This passage is about our response to Jesus’ authority. In Capernaum, the people recognized that Jesus had the authority to interpret the Word of God to them, and by accepting his authority they accepted him. The people of Nazareth, seemingly dismayed by Jesus’ message of grace, rejected his authority - “He’s no Messiah—he’s just Joseph’s kid!” Jesus is made known as one rejected, by many.

When we ourselves feel rejected and alone we can remember that it does not mean God has rejected us, since God has not rejected Jesus. 

We are all submitted to some authority: either Jesus, or else some other system that ultimately enslaves us to the power of sin. Because sin corrupts everything, and affects us whether we are aware of it or not, there is nobody truly independent as their own authority. 

The first step to following Jesus is to acknowledge and accept Jesus' authority, and so to receive the grace and mercy of God. In accepting his authority, we are on the road to becoming his disciples and begin to do as he taught. Along the way, it is good to check in and make sure that we are accepting both—his grace and his authority. Woe to us if we allow him to become too familiar, and dismiss what he actually says to us. And, when the crowds around us reject him, we must be steadfast and courageous in our faith, trusting in Jesus.

Taking It Home: In this Epiphany season, we must remember that Jesus has clarified that God’s plan all along has been to use his people to reach the ends of the earth with the Good News of the grace that comes through Jesus. How might you join in? We cannot all go to the ends of the earth, but we can all start by “going” to one other person!