Anglican Devotional 23 October 2026 The Daily Fountain of the Church Of Nigeria

TOPIC – Familiarity Breeds Contempt.

READ: Matthew 13:53-58

53 And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these parables, he departed thence.

54 And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works?

55 Is not this the carpenter’s son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?

56 And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things?

57 And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house.

58 And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.

THE MESSAGE:

Today’s reading shows how unbelief, familiarity and contempt can limit a person’s miracle and shorten the hand of God to hear, heal, help, save and deliver. When Jesus came to His own country, Nazareth, He taught the people and did mighty works there. But instead of the people rejoicing and saying that a great Prophet had risen among them, God had visited His people, they treated Jesus with contempt because they knew His house, His mother, His siblings, and His humble background. They did not bother to consider the truth and importance of His teachings and miracles. The attitude of Jesus’ people can be summarised in the saying, “Familiarity breeds contempt.” Because of the unbelief of the people, Jesus did not do a mighty work there. He simply did a scanty work and left.

Nowadays, similar things happen. Some people make themselves so familiar with the Church and God, that they no longer respect God or His presence. Some Church members abuse and disrespect their pastors and gossip with them. Some Christians come late to Church without good reasons; some others mismanage Church or fellowship resources because they feel they are close to the General Overseer, or people in authority. In a Church or fellowship where people treat God, His ministers or property with contempt, it shows unbelief and God will not do many mighty works there. If you need miracles, blessings and God’s favour, treat Him and His servants with deep respect.

PRAYER: Lord, please help me to love and honour You and Your servants all the days of my life. Amen.