2026 Reading Plan Reflections - Day 56

Nazareth knew Jesus. They knew His family. They knew His trade. They knew His history. And somehow, that familiarity became the barrier.

Yesterday we read about bold faith — a woman pressing through a crowd, a synagogue leader risking reputation. Today we see the opposite. The people closest to Jesus are the ones most resistant to Him. They were not confused. They were offended. And Mark tells us their offense became sin.

It is possible to know about Jesus and still miss Him.

This moment becomes a lesson for the disciples. Jesus sends them out with authority, but also with realism. Some will receive the good news. Others will not. And when rejection comes, they are not to linger in wounded pride or forced persuasion. They are to move on.
This reveals both the heart of God and the urgency of the kingdom.

God desires that none should be lost. Grace is extended freely. But grace can be resisted. Prevenient grace draws every heart, yet it does not override our freedom. We can harden ourselves through familiarity, pride, or cynicism. Jesus is appalled at unbelief — not because His ego is bruised, but because unbelief closes the door to life.

The kingdom is coming. Time matters. Response matters. And sometimes the most dangerous place to be is the place where Jesus feels most familiar.

Ask yourself honestly: Where has Jesus become “familiar” to me? 
In prayer, invite the Spirit to renew your awe — to move you from casual knowledge to active trust.