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Too Familiar

Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.” 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 6:4-6

Are you comfortable in your relationship with Jesus? Do you consider that a good thing? It’s very popular these days, and has been for some time, to talk about a personal relationship with Jesus. We’re encouraged to see Jesus as our friend and brother. But be careful. Familiarity, as they say, breeds contempt.

Those who knew Jesus best were those who were least able to receive him as Savior. His family and friends who grew up with him had all sorts of reasons why he couldn’t possibly be someone special. Yes, it’s possible to become too familiar and lose our sense of awe that God, himself, became man and walked in our midst. We can get so enamored with Jesus as friend and brother that we lose our capacity…or never gain one…to receive the miraculous from Jesus. To receive sight, be set free from paralysis, raised from the dead.

Consider this, personal relationship with Jesus as many currently understand it today isn’t necessarily a Biblical concept. In fact, those closest to Jesus who are mentioned in scripture are coming to stop him from speaking (Matthew 12:47) or questioning the legitimacy of his authority as in Mark 6:3, Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him.

We must be careful not to make Jesus such a friend that we take offense when he speaks God’s truth into our lives.

Prayer
Lord I’m so thankful you sent your Son to set me free from sin, death and the power of the devil. Guard me by your Spirit from losing sight of Jesus my Savior…and friend. Amen.