When His Hometown Rejected Him

By Mary Vee
Mark 9

From Mark's Journal 

Photo by Mary Vee
Taken in Israel

My name is Mark. I was among the crowd watching what Jesus the teacher said and did each day, standing with his close disciples, witnessing the most amazing miracles, and hearing teachings filled with such wisdom.

Only moments ago, Jesus healed some blind men. Seeing the joy fill these men, giving them new life, reminded me why I wanted to follow Jesus.

While we were going out of a house, a man was brought to Jesus, guided by others. The one who needed help was demon-possessed and could not talk.

Jesus took pity on the man and cast the demon out, freeing him of his torment. 

When the crowds witnessed this action, they said, "Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel." They longed to hear him speak and to see more miracles.

Near that same crowd, a group of Pharisee stood. Their faces had anger. They said, "It is by the prince of demons that he drives out demons."

Well, that just didn't make any sense. Why would the prince of demons want his own demons cast out. I laughed quietly, not wanting to stir the Pharisees' anger.

Jesus didn't comment to them this time. He often spoke to the Pharisees about their focus on themselves. He left the city and walked to his hometown, Nazareth. Those dedicated to following Jesus's teachings went with him there. 

On the Sabbath day, Jesus entered the synagogue and sat. At the time for teachings, He stood and taught the people wisdom from God. 

The people were so surprised at what He said. "Where did this man get these words? What's this wisdom that has been given to him that he even does miracles? It couldn't be true. Isn't this the carpenter? He's just a carpenter. What right does He have to speak like this? Isn't this Mary's son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon? Aren't his sisters here with us? What makes him any better than us thinking he can teach us these things?"

The people continued saying rude and offensive words about Jesus for a time. 

Jesus said to them, "Only in his hometown, among his relatives and in his own house is a prophet without honor." 

Although Jesus wanted to help the sick and hurting people in his hometown, he couldn't do more than put his hands on a few sick people and heal them. And even those few did not have a strong faith like Jairus, or the woman healed by touching his garment, or the blind men that he'd healed yesterday near Capernaum.

 Come back to read the next story.

*Author of blog's note: If you have questions, please feel free to leave them in the comment section. I will see them and will answer as best I can or direct you to a source.


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sources: 
*A Harmony of the Gospels for Historical Study, An Analytical Synopsis of the Four Gospels by William Arnold Stevens and Ernest DeWitt Burton, Charles Scribner's Sons, New York 1932
*New International Version, New King James Version. 
*My Bible College training.
*My notes and walk through classes I've taught in Children's church. Answers to student questions, etc.
*Pastoral sermons on this time
*Matthew Henry Commentary
*F. LaGard Smith Commentary
*My notes from my trip to Israel.
*Photos from my trip to Israel.

Luke-I Don't Know How But He Walked Through That Crowd

By Mary Vee
Luke 4

From Luke's Journal 

Photo by Mary Vee
To the right of the tree in the middle there is one
hill in the distance with a city. It is the
expanded/upper portions of Nazareth. Zoom in
to see a tiny piece of the city.

My name is Luke, I am a disciple of Jesus and a physician. I am here to tell you about the days I spent with Jesus. 

The last time I wrote, we were in the Nazareth synagogue. Jesus read the word's from the scroll chosen for the day. The words were from Isaiah and talked about the anointed one who would save.

The men had a lot of questions thinking Jesus would be the one who would lead a rebellion that would conquer the Romans. Then they realized who he was. They suddenly remembered him as a child and said, "Isn't this Joseph's son?"

Even I could see their meaning. They wanted him to go about healing people, but not listen to his words. They thought only of themselves.

Jesus said, "The next thing you'll say, I'm sure is the proverb: "Physician heal yourself. Do here in your hometown what we heard you did in Capernaum.'

Jesus stood, "What I'm about to say is true. There isn't a prophet who has been accepted in his hometown. Back in the day of Elijah, there were widows living in all Israel. The sky didn't rain for three and a half years and a severe famine hit every household. You read and know what happened. Elijah was not sent to any of those widows for bread. He was sent to a widow in Zarephath over on the Great Sea to the north of Tyre in the region of Sidon.

"And what about Elisha? You've heard of him? Many with leprosy lived in the land of Israel and not one made whole, except the man Naaman, the Syrian. A captain of his army. An enemy."

The words were true and the men listening knew it, but they didn't want to hear it. He didn't sound like a conquerer they wanted. One that would stomp on the Romans and drive them out. Their anger grew into rage. They stood and raised their fists. A few grabbed him and pushed him toward the cliff. 

I thought they would throw him over. Right before my eyes, he walked through the angry men like water through a crack in a rock, away from the cliff. He kept walking, away from Nazareth. The other disciples and I ran to catch up with him, a bit confused I'll admit. How did he got away from that angry crowd?

