For a couple of years, I lived in New York City. I had the Statue of Liberty, World Trade Center, Central Park, and other famous attractions all around me yet I only went to these sites when someone who lived outside of the state came to visit me. I got so use to them around me that they were no longer special.
“Jesus left there and went to his hometown, accompanied by his disciples. When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. “Where did this man get these things?” they asked. “What’s this wisdom that has been given him? What are these remarkable miracles he is performing? Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him.” — Mark 6:1-3
Jesus was born in Bethlehem but grew up in a small town of Nazareth. People from all over were amazed at Jesus’ teachings except those from Nazareth. When the locals realized it was one of their own responsible for the “God-like” works, they became offended and filled with unbelief. Since He looked like them, lived like them, he must be one of them not God. He became “just another famous attraction” to them resulting in a loss of spiritual curiosity.
Curiosity describes someone who is eager to find out answers and a willingness to explore and learn. Curiosity is born of observation, of looking outside of ourselves with a desire to know the world. It is other rather than self-centered. It desires to ask & seek and is open to new discoveries. A curious mind is open to God’s dynamic and creative work in this world.
- Curiosity drove Nicodemus to ask, “What do you mean by this? How does this happen?” (John 3) And God was known.
- Curiosity had the shepherds scurrying off to Bethlehem to see the baby Jesus, saying “let’s go and see this thing that has happened, that the Lord has told us about.” (Luke 2) And God showed up.
- Curiosity prompted the Rich Young Ruler to inquiry of Jesus, “what good thing must I do to get eternal life?” (Matthew 19) And the God of Truth was revealed.
How about you? Are you still curious of the Savior and all that He has created? Or are you acting like the locals of Nazareth in unbelief because He has always been around?
Reflection |
How can spiritual curiosity impact your job, relationships, and situation right now?