Matthew 13.54-55
He came to his hometown and began to teach the people in their
synagogue, so that they were astounded and said, “Where did this man get this
wisdom and these deeds of power? Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not his
mother called Mary? And are not his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and
Judas?
At face value, the type of judgment and rejection that Jesus
faced when he entered the synagogue at Nazareth might seem easier to dismiss in
our modern society of hope and opportunity.
In a way, it serves as another historical example of prejudice based on
one's station in life that we have sought to move away from. However, we still face strong challenges in
this regard such that we need to guard against making such improper judgments
of others less fortunate in our own daily encounters. The scripture also highlights the importance
of regarding others, regardless of their station, in the highest form as fellow
children of God.
In his meditation from The Journey regarding today's
scripture, Hamilton focuses on Joseph's vocation in offering us an insight into
role of Joseph in Jesus' early life and how the reception Jesus received from
those at the synagogue who judged him based on his earthly lineage might inform
us in our daily walk with Christ.
Hamilton points out that Joseph's career afforded him no great honor, as
demonstrated in harsh terms by the reception Jesus receives as "the
carpenter's son". Nonetheless, as a
carpenter, Joseph was about the business of serving others with humility.
Hamilton points out with three example, that the humble
service of others is a common theme that Jesus would continue to stress - when
instructing the disciples, Jesus prescribes that they must become a servant to
become great in the eyes of God (Matthew 20:26); when at The Last Supper, he
washes the feet of the disciples in service to them (John 13); and when he told
them, "Those who humble themselves will be exalted" (Luke 14:11).
As many around us today do through their works in service to
others, Joseph's example would have informed Jesus and those around him of the
humble spirit from which we are called to love one another. The scripture today serves to remind us that
our station in life or background has much less to say about us than the way in
which we seek to fulfill God's call to serve him by actively serving others
with humility not only in this season of advent, but throughout our faith
journey. By doing so, we grow closer
together and closer to God.
Glenn Ingram, In-Depth Studies Co-Chair, Adult Education
Council, Voyages Membership Director
