Mark 6:1-13 "The Rejection of Jesus at Nazareth"

The verses that I chose to preach from this last Sunday are found in the Gospel of Mark 6:1-13.  These verses deal with Jesus being rejected by the people in Nazareth and then Jesus sending out the Disciples in pairs to preach and to heal.

Often the rejection of Christ by those in His hometown of Nazareth is painted as a failing of Jesus... but, I don't think it was a failure at all.  Rather, Jesus brought the Disciples there for the purpose of a 'teaching moment'.  He knew fully well that the people... His friends and relatives among them... would out of pettiness and jealousy reject His message.  He knew what many of us witness in our own lives, it's almost impossible for those that we grew up with and among to see us in a 'new' light.  Rather they continue to see Jesus as the boy that grew up there, and how dare He now go about healing and performing miracles... and how dare He be so learned about the Scriptures.

Jesus showed the Disciples and He showed us as well that just as he was rejected and scorned, we too will be rejected by some for speaking and seeking to spread the love of our God.  But, just as Christ was called to preach the "Good News", each of us has been called by the fact of professing to be a follower of Christ to in turn spread the message and love of Christ to all of those around us.

Be a blessing to someone today!!

In His Love & Grace,
Roy

Mark 6:1-13 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
6 He left that place and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. 2 On the sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They said, “Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? What deeds of power are being done by his hands! 3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary[a] and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense[b] at him. 4 Then Jesus said to them, “Prophets are not without honor, except in their hometown, and among their own kin, and in their own house.” 5 And he could do no deed of power there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them. 6 And he was amazed at their unbelief.

Then he went about among the villages teaching. 7 He called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. 8 He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; 9 but to wear sandals and not to put on two tunics. 10 He said to them, “Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. 11 If any place will not welcome you and they refuse to hear you, as you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.” 12 So they went out and proclaimed that all should repent. 13 They cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.

Footnotes:
a) Mark 6:3 Other ancient authorities read son of the carpenter and of Mary

b) Mark 6:3 Or stumbled