Regen's Worship Blog

He went away from there and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. And on the Sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things? What is the wisdom given to him? How are such mighty works done by his hands? Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. And Jesus said to them, ”A prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown and among his relatives and in his own household.” And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them. And he marveled because of their unbelief.

And he went about among the villages teaching.

Mark 6:1-6, ESV

This was my devotional passage for the day and a few thoughts hit me that I thought might be relevant to share here.

This part stuck in my head for a bit: ‘”A prophet [one who brings messages from God] is not without honor, except in his hometown and among his relatives and in his own household.” And he could do no mighty work there.’ What came to mind was those who were familiar with Jesus, who had been around him awhile, they didn’t believe he was God.

And I asked myself if that could be the church.

We think we know who Jesus is, we are so familiar with him, we grew up with him, we know all about his family, we’ve known him awhile. And that’s all good and true for the most part.

But do we follow through on the answers to those questions they ask?
- Where did this man get these things?
- What is the wisdom given to him?
- How are such mighty works done by his hands?
- Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?”

What do we do with the sting of offense?

Perhaps we would ask these same questions to a person whom confronts us: “Who is this person? What wisdom does he have? How are such works done through him? Isn’t he from Martinez?” In essence, who is this person that they can comment into MY life. We aren’t equals; I’m greater than he is, I’m smarter and have more life experience. Who are YOU.

Jesus marvels at their unbelief. The answers to their questions are obvious, but they are oblivious. That happens sometimes, when we don’t want to see, when we refuse.

Because they have no faith, he can only lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them, but not do any mighty works.

So he goes teaching among the villages.

This makes me wonder: what are we missing? Are we missing out on witnessing incredible mighty works because we lack faith? Yeah, he can lay his hands on a few people and heal them, but that’s about all he will do for us nowadays. Revivals are so rare; we don’t have that many spiritual people around, so that’s not gonna happen. We’re busy.

Jesus acknowledges what is going on, speaks into it, but doesn’t get all hung up about it. He doesn’t mourn that he’s a so-called failure in his hometown – and his disciples are watching! He doesn’t question his gifts or calling. What does he do? He moves on.

There are people who are always seeking him. He goes and makes himself known to others who will have him, who believe, who will see the mighty works.

Romans 10:17 says “…faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.”  They heard, but did not believe. As a result, he could do no mighty works. But he still heals a few, acknowledges what happens, then moves on, undeterred.

Let’s not believe we’re too familiar with him. “Who is this King of glory?”