The Contempt (or curse) of Familiarity

The Contempt (or curse) of Familiarity

Aug. 9, 1998                           Luke 4:14-30

Introduction:

          Illustration:  Old Faithful, by Philip Yancey

vv. 18-19

a)       He is annointed by the Spirit to perform a specific ministry.

b)      He is a prophetic figure who declares the arrival of the new era.

c)       He will actually bring about the release that he proclaims - functioning     as both prophet and Messiah, priest and King.

vv. 22-23

a)       They were impressed

b)      They questioned

c)       They demanded proof

vv. 23-28

a)       He cites a proverb expressing a request that one should do his work in    his own backyard to prove his claims.

b)      He notes how a prophet is without honor in hid own land.

c)       He gets specific and singles out the period of Elijah and Elisha, one of     the lowest, most apostate periods of the nation’s history.  This warns    his audience that their reaction is similar.  A choice surrounds his        message and to choose wrongly is to lose opportunity for blessing.      Opportunity for blessing holds out an equal opportunity for judgment     if the wrong choice is made.

Are we too familiar with Jesus?

Are we too familiar with his message?

The opportunity for blessing holds out an equal opportunity for judgment.

The cure; we forget too quickly that vv. 18-19 still apply to us.

Blessing and cursing; Is. 61:2b, 58:6.

What if Jesus came to our church? (like Nazareth)

Have we become too familiar with the preacher?

Jesus knew their hearts.

They thought he had no right to preach – no credibility.

Jesus' reply was, "God's grace will not be applied where it is not accepted. It will be applied where it is accepted." (Rom. 11:17-22)

Is there a stubborn and rebellious heart in any of us who would seek to kill the messenger of truth who would confront and expose us?

V. 23; prove your reputation. We came to see a show and be amazed.

He said, "I am the show. Be amazed."

He basically said, "Prove yourselves."

Mk. 6:1-6 – the people were offended by him.

Their faith was severely limited as seen in a (later) account.

Why is it that 'outside' experts always seem to appear more credible?

Is it the dynamics of human jealousy?

This reaction may have been final.

Jesus has elsewhere claimed he must go first to the Jews, but he here says his purpose is also for Gentiles. (vv. 25-27)

Are we preaching to the wrong crowd? (1Cor. 10:1-5)

The nature of our blindness.