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Mark 6:1-13 He left that place and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. On the sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They said, "Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? What deeds of power are being done by his hands! 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. Then Jesus said to them, "Prophets are not without honor, except in their hometown, and among their own kin, and in their own house." And he could do no deed of power there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them. And he was amazed at their unbelief. Then he went about among the villages teaching. He called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; but to wear sandals and not to put on two tunics. He said to them, "Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. If any place will not welcome you and they refuse to hear you, as you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them." So they went out and proclaimed that all should repent. They cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.
Jesus was Jesus everywhere He went. People were people everywhere. But, there's the matter of one's hometown. No matter what you do, if you stayed in one place long enough for people to know you and watch you grow up; people there will always remember "something" about you. And this was even in the days before social media. Mary nor Joseph could not Facebook pictures of Jesus in the Labor and Delivery room. Joseph was not photographed holding little Jesus for the first time. Jesus took His first steps and said His first words without Joseph following Him around and recording everything on the smartphone. Yet, the people of His town saw and remembered and guarded memories of Jesus and whom they thought Him to be. They knew His parents and their status, where He lived, and what He did. So, on this holy day, Jesus began to teach in his home church and many were astounded; not all for the positive side of astounded - "Is this not 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 were offended. Offended and angered to the point where they infused the air with this indignation that nothing positive could come out of any attempt by Jesus to do a positive thing. You and I have been in those settings before; a church council meeting where change is being proposed, or a trustees meeting where the new color of paint/carpet is being "discussed," with the pro-red folks trying to beat out the pro-blue folks and the reality is there, that God is taken out of the equation and the self has taken control. It may not be said out loud, but voices and thoughts and expression are saying, "This is all about me, not God!"
I thank God you have not been one of those; well, I know you have, but I thank God for the power of forgiveness. Because if you're still one of these people who put your interests and desires before God, Jesus will be "amazed at (your) unbelief." Jesus will go to those places where He is welcomed and believed. And yes, it does happen. People's lives are transformed and good begins to take root and people go into the communities and begin to help the poor and needy; children begin to show up for church and even VBS!
Jesus sends out those believers like He did the Twelve in this story. He sent them out two by two to cast out the unclean spirits, to share thoughts and words on peace, and even how to leave those places where you are not welcomed. And the results will be like those mentioned here: "They cast out many demons and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them."
You were called to be a believer and a worker of Jesus right where you are right now. You may be asked by God to move on one day, but for now, shine brightly and do what you know Jesus expects of you! And bless others by bringing peace, hope, and healing.
PRAYER: Lord, lead me to where Thy wilt; let me be Your instrument. This I pray in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
