Preaching in Nazareth: The Impact of Church Doubt

Matthew 13:54-58

54 And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works?

55 Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?

56 And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things?

57 And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house.

58 And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.

In the passages above, we learn that Jesus, despite His anointing, was unable to perform miracles in Nazareth due to the people's disbelief. But look at the real tragedy here. Why was it so easy to create this culture of unbelief? It was the mindset of humanity. We know you. You grew up among us. But the truth is, they did not know him. They knew a carpenter. They did not know the Son of God. Therefore, even after the Father began to reveal his great wisdom and works that they could not refute, they chose to see him after the flesh. For that cause many if not all of them, died in their sin. Why? Because, If the Lord is unable to heal in an environment, due to unbelief, it follows that many will not be saved in that environment for the same reason.

This example shows how a culture of tradition, and lack of faith can hinder the manifestation of God's miracles. Today, many teachers, by prioritizing human traditions and opinions over the gospel of healing, have created a church skepticism, likened to Nazareth's disbelief. This questions not only Christ's ability to heal but also His willingness to save, given the culture of unbelief.

Considering that those preaching about physical healing often face widespread skepticism, while those focusing on salvation encounter a more receptive audience, the miracles of healing that do occur, are as significant and convincing as the experiences of salvation, despite the prevalent doubt and opposition.

Just as baptism and salvation are linked by faith, so are anointing and healing. The absence of healing in some, like the absence of salvation in others, should not lead us to question the doctrine itself.

In conclusion, I am committed to preach the entirety of the gospel, based on God's unchanging word, regardless of the visible outcomes in terms of salvation or healing.