Repulsed and Appalled

Jesus visits Nazareth. It doesn't go well.

In today’s passage, we’ll read about Jesus telling the disciples how to deal with people who want no part of the Message, people who have no welcome. But even before that, he demonstrates it in his hometown.

Mark gives us some details of Jesus’ visit to Nazareth that the other gospels do not. You might sit with them a bit as an act of remembering Jesus’ humanity. Note his family composition. Think about what it must have been like to come to his home town where he lived for years and years, and then the reception he got.

They were repulsed by him.

And, in turn,

Jesus was appalled by their disbelief.

Some of us don’t have to imagine such strong emotions and feelings regarding our supposed loved ones. When it comes to blood relations, everything feels deeper. We’ve noted again and again how Jesus responds to the things of blood relations (and how he doesn’t). But if you’re familiar with family dynamics, Jesus’ experience in Nazareth might resonate strongly with you.

Another feature to note here is Mark’s remark that Jesus was “unable” to do miracles in Nazareth. This can really challenge some otherwise presumed assumptions regarding the nature of Jesus’ divinity and the ability of God to enact change in humans. It should even affect how we pray for others (just what is intercessory prayer?).

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James helps us see what is at stake in Nazareth. Belief, he reminds us, is not simply mental agreement. Even demons, James says, believe in God’s oneness. What matters is whether belief moves toward trust, obedience, and action. In Nazareth, familiarity bred contempt, and knowledge became a barrier rather than a bridge. They knew Jesus’ story, but they could not receive his calling.

(Have you ever felt this severing disconnect with a family member? …a parent who doesn’t understand? …a child who isn’t doing what you think they should?)

Perhaps James helps us understand Mark’s difficult claim that Jesus was unable to do mighty works there. It is not that Jesus lacked power. It is that God does not impose healing, transformation, or faith where there is no openness to receive it. Divine action, in Mark’s telling, is relational. It requires trust. It’s not a perfect trust, but it is certainly a willingness. Where there’s willingness, grace can fill in the gaps. Faith, even fragile faith, creates space for God’s work.

And so Jesus instructs his disciples accordingly. When there is no welcome, they are not to force it. They are to move on. Faith cannot be coerced. The kingdom grows where it is received, not where it is resisted.

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.

James 2:19-23

It’s good that you believe that God is one. Ha! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble with fear. Are you so slow? Do you need to be shown that faith without actions has no value at all? What about Abraham, our father? Wasn’t he shown to be righteous through his actions when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? See, his faith was at work along with his actions. In fact, his faith was made complete by his faithful actions. So the scripture was fulfilled that says, Abraham believed God, and God regarded him as righteous. What is more, Abraham was called God’s friend.

Prayer

God,

Today it’s snowy and beautiful out. I love the change in landscape - it provides a totally different view of everything. A stark change. You have to notice it.

I love watching birds frolic around in the snow, almost as if they enjoy it more, too. I like that it’s precipitation, but it’s actually also not rain. (I’d much rather snow than a cold rain, though I do love a good rain, too.) With snow, the ground will receive the necessary moisture in due time, but I don’t have to feel clammy because of it.

And I love the forced sabbath nature of it all. I can’t rush in the snow. I must choose a different pace. And sometimes, choose to change the whole plan.

Help those for whom snow is a particular difficulty for whatever reason, God.

Help us all to receive the snow as of your grace.

By your Spirit & in Christ,
Amen.