all eyes on jesus | a prophet without honour

We're continuing this week to look at Jesus through Mark's gospel and the eyes of the people who surrounded Jesus in his ministry years.

Jesus left there and went to his hometown, accompanied by his disciples. 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? What are these remarkable miracles he is performing? Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph,[a] Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.” He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. He was amazed at their lack of faith. Mark 6:1-6, NIV

The people of Nazareth were puzzled by Jesus’ wisdom and miraculous works. They couldn't fathom how someone from their community, a carpenter's son, could possess such extraordinary abilities. Familiarity bred contempt, and their preconceived notions blinded them to who Jesus really was. Despite seeing remarkable miracles and hearing his wisdom, they took offense and limited his ability to minister to them.

The rejection of Jesus echoes throughout history and continues today.  We are surrounded by scepticism, unbelief, indifference, and doubt. As his followers, we have to take time to check our hearts to ensure we’re not adversely influenced or limited by any of the negative things we hear about Jesus.

This passage also helps us to consider whether we are underestimating the potential for God to use those around us. It’s not just the church leaders, preachers or prophets who can speak on behalf of the Lord. He will give a word to an ass if no human is prepared to speak on his behalf!

The Nazarenes were blinded by cynicism which became a stumbling block, preventing them from witnessing the fulness of God's power in their lives. Lord, would you help me reject unbelief in whatever form it presents itself today.

Let’s pray
Lord, create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit in me. Confront any tendency in me to reject your servants or your word. Help me to to partner with your miraculous works even if they take me by surprise and are worked out in the middle of my ordinary circumstances. Amen.