The phrase “familiarity breeds contempt” according to a google search was first used in Chaucer’s Tale of Melibee in 1386. I believe credit should be given to an earlier time. The Gospel according to Luke 4:24 states, “I assure you that no prophet is welcomed in the prophet’s hometown.”. Jesus read from the ancient scrolls in his hometown of Nazareth. Imagine the people’s outrage that this up-start would dare to speak to them this way. He was only telling the truth that the people were thinking about themselves and not the needs of others. All of us want recognition, but few of us are willing to humble ourselves to become a blessing to others without reward. We recognize people from past familiarity but not present or future growth. Everyone was raving about Jesus and wanted him to perform specifically for them. They were familiar with him so felt they could be more demanding considering him, just Joseph’s son. That changed when he put them in their place. We should be careful of recognizing a familiar person and assuming they are the same when they have actually matured into a greater creation.
I refer you to a previous blog called “Love Is” published 2/6/16 where the gift of prophecy means nothing, without love. Jesus did not retaliate to the angry mob who wanted to throw him off the cliff. Instead, he passed through the crowd and went on his way. The anger they possessed towards him evaporated with his willingness to accept and love all of them. Grow beyond the contempt bred by familiarity in your life into a greater creation.
T