Matthew 13:53-58

Jesus, at this point, has performed many miracles and returns home only to be met with opposition. The hometown boy is not so welcome. What is the saying? “Familiarity breeds contempt.”

This is unfortunate and very telling, as highlighted by Jesus’ own words: “A prophet is honored everywhere except in his hometown and among his own family.”

The next statement is one that few want to admit is a problem: “And so He did only a few miracles there because of their unbelief.”

Unbelief costs us more than we realize. Jesus is indeed willing, but His willingness must be matched by faith on our part if we hope to receive anything from the Lord.

As the author of Hebrews writes in Hebrews 11:6:

“And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to Him must believe that God exists and that He rewards those who sincerely seek Him.”

Faith is key. It always has been. Jesus says that we must become like children in order to enter the kingdom of heaven. We are to trust God as a child trusts their parents. We are to depend on God as a child depends on their parents. We are to believe what God says as a child believes what their parents tell them.

Belief in Jesus unlocks a world of possibilities, whereas unbelief keeps us confined to lack, limited resources, and—worst of all—sin. In fact, sin is often the impediment or obstacle that keeps us from the provision we need in our lives. When sin is removed, the blessings of the kingdom can flow from its unlimited bounty.

As the father of the demon-possessed boy cried out: “I believe! Help my unbelief.”

Yes, Lord! ?