1. Those who heard him were amazed (1,2a)

When Jesus went to his hometown, Nazareth, and taught in the synagogue there, people were amazed at his wisdom and power. It was their opportunity to accept him and receive God's blessing.

2. Isn't this the carpenter? (2b-6a)

They closed their eyes and hearts to the spiritual reality he embodied. They saw him from a human, physical point of view. They knew his family--his mother and his brothers and sisters. They remembered when he had worked there as a carpenter. So they didn't accept his words. Jesus saw their problem as a problem of unbelief. When we look at God's servant or at God's word or at God's work from a human point of view rather than with the eyes of faith, we cannot receive the blessing God wants to give us. Jesus needs an environment of faith in order to do his work.

Application: Lord, give me the eyes of faith to see your hand working in my own life and in the lives of others.
One Word: Hear God's word with faith