Matthew 13:53-58
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. As you breathe in, say the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
Matthew ends his collection of Jesus’ parables with a story from Jesus’ ministry that illustrates what the parables have shown us thus far. Read Matthew 13:53-58 remembering what you have learned about the Kingdom of God through the parables.
When we witness events that cannot be easily explained we’re likely to have one of two reactions. We may be amazed and eager to see more, or we may be amazed and deeply disturbed. Unfortunately, the people of Nazareth fall into the second category when their initial amazement turns to skepticism and ultimately rejection.
Stop to contemplate your own reaction when you encounter something amazing for which you have no explanation. Are you more likely to try and explain it away, or are you more likely to move toward the inexplicable and discover more?
Share your thoughts and feelings about this with Jesus.
Read Matthew 13:53-38 again zeroing in on what the people of Nazareth miss because of their reaction to Jesus.
“…and so he did only a few miracles there because of their unbelief.”
Miracles are signs of the Kingdom of God breaking through, so they are actually a return to the way things were meant to be. Most miracles aren’t outwardly flashy, and if we wish, we can easily explain them away or chalk them up to coincidence. But if we are in tune with Jesus and looking for God’s activity, over time we’ll begin to expect miracles rather than be amazed or skeptical when they happen.
Get quiet and still in the presence of Jesus. Inhale and pray his name, then exhale while you acknowledge his presence in and around you.
When you feel settled, contemplate these questions:
Do you long to see God’s miraculous intervention in your life or in the life of someone you love?
Is it possible that God is already at work and you’re not fully aware of it?
As you end this time of meditation, take a moment to consider what Jesus might be inviting you to do, or do differently, so you can have a greater experience of the miraculous.
Then make plans to follow through.
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