READ ALL OR PARTS OF LUKE 4:16-20 FROM YOUR BIBLE OR WATCH THE BIBLE STORY VIDEO.

QUESTION: Do you remember who rejected Jesus?
ANSWER: It was his own hometown, Nazareth.

DISCUSSION: If Jesus grew up in your neighborhood or apartment complex would you want people to know?

STORY: On the southern tip of Illinois is the real city named Metropolis. That city name might sound familiar because Superman lives in a fictional city with the same name. Superman, of course, does not live in this Illinois city but there is a Superman museum, 15 ft. tall Superman statue and a Lois Lane statue in this city. Cities all over the United States try to highlight and celebrate their famous current or former residents, and Metropolis, Illinois celebrates a comic book hero. Isn’t it surprising that the Bible tells us Jesus was rejected in His hometown? He taught with authority and performed miracles to heal the sick, like a real-life superhero, yet the people did not believe in Him. Even when Jesus read the words the prophet Isaiah had written about Him and the freedom found in Him through faith, the people were angry and forced Jesus to leave. Jesus was not the Messiah the people expected, so many of them rejected Him. It might seem harsh, but this was all part of God’s plan to save people from their sin. Jesus continued to show people that He is God’s Son and invited them to trust in Him.

Q: Do you think this rejection caused Jesus to give up?
A: No, Jesus continued and spread the SAME message to Capernaum. There are highs and lows in life but Jesus remains faithful.

Q: Will Jesus Ever reject us?
A: No, Jesus welcomes sinners and longs for us to come to Him by faith. However, we can reject Him in unbelief. Look at John 6:35-37.

WORK ON MEMORIZING OUR SCRIPTURE VERSE!

MORNINGS:

The Bible tells us about a man who said to Jesus, “I believe, help my unbelief.” Ask Jesus to help you with your unbelief. Ask Him to give you faith in the areas where you might be doubting His love or His power. He is faithful to grow our faith and help us in our unbelief. 

EVENINGS:

Pray for opportunities to share the gospel with classmates, neighbors, family, and friends. Think about the relationships you have with those who haven’t trusted in Jesus. How can you take the next step in sharing Jesus with that person? How can you be more intentional about sharing the good news of the gospel in your conversations?