DAY #62: March 3, 2009 - Mark 6:1-29

Today, we see that Jesus returned with his disciples to Nazareth. Jesus had been born in Bethlehem, but raised in Nazareth. This was not the first time he had spoken and taught in Nazareth; Luke 4:14-30 describes a visit when the people there had tried to kill him, but Jesus had walked away unharmed. Thus, this trip to Nazareth, recorded in Mark, is significant. The people of Nazareth were about to receive a second chance to believe; unfortunately, they again refused.

Jesus was teaching effectively and wisely, but the people of his hometown saw him as only the carpenter whose family they also knew well. “He’s no better than we are—he’s just a common laborer,” they said. Jesus was almost thirty years old before he began his public teaching ministry. For the years prior to that, he had been at home, learning the trade of carpentry from his father and probably helping to support himself and the family.

The townspeople called him the son of Mary. It was probably a derogatory remark. Such was the stigma Mary continued to carry, even when Jesus was almost thirty years old. Apparently people saw Mary as less than honorable. Mary’s obedience to God in carrying his blessed Son had changed the course of her life.

Jesus was not the first prophet to be rejected in his own hometown. Jeremiah experienced rejection in his hometown, even by members of his own family (Jeremiah 12:5-6). Jesus also experienced rejection by his relatives. His family thought he had gone crazy and most of them didn’t believe until after his resurrection.

That Jesus couldn’t do any mighty miracles in Nazareth does not mean a restriction on his power. Rather, Jesus could have done greater miracles in Nazareth, but he chose not to because of the people’s unbelief—unbelief which amazed him. Jesus’ mighty works were meant to further the Kingdom of God, not to try to convince a group of stubborn people who had already thoroughly rejected him. To do miracles would be of no value because the people did not accept his message or believe that he was from God. Apparently even in Nazareth, a few sick people, humbled by their need, did come to Jesus for healing. And Jesus, always compassionate, healed them.

When Jesus gave his disciples their first commission, he included directions about conduct and content. The twelve disciples had been trained in both the teaching they should give and the reception they could expect. It was time for them to do their “student teaching.” Jesus could only travel so far and do so much. This sending out of six groups of disciples geographically multiplied his efforts. Jesus gave his disciples responsibility and authority to act as his representatives in both teaching and power. Jesus sent them out to witness. They also were given authority to cast out evil spirits.

While these instructions—no food, no traveler’s bag, no money—seem at first to be contrary to normal travel plans, they simply reveal the urgency of the task and its temporary nature. The disciples were sent out and then expected to return to Jesus with a full report. This was a training mission, and they were to leave immediately and travel light, taking along only minimal supplies.

The disciples should also expect rejection, such as Jesus had faced in the Ten Towns and in Nazareth. So Jesus further instructed that if any place did not welcome them (that is, take them in and offer hospitality) or listen to them, then they should shake off its dust from their feet as they left. Shaking off dust that accumulated on one’s sandals showed contempt for an area and its people, as well as the determination not to have any further involvement with them.

Shaking off the dust of a place, Jesus said, would be a sign that the disciples had abandoned that village to its fate. The act showed the people that the disciples had discharged their duty, had nothing further to say, and would leave the people to answer to God. By this statement, Jesus made it clear that the listeners were responsible for what they did with the gospel. The disciples were not to blame if the message was rejected, as long as they had faithfully and carefully presented it. Likewise, we are not responsible when others reject Christ’s message of salvation, but we do have the responsibility to share the gospel clearly and faithfully.

Upon hearing about Jesus, Herod was certain that John, whom he had beheaded, had come back from the dead. Mark goes into great detail about how John’s death came about. Since we covered the story in Matthew, I will skip the coverage here in Mark. Suffice it to say that Herod was weak,evil, easily manipulated and utterly devoid of integrity, character and backbone.
Leviticus 18:16 and 20:21 describe the laws that Herod was breaking.

SO WHAT? (what will I do with what I have read today?)

This passage reminds of what we have studied on Wednesday nights at UCOV, as we are looking at the seven churches of Revelation. As believers in Christ and followers of His teachings and life, we will face persecution and suffering. That is what Jesus is teaching His disciples and we must be prepared for the same.

"In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted"
2 Timothy 3:12 (NIV)

"For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. 20 But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. 21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps." 1 Peter 2:19-21 (NIV)

"Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also." John 15:20 (NIV)

PRAYER

Lord, give us today a heart to follow you - whatever trials, sufferings, persecution, rejection comes our way. Lord, make us steadfast, immovable. Give us a heart to persevere and stay the course. Build these character qualities into everyone of us. Build these qualities into our marriages and into our children and into our relationships.

"Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."
1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV)