“Jesus left there and went to his hometown, accompanied by his disciples. 2 When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. “Where did this man get these things?” they asked. “What’s this wisdom that has been given him? What are these remarkable miracles he is performing? 3 Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. 4 Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.” 5 He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. 6 He was amazed at their lack of faith.” Mark 6.1-5
Isn’t this crazy? Jesus was in his hometown and was disrespected. So much so that he was limited as to what he could do. He went from “power going out from him” from a simple touch of the woman who had been sick for twelve years, to not being able to do “any miracles” except lay his hands “on a few sick people and heal them.” The faith of the people, or lack there of, mattered.
And why did they doubt? They thought they knew Jesus. They know his mother, his dad and his fathers profession. They name his four brothers James, Joseph, Judas and Simon. And even his sisters are mentioned (talk about a large family!) The people were familiar with the Joseph and Mary clan. They had watched him grow up, play in the streets, attend synagogue, go to school and run through the market. This was Jesus, they “knew” him.
But in truth, they didn’t even begin to know the first thing about Jesus. They did not know his true origin, his Heavenly Father, or the sacrifice of his mother or father. They assumed that Jesus was just like the rest of them — bored with life, living paycheck to paycheck, going through the motions of day to day living. But this was Jesus, the Son of God, Savior and Lord of the earth in their midst. Yet because of their lack of faith, his power was limited to minimal healings.
I wonder if we have taken Jesus for granted because we too know him. He know his history, his story, his birth and resurrection. We read all about him, have grown up telling his story, singing songs about him and celebrating holidays in his honor. But do we really know Jesus? Do we know the Christ? The one who saved the world from their sins and who has redeemed and restored humanity.
Our faith is a life-long journey of knowing and learning. We walk through both deserts and gardens and experience the ups and downs of this world. Jesus did the same and yet remained faithful. God gave us Christ so we might know him and have a full and blessed life.
Now is the day of salvation, hope and favor. Now is the day to lean into the Lord, to talk with him and to rely upon his Word. Now is the day for knowing, believing and fueling our faith by loving Jesus more.
Will you seek to know him? Will you have faith and believe?
“O Lord God, you lived in the flesh for thirty-three years while on this earth. And now, you reign with your Father in Heaven. Thank you for loving us and sending us a Helper so we might know you better and have a connection to eternity. I praise you Lord Jesus for not giving up on your people. Come now Holy Spirit. Live within me. Help me know the perfect plan you have. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen