Mark 6:1-6 (CLICK HERE FOR BIBLE VERSES)
Hi GAMErs,
Today’s passage is Mark 6:1-6. With an open mind and a humble heart, read this passage and see what sticks out to you in this passage. Is there a verse, a phrase, or a lesson you think the Holy Spirit may be highlighting for you in this passage? After you’ve thought about the passage yourself a bit, read the GAME sharing below. Let’s go!
Mark 6:1-6 (NIV)
1 Jesus left there and went to his hometown, accompanied by his disciples.
2 When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. “Where did this man get these things?” they asked. “What’s this wisdom that has been given him, that he even does miracles!
3 Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him.
4 Jesus said to them, “Only in his hometown, among his relatives and in his own house is a prophet without honor.”
5 He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them.
6 And he was amazed at their lack of faith. Then Jesus went around teaching from village to village.
On verses 1-6: Normally when a celebrity returns to their hometown, they receive an especially warm and passionate welcome. But not in Jesus’ case. Jesus returns to his hometown of Nazareth, and rather than being hailed as a hero people respond to Jesus with contempt and unbelief.
Why is it that, as Jesus says, “only in his hometown, among his relatives and in his own house is a prophet without honour” (v4)? It could be due to various possible reasons. Perhaps Jesus’ relatives and townspeople envied him, were jealous or ashamed of him, had a hardened, unbelieving heart toward God’s Word, were caught up in old memories, or misunderstood Jesus, all while assuming that they had him figured out.
Yesterday we learned in Mark 5:35-43 that Jesus thrives and does His best work in an atmosphere of faith, whereas a lack of faith cramps God’s style. We see the latter happening here as the lack of faith in his hometown meant that Jesus could only do a few miracles (v6).
How can we apply this passage to our lives?
First, remember that sometimes the very people that you wish would support you and be on your side will not be. But always remember that the Lord will never leave you or forsake you. It is not so much your natural family defines you as God your Heavenly Father who defines you.
Second, since by the Holy Spirit Christ makes his home in every believer, if you are living with a believer, may you be an encouragement, not a discouragement, to that person’s faith in Christ. Make your home and your family an environment where it is easy and natural to talk about Jesus, to pray to Jesus, to pursue Jesus, to worship Jesus and to serve Jesus. The best way to do that is to talk about Jesus and to model Jesus to those around you, both through your words and your actions.
Jesus, since You make Your home in human hearts, please make Your home in me. May I be Your hometown and may I welcome You and treat You the way You deserve. In Jesus’ name, AMEN!
copyright © 2022 Justin Lim. All rights reserved.
