Mark 6 He went away from there and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. 2 And on the Sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished, saying, "Where did this man get these things? What is the wisdom given to him? How are such mighty works done by his hands? 3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?" And they took offense at him. 4 And Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown and among his relatives and in his own household." 5 And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them. 6 And he marveled because of their unbelief.
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Why was it harder for the people from Jesus' hometown to have faith than others?
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We generally have positive associations with our hometown. There are so many memories of growing up...of close friends...of humorous events...of early accomplishments (and stories of mischief). Many there remember us and our families and we shared common experiences: weather events, school teachers, sports teams, parades, popular music and other cultural happenings. And we realize that the people from our hometown know us better than anyone......or do they??
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Our early, pre-salvation, days represented the behavior of our natural lives and may not have included the changes that come from being born again. Consider Jesus' words to the pharisee, Nicodemus from John 3:5 Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again.'
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We have a 'flesh' identity and there is available a 'spirit' identity. When Jesus was growing up as the son of a carpenter, he was not known as the Son of God. He was known from the context of his family and the normal activities of social living and family interaction. His ministry didn't commence until he was baptized by John the Baptist and the Holy Spirit came to Him and others around were unaware of His divinity.
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There may be people who have known you well from your 'Before Christ' days, who would not recognize you now from your words, interests, and activities. When you see them you may feel a pull to return to the 'old man' to connect with them. But remember: You are a new creature in Christ and it is they who may need to feel a 'pull'...as the Lord shows up through you!
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blessings,
Rob Smith
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"Death is inevitable. Life is a choice!"
John 11:25
Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live."
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