The ministry of Jesus was on a roll. After his baptism and time in the wilderness, he went forth to proclaim God's gospel of love. Following his preaching in Galilee, he entered his hometown. Although born in Bethlehem, his parents had fled to Egypt to protect their son from the wrath of King Herod. When Joseph heard of Herod's death, he brought his family back to live in Nazareth.

As a young boy, Jesus attended the synagogue with his father where he participated in community worship regularly. Attentively listening to the scriptures read from the Book of the Law, the Psalms, and the Prophets, he grew in knowledge, wisdom, and understanding. Now the son of Joseph had returned, knowing that what he would say would not be received well.

As there were no permanent rabbis in the outlying vil…