Mark 6: 1-13 (Common English Bible)

The gospel reading from Mark occurs just after the healing of the woman that had a hemorrhage and the raising of Jairus’ daughter from the dead. This is two different stories about faith accepted and faith rejected. Unlike the two miracles in Mark’s gospel (5:21-43) which demonstrated faith in Jesus, this story is about the lack of faith.

By the time Jesus returned to his hometown of Nazareth, the stories of his healings and miracles had spread. Even the people in his hometown had heard of his popularity, so one would assume they would be supportive of Jesus’ ministry. Unfortunately, that was not the case. To them Jesus was still viewed as the son of Mary and Joseph and not much else. This reminds me of the famous singer Janis Joplin who went to her class reunion in Texas. Despite her fame she was basically ignored by her former classmates. To them Janis was still viewed as just another person born in Texas who they went to school with.

Jesus was surprised by the unbelief of the people in Nazareth. Their lack of faith disappointed Jesus because of all the good works he had done, healing the sick and preaching love to all people. Why would they not trust Jesus?

For one thing, most of the people who lived in Nazareth were poorly educated, if they had any education at all. They could not read the biblical scrolls in the synagogues, so the only way they could learn was to listen to the educated Rabbis and obey what they said. Jesus did not have a formal education, so in the eyes of the local people in Nazareth, he had no credibility. What the religious authorities said about Jesus, which was not good, had to be true to the Nazarenes. Of course the religious hierarchy saw Jesus as a threat to their power.

So why couldn’t Jesus perform many miracles in Nazareth? It was because of their lack of faith. They would rather believe the Rabbis and Scribes instead of the Son of God. So they missed the greatest miracle of all, divinity within the flesh.

God calls us to let go of our assumptions and rules about religion and what we have always done before. Some rules can be more of an obstacle with our spiritual journey to God. God calls us to leave behind our pride and ego. God strips these things from us as the real burden that prevents our journey.

So why did Jesus send the 12 disciples out in pair. A  fellow traveler provides strength, protection and companionship. And a partner also provides credibility, because a single witness was likely to make a mistake. Also with a partner, one is less likely to succumb to temptation. So when the Mormons start knocking on your door, this is why they travel in pairs.

Jesus wanted his disciples to know they would travel the open roads in Palestine, without money and hoping to be welcomed with open arms. Those who refused to show the proper hospitality should be regarded as heathens. After their experience in Nazareth, the disciples went to places where no Jewish person has gone before, Gentile territory. Jesus and his disciples decided the area of the Gentiles would be more fertile ground for the Good News.

Wherever Jesus and the disciples went, they were seen by many as a threat to the status-quo. But we need more people like that today. We need more individuals like Jesus who wasn’t afraid of speaking Truth to Power. Also we need those who will comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable. It’s time for many to listen to their conscience and not large bank accounts.

The people of Nazareth did remember Jesus, but they really didn’t know him. All churches worship Jesus, but like the Nazarenes some really don’t know him. I would suggest they read the excellent book by Marcus Borg, “Meeting Jesus Again For the First Time.” It’s only 150 pages but carries powerful knowledge. And it’s very sad some churches, according to the Presbyterian Outlook magazine, are avoiding teaching the gospels. Their weak excuse is, they consider the gospels too political. Well I have news for those churches, Jesus was political.

Jesus faced failure in Nazareth, but he kept on going. We can face failure but we’re not a failure in the mind of God. God does not judge people on their success or failures. The main thing is to have faith, wisdom, and the strength that comes to us through Christ. When Jesus sent his 12 disciples to evangelize, he prepared them to handle rejection. We should have that faith which prepares us for the bad times and also the faith that can produce positive action. When we do, God will do deeds of power thorough us that can accomplish any mission for those in need. One very close example has been the warming station and Monday evening dinners within the Salem Presbyterian Church for those in need of warmth and food.

As we prepare for the Eucharist, let us meditate for a moment, of a movement with Christ’s Spirit flowing within us to guide our hearts and minds for future deeds of justice that can help humankind everywhere. 

AMEN