“Isn’t this Joseph’s son?” they asked. (Luke 4:22)
Jesus began his revolution—preaching freedom for captives—by speaking first to the people who needed it most. The religious establishment. Those who’s work and wages were enmeshed with their faith. The leaders who pretended they didn’t love to sit on moral pedestals, and, when challenged, defended their image and brand to the death.
Sure, Jesus was famous for hanging with the lowest on the social ladder, but his strongest words were reserved for the “saints.” The pastors, preachers, and teachers. The gatekeepers of who’s right and wrong, in and out. And, ironically, they didn’t much care for Jesus. Let me say it a different way… The spiritual leaders of the community rejected the God of the Universe when he showed up at their door wearing skin. They preferred him in black and white, on pages from the past. But, in person? Too dangerous! Too gracious and generous! Too risky for the institutions of people-controlling religion.
Jesus dazzled the church crowd with his depth of insight and authoritatively relevant and refreshing message of hope. Then he dropped the mic and sat down.
Shock and awe. People were amazed.
Then, the people did what people do… especially the religious who are more comfortable seeing the world through categories and filters. They tried to put Jesus back into a safer box that made sense to them.
“Isn’t this Joseph’s son?” they asked. My words in their mouths: “Let’s not get carried away. We know who his dad is, and he’s a simple carpenter.”
They’ll do the same to you. They’ll try and keep you small, contained, and limited. They try and control you and keep you “fitting in.” They’ll categorize, designate, even shame you into submission. They’ll use bible verses and manipulate spiritual authority to keep things neat and tidy. They did it to Jesus, too.
But the truth is, you’re limitless. You won’t be limited by the past. You won’t be limited by the color of your skin or the level of your education.
You’re limitless. You reflect the image of the God of the Universe. He’s put an eternal spirit in you, so you are literally, limitless.
Don’t let the establishment box you in, shut you up, or quench your spirit. You go and be who only you can be… doing what only you can do.
The legalistic will always try to limit. Just smile, walk away and remember, Jesus was “just Joseph’s son,” too.