MY SPIN
Once again Jesus was on the move -- this time heading back to his hometown of Nazareth -- his apprentices in tow.
On the Sabbath day, Jesus started to teach in the local synagogue. And many of the people there -- those who had known him since he was a young boy -- were taken by surprise. "Wow, where did this come from? How did he get so wise? And what about all of these powerful signs and wonders he's been doing? We thought he was just a carpenter -- you know, Mary's son -- the brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And aren't these his sisters standing in the back?"
Unable to recognize that he could be anything other than the local kid, it didn't take much until they talked themselves into complete disbelief.
Jesus responded to their negative reaction saying, "You guys are disgustingly predictable. I'm honored as a prophet everywhere I go -- except in my hometown, among my relatives, and their families."
Taken back by their level of disbelief, Jesus couldn't bring himself to do any miracles in his hometown -- well, except for healing a few sick people here and there.
Jesus left his faithless hometown and went on a teaching tour in the surrounding villages.
THE COMMON ENGLISH BIBLE
Jesus left that place and came to his hometown. His disciples followed him. 2 On the Sabbath, he began to teach in the synagogue. Many who heard him were surprised. “Where did this man get all this? What’s this wisdom he’s been given? What about the powerful acts accomplished through him? 3 Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t he Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” They were repulsed by him and fell into sin.
4 Jesus said to them, “Prophets are honored everywhere except in their own hometowns, among their relatives, and in their own households.” 5 He was unable to do any miracles there, except that he placed his hands on a few sick people and healed them. 6 He was appalled by their disbelief.
Then Jesus traveled through the surrounding villages teaching.
