In this week’s story, we can see that Jesus went to church. Luke 4: 14 Then Jesus returned to Galilee, filled with the Holy Spirit’s power. Reports about him spread quickly through the whole region. 15 He taught regularly in their synagogues and was praised by everyone. [1] While the priest ministered in the Temple in Jerusalem, the synagogue was a local place for people of the community. Laymen conducted services because there were no permanent rabbis.
A synagogue service would include the recitation of the Shema (Deut. 6:4-9), a psalm, readings from the Torah, interpretation of the reading, and then a benediction. Visiting teachers were often asked to preach. This is what Jesus was doing in His hometown synagogue. He would have been considered a hometown boy made good.
What is Your Excuse?
Jesus could have argued that He didn’t need to be instructed or that the religious system was corrupt. Yet, we see His faithful attendance in public worship. We need to remember that the Son of God attended what was His version of church. If Jesus needed to attend, how much more do we need to gather with fellow believers to worship and pray?
We easily rationalize our avoidance of public worship. I’ve heard many excuses over the years. The church is full of hypocrites. I can worship on the lake as I fish. The sermon’s too long or too boring. They don’t sing my kind of music. The church is too hot or too cold. I don’t get anything out of it. These criticisms may be valid, but the church is simply a gathering of sinners and, as such, will never be perfect.
Many think they should “get” something from a church service, yet we are there to give praise to God. I remember one gentleman who complained he never got anything out of the sermon. But every service as I began to preach, I would watch him sleep. What would happen to our attitudes if we attended service with the idea of praising God and allowing Him to speak to us?
Don’t Neglect to Meet Together
People avoided public worship even in the early church. The writer of Hebrews wanted to correct that attitude. Hebrews 10: 24 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. [2]
God desires us to be involved in public worship. It gives a space to worship Him and encourage each other on our faith journey. Satan would love to give all kinds of excuses to you so you don’t attend. Find a church that teaches the Word in its truth and entirety. Then support it with your presence, gifts, and tithes. Make your participation in the life of the church as much a part of your life as it was for Jesus.
To hear how Jesus went to church, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/rejected-at-nazareth
[1,2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.