Jesus rejected at Nazareth: Matthew 13:53-58
Imaginative Contemplation
Enter into the scene
I had heard that Jesus was doing great things throughout the countryside, and so I was thrilled to hear that he was coming back to visit his own town of Nazareth. I had grown up with Jesus, and we had been good friends. It seemed such a long time since we met. I went to hear him teach in our synagogue, and I was amazed at his teaching. He was not like other teachers. He spoke of God as his loving Father, and he spoke with respect of the ordinary people. I had never heard a preacher speak like that, and it lifted my heart. He told us to get behind the Laws, to find the spirit that enlivened them. They were guidelines rather than unyielding constraints. So they could be life-giving. I was excited, and after the session, I congratulated him on such a positive teaching. He sighed and thanked me. Sadly he went onto say that not everyone thought as I did.
I began to hear murmurings behind me. ‘Who does he think he is? That’s not the teaching of the priests. Where did he go to school? He didn’t learn that here. His family are not that important. We know his parents, manual workers, and his siblings. They aren’t of much value.’ The murmuring went on, little groups of critics, egged on by the Pharisees and priests. No one asked him to heal their sick neighbours, no one asked for his blessing. I couldn’t believe that my fellow citizens could be so dismissive of one of their own people. I went over to Jesus and said, ‘I’m so sorry that our own people cannot accept the great things you are saying and doing! I know that you can’t stay here any longer, but I do hope that others will accept your wisdom and power.’ ‘Thanks so much,” said Jesus, squeezing my hand. ‘This is so sad, but I won’t be making a fuss or retaliating. People have to make their own choices.’ With a big sigh, he shouldered his bag and waved to me as he walked out of the town.
For further reflection
Discuss with Jesus the following points:
· Am I envious of other people’s gifts?
· Do I praise people for the good things they do?
· Am I ready to listen to new ideas?
· How do I react when I am criticised?
Prayer
Lord, help me to see and praise the good things that people do. Remind me to thank people for their kindness to me and to others. When people criticise me, help me to discern what I need to change in my life and to refrain from blaming others. Amen.