Sunday, October 09, 2011
Sunday Reflection: Human like us
I think it is fascinating what happened when Jesus went home:
1 Jesus left there and went to his hometown, accompanied by his disciples. 2 When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed.
“Where did this man get these things?” they asked. “What’s this wisdom that has been given him? What are these remarkable miracles he is performing? 3 Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph,[a] Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him.
4 Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.” 5 He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. 6 He was amazed at their lack of faith.
This is as human as Jesus gets. He is a carpenter in his hometown. People won't accept him as anything more.
I am uncomfortable with this very human Jesus. The picture here, of Jesus doing woodworking, seems grating and sacrilegious in a way. But, it is Jesus in a role that God wrote for him, to those of us who are believers, just as God gave him the role of criminal defendant.
More shockingly, Jesus can't perform miracles there, because the people don't believe. So, it seems, it takes both of us to make things happen. God's power, at least through Jesus, is not the type that is forced upon us unwillingly.
I hope to become more willing...
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The story of Jesus' return to his home teaches a fundamental lesson about our relationship with Christ. His power, of course, is unlimited. But our ability to receive his intervention in our lives depends upon our faith and willingness to accept.
As followers of Christ, we have a responsibility to preach in faith and listen in faith. Here is what Joseph Smith taught about the dual responsibilities of the preacher and listener:
He that is ordained and sent forth to preach the word of truth by the Comforter, in the Spirit of truth, does he preach it by the Spirit of truth or some other way?
And if it be some other way it is not of God.
And again, he that receives the word of truth, doth he receive it by the Spirit or some other way?
If it be some other way it is not of God. ...
Wherefore, he that preaches and he that receives understand one another, and both are edified and rejoice together.
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As followers of Christ, we have a responsibility to preach in faith and listen in faith. Here is what Joseph Smith taught about the dual responsibilities of the preacher and listener:
He that is ordained and sent forth to preach the word of truth by the Comforter, in the Spirit of truth, does he preach it by the Spirit of truth or some other way?
And if it be some other way it is not of God.
And again, he that receives the word of truth, doth he receive it by the Spirit or some other way?
If it be some other way it is not of God. ...
Wherefore, he that preaches and he that receives understand one another, and both are edified and rejoice together.
# posted by 
: 10:39 AM
: 10:39 AM << Home
