Jesus left there and went to his hometown, 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? What are these remarkable miracles he is performing? 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 offense at him.
Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.” He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. He was amazed at their lack of faith. Mark 6:1-6 (NIV)
How many times could you relate to being kind to strangers and yet struggle with your family? We were amazed when we dated our spouse, at the birth of a child, or the start of a new job. Now it’s a struggle to be kind when the morning starts off rough or when life throws a curve ball. We lose the sense of value for the special people in our lives when we become familiar with them.
Jesus was the target of these same issues. People in Jesus’ hometown missed out on Jesus’ miracles and didn’t see God in Him. After they recognized Jesus as Mary’s son, the carpenter, and one of the boys from the neighborhood, Jesus was no longer seen as God. When the neighbors realized they were familiar with Jesus, they built walls up, and downplayed Jesus’ teachings. Everything they were amazed by went out the door. Jesus could not do any miracles there except heal a few sick people. In the end, Jesus was the one amazed…by their lack of faith.
Prayer:
God, help me to treat my family like I want to be treated. Help me to be mindful of how special they are to me, and even more to You. Guard my words and actions toward my spouse, children, and co-workers so that I may honor them and not downplay their value in my life. Lord, help me to honor You and never lose sight of Your importance in my life as I get to know You more. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.