24.138 | Rejected In His Hometown | Mark 6:1-6 | God’s Word for Today with Pastor Nazario Sinon

God’s Word For Today

Text: Mark 6:1-6 ESV

1 He went away from there and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him.

2 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?

3 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.

4 And Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown and among his relatives and in his own household.”

5 And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them.

6 And he marveled because of their unbelief. And he went about among the villages teaching.

-Mark 6:1-6 ESV

REJECTED IN HIS HOMETOWN

Jesus returned to Nazareth, his hometown. It is a small town, of a few hundreds of people, located in central Galilee, about twenty-five miles from Capernaum. He went to the synagogue. Instead of the religious Pharisees and the scribes (see Mark 3:1–6), He faces His own familial townspeople. These people knew Him since His childhood. And they are shocked by what they heard and saw in Him. They muttered, “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?”

Here, Mark doesn't record what Jesus is teaching. However, Luke does (see Luke 4:18–27). Jesus claims the prophecy of Isaiah 61:1–2, asserting that He is filled with the Holy Spirit to bless and rescue the poor, captives, blind, and oppressed. Undoubtedly, this is a sacred description that Jews believe will fit their Messiah. In other words, Jesus is saying that He is the Messiah they have been waiting for. But, they couldn’t just accept Him. They were offended. Perhaps, it was their unbelief, Jesus did not do big miracles here except for a few healings.

In response, Jesus laid out a reality, and said to them, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown and among his relatives and in his own household.” Coming from the mouth of Jesus, let’s take note that people who are familiar with us may not readily believe us. It will take time. Yet, we have to witness to them. It’s our obligation and leave the result to God.

-------------------------

Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram