Just the Savior We Need – July 12, 2024

Jesus left there and went to his hometown, accompanied by his disciples. When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. “Where did this man get these things?” they asked. “What’s this wisdom that has been given him? What are these remarkable miracles he is performing? Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.” He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. He was amazed at their lack of faith.
Mark 6:1-6

Just the Savior We Need

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Today, let’s peek into Jesus’ life here on earth. Jesus grew up in Nazareth. We imagine he was like any other kid—he learned and grew. Jesus probably had friends and loved being with his family. He got tired. He was hungry. As Jesus grew, his earthly father, Joseph, taught him how to work with wood as a carpenter. He probably looked and lived like everyone else, except the Bible tells us Jesus never sinned—not even once.

When Jesus was 30 years old, he stopped working as a carpenter and began what we call “his public ministry.” He spent three years preaching and preparing disciples. He traveled around with them. He healed sick people. He told everyone to repent—to turn from their sins and trust in him for forgiveness.

The young carpenter from Nazareth became quite famous. News about him spread. Many loved, trusted, and followed him. Some were confused by his messages and miracles. Some began to hate him.

One day, Jesus returned to his hometown. What do you think happened when the now-famous Jesus went home to Nazareth? Maybe a parade? Maybe the townspeople would all want to go to his house and talk about old times or the amazing things Jesus taught. Maybe they would hug and shake his hand.

In today’s Bible reading, the people of Nazareth went to the synagogue (the church) to hear Jesus teach. At first, they were amazed at Jesus’ message. They admired his wisdom. They commented about Jesus’ miracles.

But then, something else began to sneak in. The devil turned their interest into disrespect. They asked, “Who does this guy think he is?” They thought Jesus was just one of them. They didn’t like that he spoke with authority. They didn’t believe he was God and the promised Savior. Their hearts turned away from loving him as their Savior.

The devil declares himself the enemy of anyone who trusts in Jesus. So he is our enemy, too. He would love to make us doubt that Jesus is our Savior. He wants us to think Jesus is nothing special. He wants us to find the message of salvation boring and look for more exciting kinds of spirituality. The devil wants to turn our hearts away from the love of Jesus. He wants Jesus to be amazed at our lack of faith.

May that not be you, dear child! Jesus’ loving forgiveness calls us back. Jesus of Nazareth is exactly the Savior we need.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, fight for us against our enemy, the devil. Always bring the beautiful message of our perfect Savior into our hearts and minds. May we always love, trust, and follow you. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• How was Jesus just like you when he was a kid?
• How was Jesus different than you when he was a kid?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Why do you think it mad Jesus sad when his hometown rejected him? (Hint: think about the consequences for those people.)
• Maybe we don’t “reject” Jesus, but how does the devil tempt us to feel “too familiar with” God’s Word that we stop listening? (examples: In our holiday celebrations? In our favorite Bible stories and Bible passages?)

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Imagine you were one of Jesus’ friends growing up. How would that make it hard to believe in him as your Savior?
• Do you think it’s easier or harder to talk to someone about their sin and Savior when you know them really well? Why?