Deeper Life #341

And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power.

—Luke 4:32

AS CHRISTIANS, WE MUST TESTIFY of the grace of God to our family and friends. Jesus preached His first sermon in His hometown, Nazareth. He told His disciples that they were to begin their ministry at Jerusalem, their capital. What was the reason? Did Jesus expect great success in Nazareth and Jerusalem? He had exactly the opposite expectation. But He insisted that His disciples begin their ministry where they were.

Our Nazareth or Jerusalem is unquestionably among our own relations. It is easier to testify to strangers than to our own flesh and blood. But we cannot wait for others to bring our relatives to salvation. They are our personal responsibility.

Prayer Thought: Enable me, heavenly Father, to share the good news of Christ at home first.

SUGGESTED READING: Matthew 13:53–58