	Bob Hostetler > Devotions

The Risk Taker

by Bob Hostetler

"I tell you the truth," he continued, "no prophet is accepted in his hometown" (Luke 4:24, NIV).

Jesus' sermon in Nazareth, recorded in today's reading, was his inaugural sermon, the first official act of his public ministry. It was the "commencement address" of a three-year ministry of teaching, traveling, and working miracles. And yet, though his sermon amazed his listeners, the mood of the crowd quickly turned against him. Within a few moments, they became furious, rose up against him, and nearly stoned him.

Why did Jesus take such a risk? Why did he choose his hometown as the place to launch his public ministry? Why did he say things that he surely knew would anger them? Why did he choose a course of action that would leave him open to rejection, ridicule, and retaliation?

I believe it was for a very good reason: he wanted his listeners to know him, and so he chose to be forthright about the priorities that were on his heart and mind. He wanted to be open and honest with those people he'd known all his life. He wanted them to glimpse his heart for the poor, prisoners, the blind, and the oppressed. He knew, certainly, that he was risking the rejection, ridicule, and retaliation of the synagogue crowd that day, but he took the risk, because he earnestly wanted those people to know him.

Jesus has also revealed himself to you, as he did to those Nazarenes many years ago. He has given you his Word and his life. He has risked your rejection, ridicule, or retaliation...because he wants you to know him. How will you respond today to him?

Prayer: I want to know you, Lord; thank you for reaching out to me and helping me to know you better today.

More devotions by Bob Hostetler...