The Peril of Unbelief: Mark 6:1-6
“1) Jesus went out from there and *came into His hometown; and His disciples *followed Him. 2) When the Sabbath came, He began to teach in the synagogue; and the many listeners were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things, and what is this wisdom given to Him, and such miracles as these performed by His hands? 3) Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? Are not His sisters here with us?” And they took offense at Him. 4) Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and among his own relatives and in his own household.” 5) And He could do no miracle there except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them. 6) And He wondered at their unbelief. And He was going around the villages teaching.” Mark 6:1-6
This was the first major trip Jesus made back to His home town after launching his public ministry. In His home town He was simply known as “the Carpenters.”
On the Sabbath, he entered the very synagogue where He grew up, accompanied by His disciples. But to everyone’s surprise, He went forward and started teaching. He had attended this synagogue for thirty years, but this was the first time He stepped into the role of the teacher.
The people were astonished and began asking insightful questions. First, where did this man get these things? Second, what is this wisdom given to Him? Third, where did He get the power to do these miracles? Finally, is this not the Carpenter and these His family members?
He was most likely preaching the gospel and calling them to repentance. They took offense at Him. They accused Him of being judgmental.
But then the text takes an astonishing turn. It says; “5) and He could do no miracle there except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them. 6) And He wondered at their unbelief.
It appears that faith and the working of God go hand in hand. He did heal a few people, but it was very minimal. Those healed may have been outsiders who were following Him from place to place.
Among those from His family were His step brothers James and Judas. Each of them were later used by the Holy Spirit to write a book of the New Testament.
James 1:6-8 may serve as an insightful commentary on what transpired in His home town; “6) But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. 7) For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, 8) being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” My unbelief does not limit the infinite God, but it hinders me from experiencing His amazing work in my life. Faith is not only the basis for salvation, it also has a bearing on entering into His protection, provision, deliverance, healing and our heavenly blessings “in Christ.”
The good news is that faith can grow! It grows through worship, the study of Scripture, intercessory prayer and serving on the front lines of world evangelism. Hearing the stories of what God is doing for others also feeds our faith. Ask God to increase your faith!
Gather some courageous people and engage in Acts 4:29-31 praying. I love earth shaking prayer meetings where the Holy Spirit is poured out in fresh ways.
It is also important to step out and take God at His Word! This is the best way to kill fear and doubt. If God says it, then do it and expect Him to keep His Word!
I also avoid spending much time with critics, doubters and pessimists. Faithless people mumble, groan and complain. They suck up time, energy and emotions. These people constantly opposed Moses during the Exodus. If you want to walk in Gods presence, separate from them. They will drag you down.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
“1) Jesus went out from there and *came into His hometown; and His disciples *followed Him. 2) When the Sabbath came, He began to teach in the synagogue; and the many listeners were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things, and what is this wisdom given to Him, and such miracles as these performed by His hands? 3) Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? Are not His sisters here with us?” And they took offense at Him. 4) Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and among his own relatives and in his own household.” 5) And He could do no miracle there except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them. 6) And He wondered at their unbelief. And He was going around the villages teaching.” Mark 6:1-6
This was the first major trip Jesus made back to His home town after launching his public ministry. In His home town He was simply known as “the Carpenters.”
On the Sabbath, he entered the very synagogue where He grew up, accompanied by His disciples. But to everyone’s surprise, He went forward and started teaching. He had attended this synagogue for thirty years, but this was the first time He stepped into the role of the teacher.
The people were astonished and began asking insightful questions. First, where did this man get these things? Second, what is this wisdom given to Him? Third, where did He get the power to do these miracles? Finally, is this not the Carpenter and these His family members?
He was most likely preaching the gospel and calling them to repentance. They took offense at Him. They accused Him of being judgmental.
But then the text takes an astonishing turn. It says; “5) and He could do no miracle there except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them. 6) And He wondered at their unbelief.
It appears that faith and the working of God go hand in hand. He did heal a few people, but it was very minimal. Those healed may have been outsiders who were following Him from place to place.
Among those from His family were His step brothers James and Judas. Each of them were later used by the Holy Spirit to write a book of the New Testament.
James 1:6-8 may serve as an insightful commentary on what transpired in His home town; “6) But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. 7) For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, 8) being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” My unbelief does not limit the infinite God, but it hinders me from experiencing His amazing work in my life. Faith is not only the basis for salvation, it also has a bearing on entering into His protection, provision, deliverance, healing and our heavenly blessings “in Christ.”
The good news is that faith can grow! It grows through worship, the study of Scripture, intercessory prayer and serving on the front lines of world evangelism. Hearing the stories of what God is doing for others also feeds our faith. Ask God to increase your faith!
Gather some courageous people and engage in Acts 4:29-31 praying. I love earth shaking prayer meetings where the Holy Spirit is poured out in fresh ways.
It is also important to step out and take God at His Word! This is the best way to kill fear and doubt. If God says it, then do it and expect Him to keep His Word!
I also avoid spending much time with critics, doubters and pessimists. Faithless people mumble, groan and complain. They suck up time, energy and emotions. These people constantly opposed Moses during the Exodus. If you want to walk in Gods presence, separate from them. They will drag you down.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
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