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

  • Matthew 19:26
  • Matthew 17:20
  • Matthew 9:28-31

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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."

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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.

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