Welcome Home - Jennifer Woodley
‘Jesus said to them, “Only in his hometown, among his relatives and in his own house is a prophet without honor.”’ Mark 6:4 (NIV)
The one place where we would expect Jesus to be enthusiastically welcomed, He was not. Familiarity had bred contempt. Instead of being welcomed with warmth, Jesus was rejected with disregard. He was severed by those closest to Him; those who had known Him all His life. Jesus offended them, so he could do no good in that place.
For those who have been mistreated and unfairly judged by others who are close to them, this story offers hope. Jesus understands our rejection. Jesus, who also has gone through the grief and confusion of being separated and disconnected, can identify with our pain. Today, He holds out His arms of love and wants to welcome us into another home. A home with Him. Only those who have walked the same journey as we have, are in a place to welcome us. Jesus has been in that place. Yet, unlike others who have experienced similar pain and rejection, Jesus’ love is far beyond what they can offer. It is constant, dependable, and eternal.
Jesus offered the woman at the well in John 4 living water so she would never be thirsty again. Jesus offers us this living water too. His constant refreshing, life-giving presence can be with us forever. Finally, we have found the welcome in Jesus that we yearned for in others. Our searching is over, for when we live in His presence, we find our true home.
‘Father, you are the affirmation, love and acceptance I have been searching for. Thank you for welcoming me home.’
Jennifer is a freelance writer who enjoys encouraging others on their Christian journey through writing and mentoring. Contact |
