When Jesus Becomes too Familiar
There was a time when just hearing the name “Jesus” would bring me to my knees. I’d sit in church, eyes full of tears, heart bursting with gratitude, hands lifted in surrender. Every worship song felt personal, every Bible verse seemed to leap off the page and into my soul. I was in awe of Him.
But somewhere along the way, things changed. I still prayed, still read my Bible, still showed up to church—but something was different. I wasn’t moved the way I used to be. I sang the words without really feeling them. I read the verses without being convicted. I still loved Jesus, but if I was honest… I had become too familiar with Him.
In Mark 6, Jesus returns to His hometown, and instead of welcoming Him with faith, the people dismissed Him. “Isn’t this the carpenter? The son of Mary?” they said (Mark 6:3). They had known Him since He was a child. He was too familiar. And because of their unbelief, Scripture says “He could do no mighty work there” (Mark 6:5).
What a terrifying thought—that we could get so used to Jesus that we stop expecting Him to move. That we could become so familiar with His words that they no longer stir us.
I had to ask myself: When was the last time I truly stood in awe of God? When was the last time I let the weight of the Gospel wreck me all over again?
The God of the universe—the One who formed the stars and spoke life into being—chose to step into my mess. He saw my sin and loved me anyway. He died the death I deserved, then conquered it so I could live. How could I ever get used to that?
If you’ve been feeling numb, if the things of God don’t shake you like they used to, you’re not alone. But don’t stay there. Ask Him to wake you up. Ask Him to make you wonder again.
Pray, “Lord, shake me. Let me see You rightly. Strip away my familiarity and fill me with fresh awe of who You are.”
Because He is still mighty. He is still moving. And He is still worthy of our wonder.
In our spiritual journey, familiarity can breed complacency. Just like in the case of Jesus returning to His hometown, we often overlook the extraordinary when we become too accustomed to it. Scripture warns us about the danger of unbelief and losing the sense of wonder that comes with encountering the divine. To revive our connection with God, we should actively seek to renew our perspective. Make time for prayer and reflection, and approach worship with a heart open to fresh experiences. By inviting the Holy Spirit to awaken our spirits, we can break free from the numbness that familiarity brings. Approach His word with the expectation that it can speak into your life anew. Consider journaling your thoughts after reading the Bible; this practice can help you digest the messages and reflect on their relevance to your life. Furthermore, engaging in community worship or small groups can ignite a renewed passion for faith. Remember, Jesus is ever-present, ready to transform our ordinary experiences into profound encounters. Let us strive to cultivate an attitude of gratitude and reverence, continually seeking a deeper understanding of His love and sacrifice, because He is truly worthy of our wonder.