I Can't Help You

“I Can’t Help You”

November 1, 2015

Matthew 13:53-58

53 When Jesus had finished these parables, he moved on from there. 54 Coming to his hometown, he began teaching the people in their synagogue, and they were amazed. “Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers?” they asked. 55 “Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t his mother’s name Mary, and aren’t his brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas? 56 Aren’t all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?” 57 And they took offense at him.

But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town and in his own home.”

58 And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith.”

Jesus had been out traveling around the country side. He had been out telling parables and teaching people about spiritual things. He had performed incredible miracles. He restored sight to the blind and made the crippled to walk again. He healed a woman who had been to many doctors without being helped; Jesus helped. He healed. He even brought a little girl who had died back to life again.

And now he had returned home. He taught in his hometown place of worship - and they were amazed. But instead of listening, learning and doing, they wondered how He got so smart. Instead of being blessed they were offended. Why?

If we can figure this out maybe we can figure out why God doesn’t do many miracles in our lives. If we can figure out why Jesus wasn’t able to do many miracles for the people who knew Him; people who loved Him; people who were a big part of his life – maybe, just maybe we can figure out why we don’t get that answer to prayer we need; or that miracle we need; or the help we need.

The short answer is that a prophet is without honor in his hometown. I suppose if you grow up with someone or they grow up with you – you see them “warts and all”, as they say. I don’t think Jesus had any faults or sin that people could condemn, but you don’t have to be wrong to be criticized. Jesus found that out later when, although He was perfect, he was criticized with running with the wrong people. They claimed he was a wino and a glutton. He wasn’t – but the truth doesn’t stop a criticizer. We see that in this political season. Someone said, “Agree with Ben Carson or not – he makes you ask questions. Like - have we been overestimating the intelligence of brain surgeons.” People can’t just disagree with the man they have to put him down.

The people in Jesus’ hometown did that to Him. But the little bit of knowledge they had of him prevented them from putting their faith in Him. And that prevented Him, the all-powerful, all-mighty God, to do much for them.

I woke up early one morning thinking about this subject. I believe God placed it on my mind to share with you – because it is important. I believe we have a reservoir of blessings and miracles and answers to our prayers all stored up – just waiting on us. Because without our cooperation God can’t help us. Let’s look at a couple of things that may prevent God working in our life the way we would like Him to.

First of all, Unbelief. The Bible says,

“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 6:5-6

Did you ever stop to think that our lack of faith AMAZES Jesus. I think it amazes him we don’t trust him or believe his way is the right way after all he does for us and after how he had revealed himself so many times in so many ways to us.

Our Scripture says that Jesus was amazed at their lack of faith. The King James Version translates it “he marveled because of their unbelief.” Both translations are understandable, although I think the newer translation is the more accurate one. But either one is a choice on our part. What you believe is a choice. It is amazing to me what some people choose to believe. They will deny the existence of God but believe in aliens from outterspace. Some refuse to believe the Bible but choose to believe some writings that are not nearly as authenticated as being true. Some intelligent people believe some of the goofiest things. That’s because belief is a choice. A wise man said,

“…as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15