When Jesus had finished these parables, he moved on from there. 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. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town and in his own home.” And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith.

Jesus loved his neighbors and wanted to bring freedom and salvation to them, so he taught them the truth. But as it was then (and many times is now), many get blinded by familiarity with someone. Whether it is because they changed their diapers as a baby, or saw them do a laborer's job, they discredit the work of God and the Word of God spoken through a family member, relative, or close friend.

Jesus was ministry while living on earth was primarily to call the Jews to repentance and offer a way back to God for them, since they were sinners. I know it hurt his heart so much to watch these close relations and possibly family members reject the truth. We do know his sisters were there among these people.

So it is with the call of God on our lives. Sometimes the ones we are closely related to or grow up with reject God’s truth or his call to submit to him. Conversely, it is hard to listen to truth from someone you have viewed as one of you or inferior all your life.

Lord, may you give me humility and ears that hear when others speak to me. Help me to also be bold in speaking the truth to my close friends and family members. I am your humble servant. Guide me, I pray.