June 4, 2024 Daily Dose of Discernment

"Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers?"

And they took offense at Him. (Matthew 13:54, 57) Saint Mark's account of the same story mentions that Jesus wondered at the unbelief of the Nazarene villagers. Who wouldn't? Here is a homegrown prophet many believe could be the Messiah, making waves in the surrounding cities, encouraging people with his extraordinary wisdom and making them well with his healing powers, and they persecute Him, showing no appreciation at all. What gives? At the homecoming of such, most fellow townspeople would declare a special non-working holiday in his honor and fill it with festivites.

We read something like that and find fault, but are we not guilty of the same? Don't we experience the blessing of Jesus' miracles and power in our own lives and yet take Him for granted and not give the honor due Him? Salvation is a free gift. But we experience its full benefits when we demonstrate our gratefulness in the service of the Benefactor.