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
I have fond memories of my hometown. When I was younger I knew this town to be a welcoming place, one of support and honoring all of who I was. Upon returning, after a number of years being gone, I discovered things were not the same. I realized that the community support and respect that I once experienced was drastically different.
Jesus found a similar situation as he returned to his hometown of Nazareth. Things were different. He did not have the respect of those who once supported and believed in him. When we realize that we have lost the respect of those that we hold dear it can tear us apart. The call to be a disciple is not an easy one. At times it is filled with difficulties, loss and broken dreams. But as disciples we need to remember that our hope is not in how we are received by others, but how God receives us into his glorious arms of grace.
Prayer
God, help us to trust you even when we are not respected because of our faith. Help us to put your love, acceptance and grace above all else. Amen.