Word@Work 064 - Mark 6:1-3
Published: Mon, 02/18/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
Read Mark 6:1-3 Jesus left there and went to his home town, accompanied by his disciples. 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, that he even does miracles! 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 offence at him. (NIV)
Familiarity breeds contempt? But that is not normally true for the local-boy-come-good; or the town that glows in the reflected glory of one of its sporting sons. However, in this passage it is astonishing to see how quickly the narrative moves from 'amazing teaching' to 'offence'. Why? Offence is certainly not a natural sequel to amazement. Something else is going on here.
They did not deny the miracles or the wisdom; but to accept that such a man could come from an ordinary local family was a problem. It was not the goodness, truth or miracles that got Jesus into trouble: the problem was that He was in a different moral league, and it was all a bit too close to home. He has an authority that they did not. God, at close quarters, can present a real problem to those who want Him to be no better then them.
Most non-Christians are content for believers to do worship and fellowship in private - away from public view. Out of sight, is out of mind ... nothing to trouble the disobedient conscience. But a public appearance of faith in Christ will always get its unfair share of derision - whether that be for admitting church attendance, reading the Bible, or going to the office Christian group. Not everybody will be agitated, of course - most show a sympathetically patronising reaction. But the offence is there, if the presence of Jesus is genuinely expressed. Don't dodge it. The good news is that the moral disturbance is often the first stirring of conscience. You live out your Christian life transparently (and explain why), and God will move some of your friends and colleagues from fear to faith.
Prayer: Father God. I do not like being mocked or sensing that I upset colleagues - but please be my helper. I must keep on being transparently Christian otherwise they may never see how much a person can be changed by You. Please help me. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
Familiarity breeds contempt? But that is not normally true for the local-boy-come-good; or the town that glows in the reflected glory of one of its sporting sons. However, in this passage it is astonishing to see how quickly the narrative moves from 'amazing teaching' to 'offence'. Why? Offence is certainly not a natural sequel to amazement. Something else is going on here.
They did not deny the miracles or the wisdom; but to accept that such a man could come from an ordinary local family was a problem. It was not the goodness, truth or miracles that got Jesus into trouble: the problem was that He was in a different moral league, and it was all a bit too close to home. He has an authority that they did not. God, at close quarters, can present a real problem to those who want Him to be no better then them.
Most non-Christians are content for believers to do worship and fellowship in private - away from public view. Out of sight, is out of mind ... nothing to trouble the disobedient conscience. But a public appearance of faith in Christ will always get its unfair share of derision - whether that be for admitting church attendance, reading the Bible, or going to the office Christian group. Not everybody will be agitated, of course - most show a sympathetically patronising reaction. But the offence is there, if the presence of Jesus is genuinely expressed. Don't dodge it. The good news is that the moral disturbance is often the first stirring of conscience. You live out your Christian life transparently (and explain why), and God will move some of your friends and colleagues from fear to faith.
Prayer: Father God. I do not like being mocked or sensing that I upset colleagues - but please be my helper. I must keep on being transparently Christian otherwise they may never see how much a person can be changed by You. Please help me. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
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