Show Don't Tell: Mark 6:1-6

Instead of saying "Jesus was rejected in his hometown," hear the sneering questions. Jesus goes to his hometown, disciples following. On the Sabbath he teaches in the synagogue. Many who hear him are amazed—but not admiringly. "Where did this man get these things? What's this wisdom that has been given him? What are these remarkable miracles he is performing? 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?" Familiarity breeds contempt. They took offense at him. Jesus observes: "A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home." He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. He was amazed at their lack of faith. Jesus—amazed. Not at faith this time, but at faithlessness. Unbelief limits what God does, even in God's own hometown.