Study 14
Incredible unbelief and simple trust
Read Mark 6v1-13
Jesus has shown in the previous three readings that He is Lord over all and "God with us" (Matthew 1:23). Although he was rich he became poor that we "through his poverty might become rich" (2 Corinthians 8:9).
Incredible unbelief
He lived as a carpenter's son in a family home - not a palace - but those who lived near Him held Him in contempt for this. Verse 2 shows that they are more concerned with 'how' these miracles occur than 'why'. Surely the obvious answer is that He is from God. But that is not what they want to hear so they criticise His upbringing and work. They could not explain Him and so they reject Him.
He could not perform miracles because of their contempt and unbelief. Jesus is not a magician. In no way was He going to force miracles on people who would only pour scorn in their unbelief. The miracles would have been obstacles to them. Their high opinion of themselves prevented them from seeing who Jesus really was (verses 3 and 4) and shows how we will only see Jesus' great worth if we believe in him.
Simple trust
The disciples sometimes seem like failures. They do not understand (4:10). They fail to trust Him (4:28). They talk down to Him (5:31). But Jesus uses failures. The bible states that we are not competent to claim anything for ourselves but our “competence comes from God" (2 Corinthians 3:5). Jesus promised when He called them (3:14) that he had a purpose for them. Now He shows them all the more that He trusts them with his message and authority.
Their simple lifestyle showed their trust in God. They are to seek "first His kingdom and His righteousness" and all these things will be given to them as well (Matthew 6:34). Having a simple trust in God they look to Him to supply all their needs.
They were to try and get a hearing by all means but never to force themselves on those unwilling to hear. Shaking the dust off their feet is symbolic of a separation from the people. They are not looking down their noses at people but warning them clearly of what is to occur if they do not turn from their sin.
They preached the same message as Jesus (1:15) - turn from your sin to the Saviour.
Time to think
- Why do you think the people of Nazareth rejected Jesus?
- Why do you think people today reject Jesus?
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