Come back to read the next story.

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sources: 
*A Harmony of the Gospels for Historical Study, An Analytical Synopsis of the Four Gospels by William Arnold Stevens and Ernest DeWitt Burton, Charles Scribner's Sons, New York 1932
*New International Version, New King James Version. 
*My Bible College training.
*My notes and walk through classes I've taught in Children's church. Answers to student questions, etc.
*Pastoral sermons on this time
*Matthew Henry Commentary
*F. LaGard Smith Commentary
*My notes from my trip to Israel.

Jesus-The Men of Nazareth Wanted a Rebellion

By Mary Vee
Luke 4

From Luke's Journal 

Photo by Mary Vee
To the right of the tree in the middle there is one
hill in the distance with a city. It is the
expanded/upper portions of Nazareth. Zoom in
to see a tiny piece of the city.

My name is Luke, I am a disciple of Jesus and a physician. I am here to tell you about the days I spent with Jesus. 

We followed Jesus on to Nazareth, I say we because I was not the only follower of Jesus.

Nazareth is a small city tucked in a valley between mountains. It is not on any trade route so most travelers don't go out of their way to visit there. Families who live in Nazareth enjoy living away from big cities and aren't interested in modern things like clothes and entertainment.

This was the city where Jesus grew up. And this is the place we are going today. 

We arrived before the Sabbath day. On the Sabbath, Jesus went to the synagogue like He always did on that day. We sat with him and waited for the service to begin. 

Jesus stood to read. He waited to be handed the scroll selected for today's reading. When he received it, He opened the scroll and found these words from the prophet Isaiah, which he then read: 

The Spirit of the Lord is on me because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor.

The men sitting nearby nodded their agreement to the need. These were men who couldn't wait for an answer to the many problems in their country. The Romans made life difficult for the Jews and they wanted the Roman rule to stop. Someone needed to come and lead a rebellion, and if it was Jesus then they would be happy to join forces with Him.

Jesus kept reading the words of Isaiah the prophet. 

He has sent me to to those held in captivity that they can be set free and to restore sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed. and to proclaim that now is the time for the Jubilee of the Lord's grace. 

He rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant then sat down. It was expected for the reader to also speak so every eye stayed on Jesus, waiting for him. He said, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."

The men all around me were quite impressed with his gracious words. They listened to him speak more, anxious to join with someone who would lead a rebellion against the Romans.

Some said, "Wait, isn't this Joseph's son?" Others nodded, remembering Jesus growing up in this city and working as a carpenter beside his father.

They seemed unsure whether they wanted to hear Him speak more.

Then the questions began. 

Jesus didn't look overwhelmed at all. He stood there, ready to answer the men. The questions asked about taking over the country. Leading rebellions. Fixing the problems. That alone is quite a story to tell. I will come back next time to tell you about that.

Come back to read the next story.

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sources: 
*A Harmony of the Gospels for Historical Study, An Analytical Synopsis of the Four Gospels by William Arnold Stevens and Ernest DeWitt Burton, Charles Scribner's Sons, New York 1932
*New International Version, New King James Version. 
*My Bible College training.
*My notes and walk through classes I've taught in Children's church. Answers to student questions, etc.
*Pastoral sermons on this time
*Matthew Henry Commentary
*F. LaGard Smith Commentary
*My notes from my trip to Israel.

Philip - The Day Jesus Found Me

By Mary Vee
John 1

From the Apostle Philip's Notes

The area of Bethsaida. A community where those in need
could use these stones to grind if they didn't have one
at home. This was a marketplace where fishermen sold
their daily catch. A place where people came for food.
Photo by Mary Vee

My name is Philip. For those who have read through the Scriptures, you will know that there isn't much written about my life. That's because I am a quiet, behind the scenes kind of person.

I was working the day a man came to me. I didn't know who he was.

He stopped as if he wanted to speak to me personally. I was curious so I set aside my work and waited for him to speak.

The man simple said, "Follow me."

On the inside of my head I should have sensed caution, but I didn't. I didn't know this man, and yet he intrigued me. I became curious, wanting to know more about him. 

I saw two other men with the stranger. They were fishermen I recognized from my home town. Brothers named, Peter and Andrew. These were hard working men. They seemed confident in connecting with this man. Peter and Andrew practically blurted at the same time, "This is the One we've been looking for. The Messiah."

The man spoke, "I am Jesus from Nazareth." 

I listened to him for a short time. It didn't take much for me to see this man was different. He was someone I wanted to listen to.

I'd heard about the carpenter Joseph and his son Jesus. This was that son, now a man. I didn't have to hear any more. Somehow, in my heart, I knew that this man truly was the one. I hardly knew what to say other than, "Do you mind if I find my friend and bring him to you?"

