Rejection and Unbelief
Text: Mark 6:1-13 | October 27, 2019
Jesus was ministering in Capernaum at the end of Mark 5, where we saw Jesus healing the woman with the bleeding disorder and raising Jairus’ daughter. Mark 6 opens with Jesus leaving Capernaum and entering Nazareth. This is His second and final visit to Nazareth (Lk. 4:16-30 records the first visit since beginning His public ministry). Nazareth is the place where Jesus grew up (Lk. 4:16), and since it is a small town, the people knew Jesus. However, instead of receiving Him, they were offended by Jesus. In their unbelief, they rejected Jesus. Verse 6 says, Jesus “Wondered at their unbelief.” There are only two instances in the New Testament where Jesus was amazed by people. This is one, and the other is recorded in Luke 7:9.
His disciples were with Him when He went to Nazareth, and they saw firsthand the unbelief and rejection. This is important because in Mark 6:7, Jesus sent out the twelve in pairs on short-term missions. They would preach the gospel, and they were given the power to heal and cast out demons. Soon, when Jesus is no longer with them, they would receive the full commission to preach the gospel far and wide (Matthew 28:19-20). They, too, should expect much rejection, unbelief, and persecution (Matthew 10:25).
For the entirety of the lesson, please see the attached manuscript of the message.
Questions:
- Why did Jesus instruct His disciples to take only necessities for their short-term mission work (Mark 6:8-9)? Read also Luke 22:35.
- Read Luke 4:16-30 (Jesus’ first visit to Nazareth in His public ministry) and read Mark 6:1-6 (today’s text, which is Jesus’ second and final visit to Nazareth). What are some similarities and differences between the two visits?
Answers:
- Jesus says in Luke 22:35, “‘When I sent you out without money belt and bad and sandals, you did not lack anything, did you?’ They said, ‘No, nothing.’” Jesus was not telling them to take a vow of poverty, but Jesus was teaching them to depend and trust in Him to provide. This is a critical lesson that all Christians must learn, especially those in ministry.
- The unbelief of the people of Nazareth never changed. They didn’t believe Him the first time, and they didn’t believe Him the second time. They also rejected Jesus both times. Another similarity is Jesus was speaking in the synagogue both times. In both accounts, the listeners were amazed and wondered at His teaching. The difference is: The first visit ended on a more life-threatening manner: They tried to throw Jesus down a cliff (Lk. 4:30). The second visit was not as openly hostile.