the Gospel of Luke.
For all the Firestarters I recommend the ebook. You will have the entire program of well over a thousand of these introductions with you on your phone or tablet. Check the menu options at the site for more information.
The Bible Through the Seasons 