Date: Friday, 23rd October, 2026
Text: Matthew 13:54–58
Author: Pastor Adedeji Fadehan
Exhortation:
The Bible records that Jesus could not do many mighty works in His hometown because of the people’s unbelief (Mark 6:5–6). Although they marvelled at His wisdom and mighty works, they became offended because they knew Him as the carpenter’s son and were familiar with His family. Over-familiarity can breed contempt, while unbelief can hinder us from receiving what God desires to do in our lives.
Imagine that people were so familiar with Jesus’ earthly background that they failed to recognise His divine authority. They saw the humanity they knew but could not embrace the divine mission He carried. Familiarity must never make us despise God’s Word, His instructions, or the grace He has placed upon those He sends.
The widow of Zarephath, despite hosting Elijah and receiving his ministry during the famine, is not recorded as treating him with contempt. She obeyed God’s instruction through the prophet, and the flour and oil did not fail (1 Kings 17:14–16). Her story reminds us of the importance of receiving God’s instructions with faith and obedience rather than allowing familiarity to undermine our reverence.
Many people today struggle to receive spiritual blessings because they allow familiarity, offence, or contempt to cloud their judgment. While God’s anointed servants remain human and must never be worshipped, we must learn to distinguish their humanity from the divine assignment they carry. Never allow familiarity with God’s vessel to make you despise the treasure God has placed within that vessel.
Prayer Nugget: Father, deliver me from unbelief, offence, and destructive familiarity. Give me a discerning and humble heart to honour Your Word and help me never to despise the grace You have placed upon others, in Jesus’ mighty name.
Bible in One Year: Luke 5–6