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When I would read this lesson in the past, I would always be in awe of the seemingly “magical” powers of Jesus walking through a crowd basically unnoticed.  But as I dig deeper into the lesson, I realize that Jesus was unnoticed because people were so filled with their own rage and frustration of Jesus not living up to their expectations of doing all of the healing and wonders for them.  They are so consumed with their own disappointment - that I think really they become blind to his actual presence with them.  Take a look at the picture below - can you see Jesus?  Can you see the frustrations and anger of the crowd?

I am not sure the people of Nazareth really saw Jesus, in the first place, for the man he had become.  Their eyes were covered with the images of Jesus as a boy.  I missed an important detail on Sunday during the sermon.  I am not sure that I made clear that Jesus was there.  In the midst of them.  Jesus stood with them, and worshiped with them, and noticed them.  Jesus. Was. There.

We want Jesus, and God for that matter, to do the things that we want God to do…and we refuse to listen when God says “no” or “not now” or “wait”.   Especially in this fast paced world of easy connections, we forget that deep connections take time.  

AND - we miss that Jesus is, in a way, calling us, inviting us to follow.  If we want to be a part of the work of God, then we must follow.  Follow Jesus to tend to the hungry and the sick and the lonely.  Follow Jesus to care for those in need.  Follow Jesus to build connections to the community.

It is so much easier for us to hear the comments on how we are not paying attention to those who are truly in need.  We instead only look to ourselves.  

And maybe that is an acceptable start - but that is not where the journey ends.

So here is a quick task list:
- What are three or four ways that Jesus has blessed you in your life?  
- What are three or four ways that you bring those blessings (or others) to the world around you?
- And how do you recognize God in that work?


Peace, Pastor Erin