Jesus Rejected
Pray
Begin with prayer, opening your heart to God’s Word and Spirit.
Read Mark 6:1-6
6 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? What are these remarkable miracles he is performing? 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, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.” 5 He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. 6 He was amazed at their lack of faith.
Jesus Sends Out the Twelve
Then Jesus went around teaching from village to village.
Reflect
During last week’s journey, we read of the compassion of Jesus as he healed people from diseases and delivered them from evil spirits. This week we will see Jesus’ authority exercised over nature. We will see him as Teacher, Healer, Liberator, Provider, Miracle Worker. We also will begin to see growing opposition. In his hometown, it was becoming increasingly clear that many were limited in their ability to recognize who Jesus really was.
Closing prayer
Lord Jesus, even those who knew you longest were not pleased with you. Yet, amazed as you were by their unbelief, you did not respond with anger or retaliate. Please help us relate to others as you do and to respond to them as you would. Fill us with your wisdom, humility and love. Amen.