QT 11/17/2023 Mark 6:1-6, Enjoying the wonder of Jesus

Mark 6:1–6 (ESV) —

1 He went away from there and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. 2 And on the Sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things? What is the wisdom given to him? How are such mighty works done by his hands? 3 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. 4 And Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown and among his relatives and in his own household.” 5 And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them. 6 And he marveled because of their unbelief.

And he went about among the villages teaching.

 

NOTE: There are a number of observations one could make about this passage, such as why Jesus was referred to as the son of Mary, and not the son of Joseph? Also, why did they not know Jesus better? It is possible that as a craftsman (the better translation of tekton), that Jesus had been itinerant and so they did not get to know him. Also, why did God choose this occupation as opposed to many others? While all of these are interesting, the obvious one is that "familiarity breeds contempt." They were familiar with Jesus and his family and so they only saw him as an ordinary man. This lack of faith, combined with the rejection by the leaders, did not allow him to do many miracles. So they missed out on something because it was too common place. They were more interested in where and how he came to his wisdom and teaching. Cole (1989)comments,

 

“In this, they were not unlike our modern scientific age, which is much more concerned with the mechanical question ‘how’ than the theological ‘why’.”

 

In what ways are we like this? Has the change the Jesus made in our life become too common? Are his blessings too common? Have we lost our wonder and the thrill of the new creation?

 

PONDER:

1. Are we still thankful for the good things God is doing in our life, or have we forgotten our blessings and his work?

 

PRAYER: Lord, you are good and have been exceedingly good to me. Forgive me for not recognizing all that you are and have been doing in my life. I pray to enjoy the wonder of you.