HAL BRADY: Down but not out

Ever been discouraged? Sure you have. We all have. Most of us are people of great expectation. Seldom, however, does the expectation match the reality. Consequently, we become discouraged. Jesus lived a perfect life, but there were times when things went wrong even for him. There were times when he, too, was tempted to say, “I’m sorry for me.” But he didn’t! By following Jesus’ example, we, too, can find our own route to freedom.

As Jesus turned toward his hometown of Nazareth, his heart must have been filled with great expectation and excitement. He had just experienced some spectacular days, and he was going home. He was looking forward to the thrill of visiting family and friends. And, in addition, he just knew that they would be ready to receive God’s message through him. But tragically Jesus’ visit to his hometown ended with a thud. Upon hearing him teach, they questioned his identity and authority. The people he loved didn’t understand him and some even became hostile toward him. Jesus’ morale had to be at a low ebb.