*Mark 6:1-13
Jesus returns to his hometown Nazareth and is rejected by his own people, but then sends out the twelve disciples to spread his message.
- Jesus in His Hometown:
- Jesus travels to His hometown, accompanied by His disciples.
- On the Sabbath, He begins teaching in the synagogue.
- Many who hear Him are astonished by His wisdom and miracles.
- Reaction of the Townspeople:
- The townspeople question the source of His wisdom and miraculous powers.
- They identify Him as the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon.
- They also mention His sisters who live among them.
- They take offense at Him, doubting His authority and legitimacy.
- Jesus’ Response:
- Jesus remarks that a prophet is not without honor except in his hometown, among his relatives, and in his own home.
- Due to their lack of faith, He is unable to perform many miracles there, except healing a few sick people.
- He is amazed at their unbelief.
- Sending Out the Twelve Disciples:
- Jesus calls the Twelve disciples together and begins to send them out two by two.
- He gives them authority over impure spirits.
- Instructions for the Mission:
- Jesus instructs them to take nothing for the journey except a staff:
- No bread, no bag, no money in their belts.
- They are to wear sandals but not take an extra shirt.
- They are to stay in the house they enter until they leave that town.
- If any place does not welcome them or listen to them, they are to leave, shaking the dust off their feet as a testimony against them.
- Jesus instructs them to take nothing for the journey except a staff:
- The Mission of the Disciples:
- The disciples go out and preach that people should repent.
- They drive out many demons and anoint many sick people with oil, healing them.
Mark 6:1-13 reminds us that even Jesus faced rejection, especially from those who thought they knew Him best. This teaches us that not everyone will accept us or our beliefs, but we should keep doing what is right. Jesus also sent His disciples out with little, showing that we don’t need a lot to make a difference—we just need faith and obedience. This encourages us to trust God, step out in faith, and share His love with others, even when we face challenges or rejection.
Mark 6:1-13 (WEB)
6:1 He went out from there. He came into his own country, and his disciples followed him. 2 When the Sabbath had come, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many hearing him were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things?” and, “What is the wisdom that is given to this man, that such mighty works come about by his hands? 3 Isn’t this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James, Joses, Judah, and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” So they were offended at him.4 Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his own country, and among his own relatives, and in his own house.” 5 He could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them. 6 He marveled because of their unbelief.He went around the villages teaching. 7 He called to himself the twelve, and began to send them out two by two; and he gave them authority over the unclean spirits. 8 He commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, except a staff only: no bread, no wallet, no money in their purse, 9 but to wear sandals, and not put on two tunics. 10 He said to them, “Wherever you enter into a house, stay there until you depart from there. 11 Whoever will not receive you nor hear you, as you depart from there, shake off the dust that is under your feet for a testimony against them. Assuredly, I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!”12 They went out and preached that people should repent. 13 They cast out many demons, and anointed many with oil who were sick and healed them.