Keeping the Doctor Away

1. Further Devotional Thoughts

Title: The Danger of Entitled Faith

Sometimes the greatest obstacle to receiving God’s grace isn’t our sin—it’s our pride. The people of Nazareth were familiar with Jesus. They’d watched him grow up. They thought they had a claim on his power. But instead of welcoming him, they demanded proof and rejected his message.

This shows us that God doesn’t respond to familiarity, demand, or entitlement. He responds to faith—humble, dependent, surrendered faith. Jesus won't be manipulated. He doesn’t heal on demand. He heals the humble. He saves the surrendered.

The question isn't whether God can heal us. The question is: Are we truly ready to receive it?

2. Discussion Questions

What surprised or challenged you most from this week’s message?

Why do you think the people of Nazareth went from amazed to enraged?

In what ways do we try to control or “summon” God today?

How does understanding God’s aseity (his self-sufficiency) reshape our faith?

Can you think of times when God didn’t act how you expected—and how that deepened your faith?

What does true humility look like in our walk with Christ?

How can we guard against an entitled or presumptive attitude in our spiritual lives?

3. Daily Devotions (Monday–Saturday)

Monday: Luke 4:14–15 – “Fame and Faith”

Jesus' reputation spreads, but popularity is not the same as faith.

Reflect: How do I respond when I hear of God doing great things—am I drawn to the fame or the truth?

Tuesday: Luke 4:16–21 – “Today This Is Fulfilled”

Jesus declares he is the fulfillment of prophecy.

Reflect: Do I believe Jesus is who he says he is—and am I living as if that’s true?

Wednesday: Luke 4:22–24 – “Too Familiar to Believe”

Nazareth couldn’t believe because they thought they already knew him.

Reflect: Has familiarity with Jesus dulled my sense of wonder or obedience?

Thursday: Luke 4:25–27 – “Grace for the Outsider”

Jesus highlights how God often worked through outsiders.

Reflect: Who in my life do I struggle to believe God could reach with his grace?

Friday: Luke 4:28–30 – “When God Walks Away”

Jesus leaves those who reject him.

Reflect: Are there areas of my heart where I’ve resisted Christ’s authority?

Saturday: Isaiah 61:1–2 – “The Mission of the Messiah”

The text Jesus read in the synagogue.

Reflect: How am I participating in Jesus’s mission to bring healing, freedom, and good news?

4. Daily Devotions for Children (with activities)

Theme: Jesus Wants Us to Trust Him – Not Tell Him What to Do

Monday – Jesus Was Famous! (Luke 4:14–15)

Activity: Draw a “newspaper front page” announcing Jesus coming to your town!

Big Idea: Jesus became famous, but not everyone trusted him.

Tuesday – Jesus Reads in Church! (Luke 4:16–21)

Activity: Act out a scene of Jesus reading in the synagogue.

Big Idea: Jesus told people he came to help and heal!

Wednesday – People Didn’t Like What Jesus Said (Luke 4:22–24)

Craft: Make two paper masks—one “happy” face and one “angry” face.

Big Idea: The people liked Jesus—until he said something they didn’t want to hear.

Thursday – God's Love Is for Everyone (Luke 4:25–27)

Activity: Map or draw kids around the world. Talk about how Jesus loves everyone!

Big Idea: Jesus doesn’t just help people like us—he helps everyone.

Friday – The Crowd Got Mad! (Luke 4:28–30)

Activity: Use puppets or stuffed animals to act out the story.

Big Idea: Jesus left because the people didn’t want to listen. We should always listen to Jesus!

Saturday – Let’s Trust Jesus (Isaiah 61:1–2)

Craft: Make a “Jesus Heals” poster with Band-Aids and happy faces.

Big Idea: Jesus came to bring good news, healing, and freedom!

5. Teen Devotions (Monday–Saturday)

Theme: Jesus on His Terms, Not Ours

Monday: Fame Doesn’t Equal Faith (Luke 4:14–15)

Think: Are you more interested in the hype around Jesus or a relationship with him?

Tuesday: He Claimed It All (Luke 4:16–21)

Think: Jesus claimed to fulfill prophecy. Do you really believe he’s the only way?

Wednesday: When Faith Gets Too Comfortable (Luke 4:22–24)

Think: How can familiarity with Jesus make us stop truly listening?

Thursday: God’s Grace for Outsiders (Luke 4:25–27)

Think: Are there people you think don’t deserve grace? What does that reveal?

Friday: When People Push Jesus Away (Luke 4:28–30)

Think: Have you ever resisted Jesus because he didn’t do what you wanted?

Saturday: The Only Right Response (Isaiah 61:1–2)

Think: Jesus came to heal hearts. What would it look like to truly surrender to him today?