The Kingdom of Heaven – Matthew 13:1-58
And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith. – Matthew 13:58
This chapter is full of images about the Kingdom of Heaven – it’s like a pearl of great price… or like a mustard seed… or like a little yeast. We read about the sower who went out to sow… and the net that caught all sorts of fish.
And then we get to the end of the chapter, and find this little verse which indicates that Jesus didn’t perform miracles in his hometown because the people had no faith. Some versions of the Bible translate that verse with a little stronger language, suggesting that Jesus was unable to do miracles because of their lack of faith.
Jesus has arrived at his hometown, and all people can see is the son of the carpenter. I don’t know if Jesus got into any mischief as a child… but if He did, they remembered it! And because they considered Him to be just like one of them, they didn’t listen to Him… nor did they have any faith in Him.
And because of their lack of faith, they were not able to see Jesus perform any miracles or wonders. Imagine that… not even faith the size of a mustard seed. And because of their lack of faith, Jesus performed no miracles.
Are you praying and hoping for a miracle? Are you believing that with God all things are possible? Are you prepared to partner with God, participating in your miracle? Let us echo the words of the man in Mark 9:24 who says, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”
Tho’ pressed by ev’ry foe,
That will not tremble on the brink
of any earthly woe!
– William H. Bathurst