July 9,
2000
Mark 6:1-13 (CEV)
Jesus left and returned to his hometown with his disciples. The
next Sabbath he taught in the Jewish meeting place. Many of the
people who heard him were amazed and asked, "How can he do
all this? Where did he get such wisdom and the power to work these
miracles? Isn't he the carpenter, the son of Mary? Aren't James,
Joseph, Judas, and Simon his brothers? Don't his sisters still
live here in our town?" The people were very unhappy because
of what he was doing.
But Jesus said, "Prophets are honored by everyone, except
the people of their hometown and their relatives and their own
family." Jesus could not work any miracles there, except
to heal a few sick people by placing his hands on them. He was
surprised that the people did not have any faith.
Jesus taught in all the neighboring villages. Then he called together
his twelve apostles and sent them out two by two with power over
evil spirits. He told them, "You may take along a walking
stick. But don't carry food or a traveling bag or any money. It's
all right to wear sandals, but don't take along a change of clothes.
When you are welcomed into a home, stay there until you leave
that town. If any place won't welcome you or listen to your message.
leave and shake the dust from your feet as a warning to them"
The apostles left and started telling everyone to turn to God.
They forced out many demons and healed a lot of sick people by
putting olive oil on them.
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1.
The message of turning to GOD is a crucial one. It is what John
the Baptist was saying. It was what Jesus picked up from John
and carried on. It is a turning point message. There is no question
but that every important moment in life is a moment of either
turning toward or away from GOD. We are still involved with that
message. The eternal question with this message is how one goes
about doing do. Do you have a formula you use on everyone? probably
not helpful and not appreciated. Do you listen to the decisions
people are making and join with them in clarifying the larger,
eternal issues present in their immediate situation? probably
helpful but not appreciated?
2.
If that short-hand formula is workable, we are probably not going
to be appreciated, even if we are in a new-to-us town. So, given
the state of not being appreciated, what are the bed-rock realities
you use to measure the importance of life? Are you going ahead
anyway?
3.
I'm not sure why Jesus is surprised that the people did not have
any faith. I find I am surprised when I find someone who has faith.
If you had to choose to expect faith and be surprised by its lack
or to choose to not expect faith and be surprised by its presence,
which would you choose and why?