After a great day of teaching…
Jesus faced the critics…
And when Jesus had finished these parables, he went away from there, and coming to his hometown he taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished, and said, “Where did this man get this wisdom and these mighty works? Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother called Mary? And are not his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? And are not 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 hometown and in his own household.” And he did not do many mighty works there, because of their unbelief. (Matthew 13:53-58 ESV)
It’s interesting to me when this occurred in the life of Jesus. If you read just prior to this passage, the disciples had finally understood something Jesus taught them. It seems that didn’t happen much in their journey with Jesus. On this occasion, Jesus had just taught them a huge principle. They got it. It was a great day. The best of days. The men He was building into, who would launch the church we know today, understood what was being taught.
That’s a great day for any teacher.
Then the critics came out of the closet.
It never seems to fail. I’ve seen it in ministry, leadership and life. The best days are often followed by the darkest days. Deliver your best message and you’ll shortly afterwards find your harshest critics. Hit the home run and you’ll find some people ready to stop the ballgame.
Don’t be surprised on those days. Don’t be dismayed. Don’t get distracted from what you are called to do.
Those days have value, if you allow them to:
- They keep us humble.
- They Keep us learning.
- They keep us on our knees.
- They keep the glory shining in the rightful place.
- They keep us appreciative of the good days.
Are you facing the critics…even during the best of days?
Of course you are…you’re trying to be like Jesus…right?
