“Then he said, ‘You will undoubtedly quote me this proverb: “Physician, heal yourself,” meaning, “Do miracles here in your hometown like those you did in Capernaum.” But I tell you the truth, no prophet is accepted in his own hometown.’”
Luke 4:23-24 (NLT)
FROM HEAD TO HEART
In the early 1900s, a man named George Parker became famous for “selling” the Brooklyn Bridge to unsuspecting tourists. He was so convincing that some victims actually tried to build toll booths on the bridge before police got involved. The problem was not that the tourists lacked information; they had seen the bridge, they knew it was real, and they had the “deeds” in their hands. Their problem was that their desire for quick profit blinded them to the truth of the situation. They had the information in their heads, but their hearts were driven by something else entirely.
Jesus confronted the people of Nazareth with a similar heart issue. They wanted the “show,” the miracles He had performed in Capernaum, but they did not want the “Person.” They had the religious information; they knew the Scriptures, and they were sitting in the synagogue. However, Jesus knew their hearts were stuck. They wanted Him to “perform” to prove Himself, treating Him like a local commodity rather than the Messiah.
Our faith must move from the head (information) to the heart (surrender and trust). If we only follow Jesus for what He can “do” for us, rather than for who He is, we have not truly accepted Him at all.
Reflection Questions
● Are you following Jesus for His “miracles” or for His Lordship?
● How can you tell when your faith is just “head knowledge” versus “heart transformation”?
Suggested Prayer
Jesus, I do not want to just know about You; I want to know You. Move my faith from my mind to my heart, and help me to trust You even when I do not see the “signs” I am looking for.
Dr. Larry Grays is passionate about helping churches grow and reaching people in fresh, creative ways. He launched a church in a Midtown Atlanta movie theater and later served as an Urban Church Planting Strategist with the North American Mission Board. Today, he speaks, writes, and coaches pastors and leaders. Larry has degrees from UCF, Southeastern Seminary, and Southern Seminary—but more importantly, he loves Jesus, good coffee, and seeing the next generation step into their calling. He and his wife Lori love raising their incredible kids and love doing life and ministry together.
