Jesus went to his hometown. On the Sabbath, he was teaching at a synagogue. The townspeople heard him and recognized the great teaching but refused to put their faith in him. They said they knew him and his family, who were among them. Their human knowledge about Jesus hindered them from coming to him and truly knowing him as their Lord and Savior.

Leaving his hometown, Jesus went on to preach the gospel in other towns. He also called the twelve and sent them out two by two, giving them the spiritual authority to preach the gospel, heal the sick, and drive out demons.

Jesus gave them the following instructions. They were not to depend on their material possessions but to be led by the Holy Spirit. Rejection they received from people was a direction to move on to another town. They preached the same message of repentance as John the Baptist and Jesus had. Many needed to hear the good news and be touched by the healing power of Jesus.


Application: Father, thank you for calling me to hear your gospel and participate in your work. Please help me have a humble heart as I come to you to accept your teaching and grow in your words as I follow and preach to the world.
One Word: They went out and preached.