Christmas At The Movies - Week 1 - Day 2
OPENING PRAYER:
Spirit, thank you for who you are and how you know us intimately. Remind us that you see who we truly are and that you do not forsake us.
John 1:11
“He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.”
Mark 6:1-6
“Jesus left there and went and to his hometown, accompanied by his disciples. 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? Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him.
Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.” He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. He was amazed at their lack of faith.”
REFLECT:
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you were automatically discredited because of who you were or where you came from? It feels so disheartening. When people only look at who you are on the surface, you miss out on being able to share your true self and contributions and others miss out on all that you have to offer. It’s a no-win situation that can be extremely frustrating and hurtful.
I can imagine that Jesus, knowing who he truly was, found it frustrating to constantly have his words doubted and pushed aside. While he knew the end game of his trials on earth, it is still an experience that he had to walk through as a man in flesh. He faced rejection and doubt at every turn of his ministry and had to carry that burden knowing what the world was missing out on as he walked this earth.
APPLY:
We serve a God who understands our human experience on an intimate level. When we are met with rejection or doubts, we can turn to a God who walked the earth, faced the same thing, and made a way for all to be welcomed wholeheartedly.
CLOSING PRAYER:
Spirit, guide me to remember that Jesus experienced all that we face each day and more. Empower me to remember his example and to face trials and rejection with truth and love.
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