Lord, Increase Our Faith

 

 Mk 6:1-6

A Prophet Without Honor

6 Jesus left there and went to his hometown, accompanied by his disciples. ² 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? ³ 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.

⁴ Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.” ⁵ He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. ⁶ He was amazed at their lack of faith.

In his hometown, Jesus found resistance to his teaching because he was too familiar to the local people who had known him as a child and young man growing up.  Now without a degree in theology, this carpenter was teaching them and interpreting the Scriptures for them. It was too much to swallow for them and their lack of faith and acceptance of his teaching, was amazing to Jesus.  Can over-familiarity be a problem for us?  How do "we elders" accept the "young pups" who come fresh from college or the seminary?  Do we listen to the Word, or are we put off by the youthful innocence or lack of experience of the newly ordained? God chooses and reinforces those whom he has chosen. May we be humble enough to accept God's choice.

Bro. Rene

Dear God, increase my faith and humility to listen to your Word, no matter who teaches it. Amen