The prophet Jeremiah is sent by God to predict the destruction of the temple and to tell the people that this disaster will be averted if they listen and "each turn from his evil way…" For his efforts, Jeremiah is captured by the priests and prophets there and placed on trial. They accuse Jeremiah of blasphemy and want to sentence him to death. Jesus returns to his hometown and teaches in the synagogue. His message astonishes and at the same time, puzzles the people, who would not accept him as one sent by God.

At the root of the peoples' objection to Jeremiah and Jesus respectively are questions, such as, "Who is this man? What is the source of his wisdom and works? How dare he claims to speak in God's name and tell us what to do? Are we not the chosen ones of God?" The priests and prophets in the temple felt Jeremiah was unqualified to speak in the name of the Lord because he was not one of them, since only they were the appointed officials of the temple. The people in the synagogue felt Jesus was unqualified because he was one of them, that is, from the same village and only a carpenter's son.

How easy it is for us to judge a person based on our own preconceived mindset or way of thinking. We may categorise him or her according to our own sense of self-importance and our prejudices. In doing so, we may fail to listen to someone who is actually sent by God to speak to us. Let us be aware!