“When they heard this, the people in the synagogue were furious. Jumping up, they mobbed him and forced him to the edge of the hill on which the town was built. They intended to push him over the cliff, but he passed right through the crowd and went on his way.”
Luke 4:28-30 (NLT)
RESPONDING TO THE TRUTH
In 1848, the physician Ignaz Semmelweis discovered that doctors could drastically reduce the death rate in maternity wards simply by washing their hands. Instead of being hailed as a hero, he was mocked and eventually driven out of the medical community. The idea that “gentlemen” doctors could be carrying “unseen particles” of death on their hands was too offensive to their pride. They chose to reject the life saving truth because the truth implied they were part of the problem.
The people of Nazareth responded even more violently. When Jesus confronted their pride and their “insider” mentality, their admiration instantly turned to rage. They could not handle the truth that God’s grace was for everyone, including their enemies, and that their own hearts were hard. They tried to “push Him over the cliff” to silence the conviction they felt, but Jesus simply “passed right through the crowd.”
You cannot kill the Truth, but you can miss out on the Savior. As we finish this week, we have to decide how we will respond when the words of Jesus confront our pride. We can either get angry and try to silence Him, or we can surrender and let Him transform us.
Reflection Questions
● When was the last time the truth of God’s Word made you feel uncomfortable or “furious”?
● Are you currently trying to “push Jesus away” in some area where He is calling for your obedience?
Suggested Prayer
Jesus, thank You for the truth, even when it hurts. Do not let me be like the crowd in Nazareth. When Your Word confronts my pride, help me to respond with repentance and trust rather than resistance. Amen.
Dr. Larry Grays is passionate about helping churches grow and reaching people in fresh, creative ways. He launched a church in a Midtown Atlanta movie theater and later served as an Urban Church Planting Strategist with the North American Mission Board. Today, he speaks, writes, and coaches pastors and leaders. Larry has degrees from UCF, Southeastern Seminary, and Southern Seminary—but more importantly, he loves Jesus, good coffee, and seeing the next generation step into their calling. He and his wife Lori love raising their incredible kids and love doing life and ministry together.
