Topical Bible: Reproof: Despised by the People of Nazareth

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In the context of biblical teachings, reproof is an expression of disapproval or correction, often intended to guide individuals back to a righteous path. The concept of reproof is prevalent throughout Scripture, serving as a tool for moral and spiritual correction. One notable instance of reproof being despised is found in the account of Jesus' visit to Nazareth, His hometown.

Biblical Account

The Gospel of Luke provides a detailed narrative of Jesus' experience in Nazareth, where He faced rejection from those who knew Him from His youth. In Luke 4:16-30, Jesus enters the synagogue on the Sabbath and reads from the scroll of the prophet Isaiah. He declares, "Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing" (Luke 4:21). Initially, the people are amazed at His gracious words, but their admiration quickly turns to skepticism and hostility.

Jesus anticipates their doubt and addresses it directly, saying, "Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in his hometown" (Luke 4:24). He then cites examples from the Old Testament, where prophets were sent to Gentiles rather than Israelites, implying that the people of Nazareth lacked faith and receptiveness to God's message. This reproof, highlighting their spiritual blindness and lack of faith, incites anger among the townspeople.

Reaction of the People

The response of the Nazarenes to Jesus' reproof is one of intense rejection. The crowd, filled with wrath, drives Him out of the town and attempts to throw Him off a cliff (Luke 4:28-29). This violent reaction underscores their unwillingness to accept correction or acknowledge their spiritual shortcomings. Their pride and familiarity with Jesus as merely the carpenter's son blind them to His true identity and mission.

Theological Implications

The rejection of reproof by the people of Nazareth serves as a poignant illustration of the broader human tendency to resist correction, especially when it challenges deeply held beliefs or exposes personal failings. This incident highlights the prophetic role of Jesus, who, like the prophets before Him, faced opposition and rejection from those He sought to guide.

From a theological perspective, the despising of reproof is a manifestation of spiritual hardness and pride. Proverbs 12:1 states, "Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid." The people of Nazareth exemplify this proverb, as their rejection of Jesus' message prevents them from receiving the blessings and truth He offers.

Lessons for Believers

For contemporary believers, the account of Nazareth serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of rejecting divine correction. It encourages self-examination and humility, urging individuals to remain open to God's reproof through Scripture, the Holy Spirit, and the counsel of fellow believers. Embracing reproof is essential for spiritual growth and alignment with God's will, as it leads to repentance, transformation, and a deeper relationship with the Lord.

Nave's Topical Index

Luke 4:28,29
And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath,
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Messiah Despised, and Rejected of Men
... bear, either the example, or the reproof, of such a ... their judgments or decisions,
prevented people from following ... wonder, that this way is despised, and almost ...
/.../newton/messiah vol 1/sermon xvii messiah despised and.htm

Paul a Prisoner
... God, they were unwilling to permit the despised Gentiles to ... and example they were
leading the people farther and ... The Saviour's words of reproof to the men of ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 38 paul a prisoner.htm

Paul Before Felix.
... a Jewess, she contrived to persuade herself, that as one of the chosen people, she
should find ... They would none of my counsel; they despised all my reproof. ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxvii paul before felix.htm

The Wicked Husbandmen.
... of the two he might make the reproof complete ... the Son was rejected by the favoured
people to whom ... this man suspended between two malefactors, and despised by all ...
/.../arnot/the parables of our lord/xi the wicked husbandmen.htm

The Shadow of Death
... governor's question; and in the look of reproof which he ... his foes, that is, for the
Jewish people who blindly ... of faith which gave to the despised followers of ...
/.../rhees/the life of jesus of nazareth/viii the shadow of death.htm

The Betrayal
... He was Christ's alter ego""to the people at large ... Lord added these words"there is
reproof in them ... your quiet meditations as being thus despised and rejected ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/the betrayal.htm

John Chapter i. 34-51
... This people, then, poor and needy, does not know to rejoice ... when we happen to be
under the reproof of God. ... of the world, and things that are despised, hath God ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate vii john chapter i.htm

The Procession of Sorrow
... Hail, ye despised children of the sun, ye follow first ... Those once highly favored
people of God who cursed ... all my counsel, and would none of my reproof: I also ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/the procession of sorrow.htm

The Acceptable Sacrifice;
... lips; for in the days of his flesh he takes this book in his hand, when he was in
the synagogue at Nazareth, and read this very place unto the people; and then ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the acceptable sacrifice.htm

C. The Last Stages. Chs. 17:11 to 19:28
... is good, save one, even God." By this reproof Jesus was ... As Luke here states, "All
the people, when they saw ... even to the lowest and most hopeless and despised. ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/c the last stages chs.htm