What Jesus Did! 'Lack of Faith' — Matthew 13:57-59

Tuesday, July 8, 2025

And [the people in Nazareth] were deeply offended and refused to believe in [Jesus].

Then Jesus told them, "A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his own family." And so he did only a few miracles there because of their unbelief.

— Matthew 13:57-59 NLT

Key Thought

Jesus is all powerful, but we can limit his power by our lack of expectation, by our wimpy faith! His work is hidden, sometimes even denied, to those who refuse to believe in his power. So let's be a people who not only pray, but pray with faith and expectation, anticipating Jesus' mighty work and providential surprises.

Today's Prayer

Holy Father, forgive me for the times I have limited Jesus' power by not believing in his power to act, minister, and save. Give me a heart of faith with the courage to expect Jesus to do great things in my life and to bless others and bring you glory. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

1 Related Resource by Heartlight

Miracles You Need Are Limited by Your Faith
Devo: Spiritual Warfare
"And so they rejected him. Jesus said to them, ‘A prophet is respected everywhere except in his hometown and by his own family.’ Because they did not...."

Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 13:57-59 NLT — "A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his own family."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Tuesday, July 8, 2025

A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'God's Greatest Message'
"Dear Friend, Ouch! You sent a text to someone, and he or she didn't understand your humor. You left a voicemail that was supposed to be cute, but..."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Philippians 2:9
"Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name..."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Ephesians 5:15-16
"Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise,making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Filled with Knowledge' (Co. 1:9-10)
"Dear Father, Help me and all of your people everywhere to be filled with complete knowledge of what you want, in all wisdom and spiritual..."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!