Matthew 13:54-55

[Jesus] returned to Nazareth, his hometown. When he taught there in the synagogue, everyone was amazed and said, “Where does he get this wisdom and the power to do miracles?” Then they scoffed, “He’s just the carpenter’s son.”

I suspect that we have all known the hurt of being put down by somebody. People’s cruel words often disfigure a person’s life. This may not have been the intention of the person who spoke them, but the words live on and continue to do damage. This is especially true if the words were spoken by parents, siblings or partners.

Jesus had to withstand many put downs. In our reading today people were so amazed by his teaching and miracles that they couldn’t believe that he was a local boy. If he had been the son of an important religious leader in Jerusalem it would have made much more sense. But a carpenter’s son from Nazareth sounded ridiculous. They knew the whole family and it just didn’t seem to fit.

If you are still living with put-downs, the most important thing you can do is to listen to God’s evaluation of you. John says it powerfully in his first letter: “See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1). If you have received God’s forgiveness and given your life to him, you are an eternal member of God’s family and loved by him. What people think of you should matter very little alongside the permanent security that you have in your relationship with your loving heavenly Father.

Question

How have you dealt with the put downs that you have received?

Prayer

Lord God, thank you for the eternal security that I have because of my relationship with you. Amen