The title; “Jesus of Nazareth” gives a hint of why Christ was rejected there. Today, we’ll look in Mark 6:1-6 to see how Nazareth doubts Jesus, the carpenter’s son.
Respect. Do we need respect to do the work God has asked us to do? I believe we do.
Yes, credibility becomes important in all walks of life, don’t you agree?
Jesus found himself in this situation when He traveled to Nazareth.
He never gained the respect He deserved in Nazareth because of the hometown syndrome.
Even with all the miracles performed before His arrival, the people of his hometown couldn’t believe because of knowing where Jesus was from.
So, it all comes down to pride and prejudice.
Nazareth Doubts Jesus – The Carpenter’s Son
Jesus went out from there and came into His hometown; and His disciples followed Him.
When the Sabbath came, He began to teach in the synagogue; and the many listeners were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things, and what is this wisdom given to Him, and such miracles as these performed by His hands?
Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? Are not His sisters here with us?” And they took offense at Him.
Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and among his own relatives and in his own household.”
And He could do no miracle there except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them. And He wondered at their unbelief.
And He was going around the villages teaching. – Mark 6:1-6 NASB
Jesus of Nazareth – The Home Town Boy
“I can’t believe he became successful.”
Have you ever heard anyone say these words? Yes, I’m sure you have.
When I attended college, I ran into my principal from the 6th grade.
Not to my surprise, he was astonished that I made it to college. He made his assumption based on what he knew about me from grammar school.
Now, I don’t know if Jesus grew up mischievous, liked or disliked.
But, to these people He was just the son of a carpenter – certainly not the Son of God.
Jesus Teaches in Nazareth
As stated in the Book of Mark, the people of Nazareth were amazed at Jesus’ knowledge and authority.
But, they could not allow themselves to believe that “one of them” could be any more than a laborer.
So, they became offended by Jesus.
They could not understand why anyone would want to follow Him.
No Miracle Great Enough
These people knew of Jesus’ miracles. And, I’m sure they had heard of Him prior to His coming to Nazareth.
But, the preconceived notion of where He came from blocked them from accepting the important message Christ brought to them.
Pride & Prejudice Prevents Belief
Many times, prejudice stops people from accepting something wonderful.
Let’s not let it stop us from seeing Jesus as He really is.
The Home Town Syndrome
“..not without honor except in his hometown..“.
This is what Jesus said about His visit to Nazareth.
People do not always respect Christians for their work. And, this remains especially true among friends and family who knew them from before.
The good news is, we don’t need respect to serve God.
Jesus did not get the respect He deserved in Nazareth. But, that did not keep Him from offering salvation to the world, and to us.
So, don’t let lack of respect or pride keep you from believing or doing what God has called you to do.
We need to remember, the rewards come later.
Love in Christ
– Bob
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