Mark 6:1-13

The Choice is Yours – Mk 6:1-13 

Jesus has now clearly demonstrated He is Lord over creation, the spiritual realm and even death. How we receive Him clearly demonstrates the condition of our heart.

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?(NASB®)

What were the people aware of?
After healing a woman and raising a young girl from the dead, Jesus and the disciples return to Nazareth, interestingly absent the crowds. The locals were definitely aware of His teaching and miracles but upon hearing Him teach again, they are aghast and question the legitimacy of His power and authority.

What do I really know about Jesus?
Who do I think Jesus is?

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.(NASB®)

What had the people observed?
Who was Jesus trying to fool? They were outraged at His arrogance. If anyone, these people knew His upbringing. In fact, all His family were still lived here. He wasn’t trained under a Rabbi and if truth be know His birth was rather questionable.

Do I appreciate why Jesus came in the way He did?
If just a man, how would you explain all that Jesus said and did?

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. 7 And He summoned the twelve and began to send them out in pairs, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits; (NASB®)

How did Jesus react?
Jesus was continuously amazed how His own people stubbornly refused to accept Him but He was well aware that familiarity breeds contempt. This unbelieving environment may have limited the Spirit’s willingness to work but Jesus persisted in His mission and upon supplying His disciples with the power to act in His name, He sent them out.

Does my stubbornness limit God’s work in my life?

8 and He instructed them that they should take nothing for their journey, except a mere staff—no bread, no bag, no money in their belt— 9 but to wear sandals; and He added, “Do not put on two tunics.” (NASB®)

What did the disciples need for their mission?
Limited to only the bare essentials, not even some extra protection from the elements, they went out having to rely solely on God.

Do I trust God to supply my needs?
Does my self reliance limit Jesus using me?

10 And He said to them, “Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave town. 11 Any place that does not receive you or listen to you, as you go out from there, shake the dust off the soles of your feet for a testimony against them.” (NASB®)

How were the disciples to act?
Jesus instructed the disciples to be humble and gratefully accept the hospitality offered, not taking advantage or showing favoritism. If rejected, they were to accept the decision but be clearly convicting that the response was a clear indication of a separation from God.

Is comfort and security my strongest motivation?
Do I recognize that to reject Jesus is to turn your back on God?

12 They went out and preached that men should repent. (NASB®)

What was required of the disciples?
The disciples demonstrate their obedience by going and publicly proclaiming the need to change our attitude toward God and turn to Him.

Am I willing to do what Jesus asks of me?
Do I recognize the need for repentance?

13 And they were casting out many demons and were anointing with oil many sick people and healing them. (NASB®)

What was the result of the disciples trust and obedience?
As a result of their faithful submission to the Father’s will, God used them to change people’s lives. They released those in captivity to evil and restored others to health as an affirmation to the good news of Jesus.

Am I willing to submit to God’s will?
Do I know the good news of Jesus?