Briefing: Did you go to academy with, or get hired at the same time as, someone who advanced faster than you? Maybe they got promoted before you or got a premium assignment that you wanted. I have experienced this and I resented the guy for it. He turned out to be a really good leader and friend.

Dispatch (Assignment): Read Matthew 13:53-58.

On the Street: Webster’s Dictionary defines resentment as a feeling of indignant displeasure or persistent ill will at something regarded as wrong, insult or injury.

Who does he think he is coming in here and telling us what to do! Does he think he is better than us? Are you familiar with these statements/questions? As we get older, we may not say them as much but we still think them.

This synagogue audience started off being amazed at Jesus’ teachings. It almost seems as if they do not recognize Him. They saw the wisdom in what He spoke and taught. They witnessed Him perform miracles. They initially judged Him by His fruit but when they judged Him by who and what they thought He should be, they became resentful. I wonder if they did not recognize Him at the beginning of his teaching just like the men walking to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35). In verse 16 it says, “but they were kept from recognizing Him”.

As He continues to teach, it is like the veil is lifted from their eyes and they slowly start to recognize Him as the home town kid. They were doing so well. Then all of a sudden, someone in the crowd decided to resent the fact that Jesus grew up among them and was now giving them instruction. This scene is reminiscent of what will happen to Jesus in the week leading up to His death. The people of Jerusalem will praise His entrance into the city, then five days later shout, “crucify Him”.

In Mark’s version he also mentions that the people were amazed at Jesus, but Mark adds Jesus’ amazement at their disbelief. It took a lot to amaze Jesus. The Bible mentions that He was amazed on only two occasions.

Highlights from this Read: The two places where Jesus is said to be amazed are in Mark 6:1-6 and in Luke 7:9.

Investigational Resources: Mark 6:1-6.

Officer Safety Principle: Resentment is a feeling. It comes from a greater sin that at its root of most of the feelings that get us in trouble: pride.

from The Gospel of Matthew Through the Eyes of a Cop
©by Charles Gilliland. Used by permission.
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