Seeing Jesus But Still Missing Him.

As part of our summer series on the miracles of Jesus, we are inviting you to read two gospels, Mark & John, one chapter a day.

Here Pastor Mike journals one of his reflections on a passage in Mark 6. (You can open the passage here)

Is it possible to know Jesus well and still reject Him? Absolutely. Mark 6 gives us the account of Jesus returning to his hometown of Nazareth, only to be rejected by those who knew him best.

I find it interesting that it says in Mark 6:2 that many who heard Jesus teach were amazed, and wondered where His wisdom and miracle working power had come from. But what they couldn’t get past was the fact they knew Jesus, His parents, His siblings. They took offence at his claims and made a choice to “refuse to believe”.

As a side note, it might be the closest to you who give you the hardest time for your faith, because they know you. Jesus says a prophet is honored everywhere except his own hometown and among his relatives and family. You can count on that.

 

The result of their unbelief? Jesus was unable to perform many miracles, not due to a lack in His power, but a lack in their faith. Note again, faith plays a part in you and I experiencing the miracles of Jesus. A closed mind closes our eyes to what He can really do.

Interesting final comment, Mark 6:6 “And Jesus was amazed at their unbelief.” The ones who knew Him best missed His true identity and power.

Is that you? Do you see yourself in this account? Then I encourage you pray the prayer “Lord I believe, help my unbelief”, the prayer of a desperate father in Mark 9.

Those are the kinds of honest prayers that Jesus loves to answer!

Pastor Mike Penninga