Instruction
Scripture: Mark 6:1-13
This passage follows after two great miracles in Jesus’
ministry – the healing of the woman with the flow of blood, and the raising of
Jairus’ daughter. It could be said that this was a high point for Jesus’
ministry. In this passage we read about Jesus being rejected in his hometown, though.
He then calls his disciples together to send them out and instructs them how to
conduct themselves in ministry and he includes instructions for facing
rejection. Mark records these events in a way that helps his readers recognize
that when we take up Jesus message of repentance for the forgiveness of sins
there will be rejection. We should expect the same rejection as Jesus received,
but not lose heart for there will also be successes in ministry and people will
be healed and blessed by God’s word.
Teaching
It cannot be denied that Jesus faced rejection in his
ministry. When he visited his hometown they essentially asked, “Who does this
guy think he is?” They had seen him grow up and they thought they knew him.
They found the change in him from carpenter and commoner to rabbi and teacher
offensive. Jesus took note of that and warned his disciples as he sent them out
that they, too, would sometimes find that they would not be received. The same
is true today. People reject Jesus, so they also reject his followers.
Yet Jesus also laid his hands on some sick people and healed
them in Nazareth. Mark also records that the ministry of the twelve was
successful as they proclaimed repentance, cast out many demons, anointed folks
with oil and healed the sick. Even if the vast majority of people were to
reject Jesus and his people, there will be some who hear his word and are
healed – not just of illness, but of the destructive power of sin in their
lives.
Life
Often we are fearful of how people might respond to us if we
share our faith and hope in Jesus with them. We have seen and heard that what
Jesus taught his disciples is true: not everyone will receive him. Their
rejection of him often feels like a judgement against or a rejection of us.
We should not lose heart thought. Jesus has called us to be
his people. He has made us his modern day witnesses. We might not shake the
dust off our feet at people anymore, but we still have a similar saying. When
bad things happen we, too, say, “Shake it off.” Shake off the fear and pain,
and trust that God can use us to bring release and healing – physical and
spiritual – in this world by the good news of Jesus’ life, death, and
resurrection.
Prayer
This prayer is written
with the theme of Thanksgiving.
Lord Jesus, thank you for facing rejection. Thank you for
taking the risk of entering this world knowing people would reject you. Thank
you for coming to those who would receive you and creating faith in them. We
are so grateful to be among those who are saved by your grace. Thank you for
making us your followers to share the message of repentance and forgiveness of
sins. We rejoice to know that even as some will reject your word when we speak
it, others will hear and you will deliver them from the devil’s power and the
pains of this world. Thank you. Amen.
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