“Everyone spoke well of him and was amazed by the gracious words that came from his lips. ‘How can this be?’ they asked. ‘Isn’t this Joseph’s son?’”
Luke 4:22 (NLT)
JESUS IS MORE THAN A CARPENTER’S SON
In 1954, a young man walked into Sun Records in Memphis to record a few songs as a gift for his mother. The receptionist noted his name, Elvis Presley, and wrote a simple comment: “Good ballad singer. Hold.” To the people in that office, he was just a local truck driver with a decent voice. They could not imagine that the young man standing before them was about to change the world. Their familiarity with his ordinary background almost caused them to miss the extraordinary talent right in their midst.
The people of Nazareth suffered from a similar spiritual blindness. As Jesus began to speak in the synagogue, the initial reaction was one of amazement. They heard the “gracious words” coming from His lips, yet their logic immediately hit a wall of familiarity. They asked, “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?” To them, Jesus was defined by His trade and His earthly family. He was the boy they had seen growing up, the carpenter who had likely fixed their doors or built their tables. Because they thought they knew His “roots,” they refused to acknowledge His reach.
We often do the same thing today by limiting Jesus to a historical figure or a “good teacher.” We must recognize that He is not just a carpenter; He is the Creator who stepped into His own creation to save us.
Reflection Questions
• Have you ever underestimated someone because you thought you knew their “story”?
• In what areas of your life have you limited Jesus to being just a “helper” or “teacher” rather than the Lord of all?
Suggested Prayer
Lord, forgive me for the times I have made You small in my eyes. Open my heart to see You not just as a figure of history, but as the living King who has authority over every part of my life.
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.
