The Life and Ministry of Jesus

The Life and Ministry of Jesus

Then He said, “Assuredly, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own country.

But I tell you truly, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, and there was a great famine throughout all the land; but to none of them was Elijah sent except to Zarephath, in the region of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow. And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet, and none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian.” So all those in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath, and rose up and thrust Him out of the city; and they led Him to the brow of the hill on which their city was built, that they might throw Him down over the cliff. Then passing through the midst of them, He went His way. Luke 4:24–30

The congregation was so angry, they took action to kill Jesus! St. Augustine said, “They love truth when it enlightens them, but hate truth when it accuses them.” That applies well to many congregations today, people who want “gracious words” (Luke 4:22) but who don’t want to face the truth. ¹

Personal Encouragement

God’s word is a mirror that tells the truth about who we really are. Do you accept His corrections with the same attitude that you receive His promises?

For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. John 1:17

What you do with God’s truth will make you better or bitter.

A Prayer

Lord, please forgive me for resisting your truth about my pride.