From Hopscotch to Holiness

22 From Hopscotch To Holinessthat if Jesus grew in wisdom, we should as well. In addition, it is throughobedience to those in authority over us that we often learn wisdom. Itis in living our daily lives, often during mundane circumstances, that Godenables us to grow in wisdom. Jesus’ example gives us much hope forways to grow in wisdom.JESUS’ MINISTRY CHARACTERIZED BY WISDOMJesus’ ministry was characterized by wisdom. However, not everyone wasable to receive his teaching, even when it was accompanied by remarkablemiracles. Some judged Jesus by what they knew of his backgroundand family. The scriptures describe Jesus as a prophet without honorin his hometown. Consider Mark 6:1-3. “Jesus left there and went tohis hometown, accompanied by his disciples. When the Sabbath came,he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him wereamazed. ‘Where did this man get these things?’ they asked. ‘What’s thiswisdom that has been given him? What are these remarkable miracleshe is performing? Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and thebrother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here withus?’ And they took offense at him.” God’s wisdom will offend some. Ithappened to Jesus and it will probably happen to us. Some people’shearts may not be open to the truth. Jesus left his hometown amazed attheir lack of faith. I’m sure his heart was truly burdened by their unbelief.I’m sure he prayed earnestly for them. But he then went on to otherplaces where his ministry was received more openly. Perhaps there isa life lesson here as well. When we are guided by the Holy Spirit, likeJesus was, we can expect that not everyone will be open to sound biblicalteaching. Sometimes the Holy Spirit will direct us to stay and sometimesthe Holy Spirit will show us it’s time to move on. By God’s grace we canmove on to other places where ministry will be more fruitful. That’s whatJesus did.