Jesus Returns to His Home Town of Nazareth
November 14, 2021
Commentary
Returning to His hometown, Jesus went into the synagogue where He had worshiped as a lad and began to teach (vv. 1-2). Remember that He did not leave Nazareth until He was about thirty years old. People knew him well and were far from being impressed by His message. Instead they questioned the source of His wisdom as they had known Him simply as the village carpenter (v. 3) and He had never been to rabbinical school. Four of His brothers are named and more than one sister is referred to so there must have been at least 7 children in the family.
The fact that they called Jesus Mary’s son suggests that perhaps Joseph was dead at this time. It is thought that Joseph died young and Jesus had taken upon Himself the support of His mother and of his brothers and sisters. In response to their attitude Christ says, “A prophet is without honor in his hometown” (v. 4). In this atmosphere Jesus could not perform many mighty works (v. 5). He was surprised that the people did not have any faith but he went on to surrounding villages and continued teaching (v. 6).
Even today in an atmosphere of critical coldness and indifference the most Spirit filled utterance will fall lifeless on the human ear. This means that as children of God we have a tremendous responsibility in the attitude that we portray of either helping or hindering the work of Christ. There are many in our churches today who want Christianity without Commitment. I’m not talking about an emotional experience. Im talking about a commitment and surrender to God that results in a changed heart and life. If we put our trust in education, we’ll get what education can give us. If we put our trust in money, we’ll get what money can give us. But if we put our trust in God, we’ll have everything we need, for all eternity.
Application
I must ask myself this question: Is it easier to live the Christian life at home or away from home? Why? What are some areas that I need to work on in order to be a better witness at home?
Mark 6:1– 6 (NET)
1 Now Jesus left that place and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. 2 When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue. Many who heard him were astonished, saying, “Where did he get these ideas? And what is this wisdom that has been given to him? What are these miracles that are done through his hands? 3 Isn’t this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And aren’t his sisters here with us?” And so they took offense at him. 4 Then Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown, and among his relatives, and in his own house.” 5 He was not able to do a miracle there, except to lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. 6 And he was amazed because of their unbelief. Then he went around among the villages and taught.
Illustration: Nicholes Christianity But Not Conversion
For too long there have been churches who have felt that it’s all right for nice people to get together in their Sunday best, and listen to pleasant choir specials and little sermons that make them feel good about themselves and their homes and families and relationship to God. In dishonor to God they say, “Give me Christianity, but don’t talk to me about conversion. I don’t want to change. I want to remain exactly the way I am.” (Lou Nicholes – Missionary/Author).