This verse gives us a sobering picture: Jesus was present—but He could do no mighty work. Why? Because of their lack of faith. Jesus returned to His hometown of Nazareth early in His public ministry. It was the same place where He had grown in wisdom, stature, and favor with God and people (Luke 2:52). When He stood to read from Isaiah 61 in the synagogue, the crowd was initially amazed at His gracious words. 

But when He declared, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing,” the mood shifted. The people were offended. They couldn’t accept that someone so familiar—“Joseph’s son”—could carry divine authority. Their amazement turned to anger, and they drove Him out of town, intending to throw Him off a cliff (Luke 4:16–30). But Jesus passed through the crowd and went on His way.

Despite this fierce rejection, Jesus still desired to do a mighty work among them. But their unbelief shut the door. Today, He still longs to do mighty works through His people. Through us. But our faith is the switch—either releasing His power or limiting what He can do in and through our lives and church.

At Gateway, will we believe Him for more? Will we welcome Him with faith that unleashes His power in our midst?

Reflection Question:

Are there areas of unbelief in your life that could be limiting what Jesus wants to do through you or through Gateway? What might it look like to turn that “switch” of faith back on?

Prayer Focus:

Pray that Jesus would do a mighty work through Gateway because we are people of strong, unwavering faith. Ask God to search your heart and reveal any roadblocks of unbelief. Invite Him to work powerfully in and through your life—and through our church.