After being tempted by the devil in the wilderness for 40 days, Jesus began His earthly ministry and returned to Galilee. He taught in the local synagogues and performed miracles, so news about Him spread quickly throughout the whole region. Yet, when He visited His hometown of Nazareth, the welcome was far from warm. On the Sabbath, He entered the sanctuary—one He’d known since childhood—and read from Isaiah, after which He boldly proclaimed that He was its fulfillment.

Unfortunately, rather than becoming excited at the thought that their hometown boy was someone special and celebrating Him, the Nazarenes were skeptical. Though they were curious at first, when Jesus proved He could read the thoughts and attitudes of their hearts and called them out on their doubt, they freaked out. In fact, they became so angry that they tried to throw Him off a cliff! They couldn’t accept instruction from someone who grew up among them—just Joseph’s son, once a village carpenter’s boy. Facing such rejection, Jesus had to let go of familiar opinions to pursue His calling. While they wished He’d remain “ordinary,” He pressed on to fulfill His mission of salvation for the world.

My friend, as Jesus’ disciple, your calling outweighs your comfort. Rejection by those you hoped would support you is painful, but your mission requires letting go of the need for approval.  Yes, letting go of the past is a challenge, especially when culture may say success is about pleasing others, but true empowerment comes from letting go of that desire. Those who try to hold you back don’t understand your purpose. So, even if it hurts, move forward in the Kingdom work you’re called and equipped to do!