Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, ‘Prophets are not without honor except in their own country and in their own house.’”
NL Daily Devotion for Saturday, February 25, 2023
by R. M. Fergus, Clergy Stuff
I wonder why this is. We take to heart all kinds of things spoken by complete strangers. We look at their qualifications, their expertise. We are impressed by their communication. We are convinced of their sincerity. They can change minds and hearts and spur us to action. Then the moment we realize we went to high school with them, and they briefly dated our friend Matt, their credibility evaporates on the spot. They weren’t even mean to Matt. And they were just as compelling in their discourse way back then. But, like, we know them. So they can’t really be an authority figure, right?
No wonder so many people suffer from imposter syndrome. As a grant writer, I have heard myself give verbal explanations of what I do and how I do it that are powerful and eloquent and make it absolutely clear that I know what I’m doing. Other people in the room are amazed at my level of expertise and insight. But, like, I know me. So I can’t really be an authority figure, right?
Jesus had no such hang-ups, I’m sure. He knew what he was called to do and he knew he was the only one who could do it. So when he went back to his hometown and they were like, “But we know you. You can’t be a prophet,” he just rolled his eyes (I don’t know about you, but I imagine Jesus was pretty sassy) and walked away.
We, too, have things to offer the world. We can’t let our egos run away with us, but neither can we diminish ourselves and our value because we pull on our pants one leg at a time like everyone else. God calls us to use our gifts and our experience (dare I say expertise?) in service to our neighbor. Don’t worry if your fourth grade teacher remembers you throwing rubber cement balls at him from across the room. It doesn’t mean your opinion is invalid.
How does Jesus call me out of my imposter syndrome and into action?
