Matthew 13: 54-57 (NIV)
Coming to his hometown, he began teaching the people in their synagogue, and they were amazed. “Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers?” they asked. “Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t his mother’s name Mary, and aren’t his brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas? Aren’t all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?” And they took offense at him.
People made a judgement about Jesus, based on the fact that they thought they knew his background, and His family. They dismissed His teaching because of what they knew rather than what they heard and saw. So, because of their wrong opinions and their preconceived ideas, we are told that Jesus couldn’t do many miracles there.
People today can also be guilty of making judgements about Jesus and who He is. They may do the same with His followers, especially if they have a stormy past. But if they close their eyes and ears to His teaching, it is they who are missing out. However, even as His followers we can also be guilty of doing the same, sometimes with people, and sometimes with other parts of the wider church, if we seem them doing something different to our own fellowships. If we have a judgemental attitude of any kind, we restrict God’s hand, not because He can’t move through us, but He won’t move through a heart which is hard, and judgemental hearts often are.
Dear Lord,
Help me to be careful of my opinions and attitude. Keep me from having preconceived ideas and keep my heart soft. It should be an encouragement that You can move through whomever You chose and for Your glory. I never want to be a hindrance to Your moving. I pray in Jesus’ Name. Amen.