Today’s passage: Mark 6:1-13
Helpful thoughts:
- Mary had at least seven children. Jesus, these four brothers listed, and at least two sisters (Or else they would have used the singular, “sister.”).
- When the people called Jesus the son of Mary, they were implying that Jesus was born illegitimately. They would typically have called Him the son of Joseph, but they knew something was up. In truth, Jesus was not Joseph’s son!
- Jesus is fully God and fully man. The people of His own “hometown” did not suspect any deity in Him. They perceived Him to be a normal man.
- In the wake of Jesus’ rejection by His own family and friends in Nazareth, He sends His disciples out to other towns with the same message.
- The offense of the people in Nazareth did not render the Gospel inaccurate. The power and the word of God goes on.
Questions to consider:
- What does “A prophet goes without honor in his own hometown” mean? How would that be seen today? What’s the difference between our reputations and Jesus’ reputation in Nazareth? What didn’t he have in his past that we all do (Romans 3:23)?
- Once the message was shared, if there was great rejection, what happened next? Did Jesus impose or force the miracles on people? How does this pattern compare to the ministry of the Apostle Paul (Acts 18:6)? How could this impact how we minister to people today (Without giving up prayer for those who have thus far rejected Christ)?
- How can these truths help us to remain encouraged and continue to spread the Gospel when people choose not to hear?