Jesus the Nazarene in Nazareth
Not a great time, actually.
Mark 6:1-13
The phenomenon of Jesus’ rejection in his hometown is fascinating. Sadly fascinating.
It seems clear he went to Nazareth early in his ministry. But the details of his time there are quite different between Luke and Mark. (Different, but not necessarily conflicting.) In the end, the result is the same: Jesus is not welcome in his hometown.
But why not? Yes, we know what Jesus says about prophets. And we must consider it. But let’s consider the pride of a small town for a moment. While we can’t impress all our own cultural understandings back upon a 1st century Jewish town, it’s still yet likely true that they’d want to see their own succeed. So why wouldn’t they be proud of Jesus the Nazarene?
Maybe it just shows how deeply entrenched religiosity was. Jesus was Jewish. He knew the Torah and the whole of the Hebrew scriptures. But he looked different. He did weird things. And he declared himself to be at the head of it all.
Mark 6:1-13
Jesus left that place and came to his hometown. His disciples followed him. On the Sabbath, he began to teach in the synagogue. Many who heard him were surprised. “Where did this man get all this? What’s this wisdom he’s been given? What about the powerful acts accomplished through him? Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t he Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” They were repulsed by him and fell into sin.
Jesus said to them, “Prophets are honored everywhere except in their own hometowns, among their relatives, and in their own households.” He was unable to do any miracles there, except that he placed his hands on a few sick people and healed them. He was appalled by their disbelief.
Then Jesus traveled through the surrounding villages teaching.
He called for the Twelve and sent them out in pairs. He gave them authority over unclean spirits. He instructed them to take nothing for the journey except a walking stick—no bread, no bags, and no money in their belts. He told them to wear sandals but not to put on two shirts. He said, “Whatever house you enter, remain there until you leave that place. If a place doesn’t welcome you or listen to you, as you leave, shake the dust off your feet as a witness against them.” So they went out and proclaimed that people should change their hearts and lives. They cast out many demons, and they anointed many sick people with olive oil and healed them.
Prayer
God,
Sometimes I worry that I’m actually missing out on what you’re doing today. I grew up rather religiously privileged. I know the content of the Bible. Very well, actually. And I’d be comfortable in most Christian churches, even throughout the world.
Yet it seems like it was people like me who rejected Christ when he walked on earth.
I don’t want to do the same, Lord. So help me, God: Open my vision to the breadth of Christ and keep me in the depth of his love.
By your spirit & in Christ,
Amen.