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1 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. He was amazed at their lack of faith. 6 Then Jesus went around teaching from village to village. 7 Calling the Twelve to him, he began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over impure spirits. 8 These were his instructions: “Take nothing for the journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in your belts. 9 Wear sandals but not an extra shirt. 10 Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave that town. 11 And if any place will not welcome you or listen to you, leave that place and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.” 12 They went out and preached that people should repent. 13 They drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them. (Mark 6:1-13 NIV Bible)
"What family are you from?" Not the question a visitor to your church wants to hear is it? But there are churches like that, or better said, used to be. Many churches are truly family churches, years of being together led to marriage between the offspring of friends, and before too long everyone is related. The only "nonfamily" members would be the incoming pastor and his/her family. And the quizzing would begin in hopes of discovering some relation or familiarity between the church and the pastor. And, if you want to make a pastor feel awkward send him to his home church. I had two home churches, both El Buen Pastors; one in Kingsville and one in Houston. I never feared going to either as my career unfolded, but I knew the questions asked about Jesus would have been asked about me. "Isn't this Eradio and Maria's son?" "Wasn't his dad the milk man who moved to Houston some years ago?" The questions were leading to their making a decision to not let Jesus in with any of the honor other communities had shown him. Sadly, verse 5 gives them away, "He was amazed at their lack of faith." Gulp.
Despite the wisdom and miracles He shared, the people took offense because they knew Him merely as a carpenter's son. Their lack of faith limited the miraculous works Jesus could perform among them. This passage teaches us several valuable lessons about faith, rejection, and perseverance in our own journeys of discipleship.
Firstly, rejection can come even from those closest to us or from familiar places. Jesus experienced this firsthand, showing us that familiarity sometimes breeds contempt or disbelief. When we encounter rejection in our lives, especially when we are striving to follow God’s will, it can be disheartening. However, like Jesus, we are called to remain faithful and continue in our mission.
Secondly, Jesus responds to rejection with grace and continues His ministry elsewhere. He doesn’t dwell on the negativity or let it hinder His purpose. Instead, He sends out His disciples to spread the Gospel, equipping them with authority over evil and instructions to rely fully on God’s provision. This act demonstrates that God’s work cannot be confined or thwarted by human rejection or doubt.
As followers of Christ, we are called to emulate His response to rejection. When faced with disbelief or resistance, we should continue in faith, trusting in God’s plan and provision. Just as Jesus sent out His disciples with authority and purpose, we too are commissioned to share the Gospel boldly, regardless of how others may perceive or respond to us.
PRAYER: Loving God, thank You for the example of Jesus, who faced rejection with grace and continued His mission faithfully. When we encounter disbelief or rejection in our lives, grant us the strength to persevere in faith. Equip us with your Holy Spirit, that we may boldly proclaim your Word and demonstrate your love through our actions. May we trust in your provision and follow your guidance wherever you lead us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Reflect on a time when you faced rejection or disbelief because of your faith. How did you respond? Consider any areas in your life where fear of rejection might be hindering you from fully following God’s call. Pray for courage and trust in God’s provision as you seek to live out your faith boldly, knowing that God’s power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).
I love you and thank God for you!
Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.
