The Rejection of Jesus (Mark 6:1-6)

This week at Grace, we'll be in Mark 6:1-6. It's a passage about Jesus going back to his hometown of Nazareth, only to have the people there respond to him with disdain and offense at him. 

When we read this passage we might see ourselves as Jesus, the misunderstood and overlooked hero of the story, disdained by those most familiar with him. Such a reading might make us feel better, and even be fitting in certain cases, but it ignores the fact that we also have a lot in common with the people of Nazareth. 

The passage raises some important questions for all of us about what we would have done if we were in the place of the townspeople. Do we assume that we already know what God is going to do or are we open to being surprised by God? How would you and I have responded to the real, historic Jesus? 

Let's reflect on this challenge to our faith together this Sunday. 

In Christ, 
Pastor Bob

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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.

- Mark 6:1-6