Mark 6:1-13 (NRSV)
Read Mark 6:1-13 on biblegateway.com
Chapter 6He left that place and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. Verse 2On 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! Verse 3Is 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. Verse 4Then Jesus said to them, "Prophets are not without honor, except in their hometown, and among their own kin, and in their own house." Verse 5And he could do no deed of power there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them. Verse 6And he was amazed at their unbelief.
Then he went about among the villages teaching. Verse 7He called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. Verse 8He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; Verse 9but to wear sandals and not to put on two tunics. Verse 10He said to them, "Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. Verse 11If 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." Verse 12So they went out and proclaimed that all should repent. Verse 13They cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.
Devotion
The synagogue was a multi-purpose community gathering place used primarily for worship and scripture study. The exact origin of the synagogue is unknown, but they came into existence after the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem, which was the focal point of Israel's national, covenant religion. Many people believe that Ezekiel had a prime role in establishing it (see Ezekiel 11:26). When Jesus came to Nazareth, he was the bearer of God's revelation. The message he delivered in the synagogue there both amazed and offended the locals (Luke 4:16-19).
Why did Jesus' message cause conflict? Why does its faithful witness still stir up anger and unbelief among people? People become firmly set in their prejudices and comfortable in their private opinions. Jesus' message challenges the cultural status quo. Like the synagogue, the church is where we meet Christ and the culture is challenged through the proclamation of God's word.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, when you speak, help us to heed with awe and obedience. Amen.