He acted as if He knew I would ask.

I ran as fast as I could searching in all the normal spots for my friend Nathanael. Friends always tell friends about good things. He had to believe me. I looked at his house. I searched where he worked. Where was he?

Finally found him sitting under a fig tree taking a break from the heat. "Nathanael. Get up. I have someone you need to meet."

"Why?" He didnt move. "I'm comfortable here." 

Unbelievable. I didn't want to miss the chance to take Nathanael to meet Jesus. "Look, I saw Peter and Andrew."

"So?"

"They were with this man."

"What man?"

I rolled my eyes. "The man I want to show you." I ran my hand over my beard and laughed. The most amazing thing happened. We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law. The one whom the prophets also wrote. His name is Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph."

Nathanael shook his head in total disbelief. "You've got to be kidding me. I'm not going anywhere. Can anything good come from Nazareth? And you want me to meet this Jesus who is from Nazareth?"

I folded my arms and dipped my head. "I guess you will have to come and see for yourself. What would it hurt. If I'm right, you will be a surprised as I was. If I'm wrong you get to make fun of me."

"Oh, all right. I guess I could come." He stood. "You better not be wrong."

"Oh, I won't be," I said. I took off at a sprint, expecting Nathanael to keep up. 

I got to thinking as I ran. Why did Jesus choose to talk to me when there were so many other people around. I'm nothing special. 

I guess I'll have to ask.


Come back for the next story.

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sources: 
*A Harmony of the Gospels for Historical Study, An Analytical Synopsis of the Four Gospels by William Arnold Stevens and Ernest DeWitt Burton, Charles Scribner's Sons, New York 1932
*New International Version, New King James Version. 
*My Bible College training.
*My notes and walk through classes I've taught in Children's church. Answers to student questions, etc.
*Pastoral sermons on this time
*Matthew Henry Commentary
*F. LaGard Smith Commentary

* Jewish History.org
*Jewish Virtual Library.org

*My research in Israel.

Jesus had Four Brothers

By Mary Vee
Luke 2

From Mary's Notes

My name is Mary. I never expected the blessings God has given to me. What girl would expect an angel to appear and tell her she would have a child who would save people from their sins--when she'd never been with a man? And that this child would be God's Son? No girl ever had. And because He was God's only Son no girl ever would after me. 

Since that moment, nearly every day has brought surprises. I didn't expect the responsibility. What mother wouldn't be shocked and upset to find her child missing? But then, find him in the temple talking with the priests and Rabbi's, understanding their questions that went beyond the typical Bar Mitzvah questions.

So much has happened that has cause me to ponder and think about God.

Since Jesus' birth, God has blessed Joseph and me with children. We had four sons, James, Joses, Jude, and Simon. We also had daughters.

Our family lived in Nazareth. Joseph worked hard as a carpenter. He provided for our family, and we had what we needed. He trained our sons to carry on his work as a carpenter. 

A lot happened during the eighteen years after Jesus' Bar Mitzvah. Since He was the oldest, the duty fell on him to support us when Joseph was gone. Jesus worked hard. The people liked Him and His work. He listened to people, really listened to what was said then always had the right words to say back. 

His brothers didn't see Jesus as I did and their mean words hurt me. I hope and pray that God will help James, Joses, Jude, and Simon to one day understand who Jesus really is.

Living in Nazareth is a safe place to raise a family. Our town is nestled in the mountains, away from trading routes. The issues with politics and the Romans rarely reach our small community, which has kept us safe. I am so glad we live here. It is a good home to raise a family.

Come back for the next story.

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sources: 
*A Harmony of the Gospels for Historical Study, An Analytical Synopsis of the Four Gospels by William Arnold Stevens and Ernest DeWitt Burton, Charles Scribner's Sons, New York 1932
*New International Version, New King James Version. 
*My Bible College training.
*My notes and walk through classes I've taught in Children's church. Answers to student questions, etc.
*Pastoral sermons on this time
*Matthew Henry Commentary
*F. LaGard Smith Commentary

* Jewish History.org
*Jewish Virtual Library.org

My research in Israel.

Nazareth: Tucked in the Hills and Far From the Lime Light

By Mary Vee
Matthew 2
Luke 2

From Matthew's Notes

My name is Joseph. My wife, Mary, and I have returned to Nazareth. This is home. This is where our family is. Hah, everyone was so happy to see little Jesus. I must admit, I'm pretty proud of him too.

I'm not a big city guy, that's why Nazareth is the perfect place to live. The town is tucked between to large hills, eh, you may call them mountains. It's not near a road well traveled. There are some Israelites who have never been here, and I can understand why. There is nothing but a community living their lives.

