“The hometown boy”
By Rev. Michael Stonhouse
Meditation – Tuesday, June 4, 2024
Matthew 13: 53-58 (Forward, p. 37) CEV p. 1000
I find it interesting the kind of dichotomy, the variance, that sometimes exists with ‘hometown heroes.’ I have noticed that communities are pretty quick to recognize hockey legends that had their start there, but less so with certain others. So, for instance, noted photographer Roloff Beny had difficulty getting much traction in his hometown of Medicine Hat, and likewise the public recognition of Joni Mitchell was a long time coming in both Maidstone and Saskatoon.
But perhaps there is one factor that would explain the difference. In most, if not all, of the hockey players the locals were privileged to watch their hometown guy or gal grow up and develop. They got to see that person in action and see something of that person’s developing skill and ability. The two individuals I singled out did not reach fame or get recognition until they moved away—long after they’d left their hometowns.
That would certainly go a long way in explaining the incredulous and rather hostile reception that Jesus received in His hometown of Nazareth. The locals immediately seized on the fact that they knew all His family, His parents, His siblings, the works. (In other words, we know all about Him). And so they asked—quite understandably: “So where does he get all this wisdom and the power to work these miracles? How can he do all this?” They thought that they had Him ‘all figured out’, and all this new stuff simply didn’t fit into the equation. Jesus didn’t fit into their expectations of Him. And so they were puzzled, frustrated, unhappy and more than just a bit hostile.
However, can this not also be true of us, and our expectations about God or about Jesus? Do we not also have expectations and, when they are not met, be understandably confused or upset? I dare say that we all come with expectations, which God doesn’t always live up to. My prayer is that we will remind loyal to Him, trusting in Him, even when this takes place. After all, Jesus, our ‘hometown’ boy, has His own credentials and His own purposes, which are not always our own. Thanks be to God. Amen.
Forward notes: “Where did this man get this wisdom and these deeds of power?” (verse 54b).
“Born blind, now age 83, Evenson was ancient by Haitian standards. For years, he listened intently at church, immersed in scripture. Villagers marveled at his knowledge. ‘How did this blind man, who’s lived among us, get such learning?’ But what they couldn’t understand, they rejected, labeling Evenson ‘crazy.’
“Neighbouring villagers walked miles for medical care by our mission team. Before receiving medical care, the travelers sought Evenson. ‘Why do people seek him first?’ I asked a traveler. ‘Because he sees what others don’t. He’s a holy man.’ In his village, Evenson was rejected, but those from afar believed.
“In today’s gospel, those who knew Jesus the best didn’t know him. Their unbelief pushed Jesus away, along with Jesus’s wisdom and healing power. Jesus, the revered storyteller and healer, was honoured—except in his own village.”
MOVING FORWARD: “In your unbelief and indifference, do you reject Jesus? Do you push Jesus and those marginalized by society to the fringes of your life?”