Photo by Mary Vee
Sepphori, Israel

As a carpenter, I need work which sometimes takes me out of my small town. There is a wealthy city called Sipphori on the hill. And I mean wealthy.

Photo by Mary Vee
Sepphori, Israel

My work has stretch beyond working with wood to other types of construction. On the floors, I've placed mosaic tiles. The decorative ones are usually placed in the sitting room where guests are entertained. Guests would sit on the floor around the edge and comment on the patterns and images in the tile after a meal. 



The people who live here, though want to please everyone. There goal is to get along with anyone, any politics, any religion. This has both good and bad. First, they never make a commitment. All they want is to do is have fun and live their lives without harm. 

Photo by Mary Vee
Sepphori, Israel

So, I could freely talk about the Almighty and practice my Jewish ways there and not be bothered. 

They also let the Greeks sacrifice pigs in temples to Zeus. Romans sacrifice as they want. Those who wish to worship trees or any other object. Many of the people living here were Jews who did not stay true to their faith. Some came here to impress the Romans and to gain power. 

Photo by Mary Vee
Sepphori, Israel

I bring my son Jesus to help me. He works along my side, building, crafting, setting, sanding, whatever is needed. In truth, seeing him with me makes the day go by quickly. I know God has an important plan for Jesus. He told me so. At least for now, Jesus is by my side.

Come back for the next story.

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sources: 
*A Harmony of the Gospels for Historical Study, An Analytical Synopsis of the Four Gospels by William Arnold Stevens and Ernest DeWitt Burton, Charles Scribner's Sons, New York 1932
*New International Version, New King James Version. 
*My Bible College training.
*My notes and walk through classes I've taught in Children's church. Answers to student questions, etc.
*Pastoral sermons on this time
*Matthew Henry Commentary
*F. LaGard Smith Commentary

* Jewish History.org
*Jewish Virtual Library.org

My research in Israel.

The Seventy Mile Hike

By Mary Vee
Matthew  1
Luke 2

From Luke's Notes

Photo Courtesy

My name is Joseph. I live in Nazareth with my wife, Mary. She is due to have the child God has given her child soon.

Notices were posted all over our city of Nazareth announcing a new decree from Caesar Augustus. Every person in the whole Roman empire is to go to the city of their heritage and be counted. I am of the family of David, which means Mary and I must travel to Bethlehem.

We live in the north by the Sea of Galilee. Bethlehem is in the south of Israel. I wouldn't have thought much of the journey except there are mountains between us, and like I said, Mary is going to have her baby soon. 

We didn't have a choice. Everyone had to go. 

We packed only what we absolutely needed and I placed Mary on our donkey. I also made sure we traveled with others, in case Mary needed help. We had seventy miles to walk. 

Think of walking seventy miles through mountain trails with a woman who was about to have a baby. I was concerned. I mean, I knew God would protect us. I just wished we had more notice, more time, could have waited for the baby to be born then go. 

We walked during the day. I tried to make Mary as comfortable as possible at night. Others walked on ahead of us. We couldn't keep up. The longer we traveled, the closer the time came for the baby to be born.

One afternoon, I saw Bethlehem in the distance. "We haven't far to go, Mary."

She smiled, but I knew she was uncomfortable. We couldn't go any faster because of her condition. 

Around supper time we arrived in Bethlehem. The city was crowded. So many people arrived ahead of us. I knocked on several Inn doors and was told by the innkeeper, "Sorry. We have no more room."

We walked to the next inn. I knocked just as Mary cried out. "The baby is coming!" 

The innkeeper, said, I'm sorry. We have no room."

There had to be some place. "Please, sir. My wife is going to have a baby. There must be someplace she could lie down."

He sighed. "There is a stable out back. You can go there. It's the best I have."

Photo Courtesy

I didn't like the idea, but he was right. It was better than nothing. "Thank you."

I pulled the donkey to the stable and helped Mary down. She hobbled into a cave where animals were kept. "Here is a nice spot." I stacked the hay to make a soft bed for her.

In time the baby was born. She wrapped him in a cloth. She handled the birth so well. 

She looked at the little one resting in her arms. "His name is Jesus, you know."

"Yes. The angel said we are to call him Jesus, so we will."







Come back for the next story.

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sources: 
*A Harmony of the Gospels for Historical Study, An Analytical Synopsis of the Four Gospels by William Arnold Stevens and Ernest DeWitt Burton, Charles Scribner's Sons, New York 1932
*New International Version, New King James Version. 
*My Bible College training.
*My notes and walk through classes I've taught in Children's church. Answers to student questions, etc.
*Pastoral sermons on this time
*Matthew Henry Commentary
*F. LaGard Smith Commentary

* Jewish History.org
*Jewish Virtual Library.org