Mark 6:1-6
The Sin of Unbelief
(also found in Matthew 13:53-58)
Then He went out from there and came to His own country, and His disciples followed Him. And when the Sabbath had come, He began to teach in the synagogue. And many hearing Him were astonished, saying, “Where did this Man get these things? And what wisdom is this which is given to Him, that such mighty works are performed by His hands! Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us?” So they were offended at Him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house.” Now He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them. And He marveled because of their unbelief. Then He went about the villages in a circuit, teaching.
Introduction - Mural artist J. H. Zorthian
A mural artist named J.H. Zorthian read about a tiny boy who had been killed in traffic. His stomach churned as he thought of that ever happening to one of his three children. His worry became an inescapable anxiety. The more he imagined such a tragedy, the more fearful he became. His effectiveness as an artist was put on hold once he started running scared. At last he surrendered to his obsession. Canceling his negotiations to purchase a large house in busy Pasadena, California, he began to seek a place where his children would be safe.
His pursuit became so intense that he set aside all his work while scheming and planning every possible means to protect his children from harm. He tried to imagine the presence of danger in everything. The location of the residence was critical. It must be sizable and remote, so he bought twelve acres, perched on a mountain at the end of a long, winding, narrow road. At each turn along the road he posted signs, "Children at Play." Before starting construction on the house itself, Zorthian personally built and fenced a play yard for his three children. He built it in such a way that it was impossible for a car to get within fifty feet of it. Next...the house.
With meticulous care he blended beauty and safety into the place. He put into it various shades of the designs he had concentrated in the murals he had hanging in forty-two public buildings in eastern cities. Only this time his objective was more than colorful art...most of all, it had to be safe and secure. He made sure of that. Finally, the garage was to be built. Only one automobile ever drove into that garage--Zorthian’s. He stood back and surveyed every possibility of danger to his children. He could think of only one remaining hazard. He had to back out of the garage. He might, in some hurried moment, back over one of the children. He immediately made plans for a protected turnaround. The contractor returned and set the forms for that additional area, but before the cement could be poured, a downpour stopped the project. It was the first rainfall in many weeks of a long West Coast drought. It if had not rained that week, the concrete turn-around would have been completed and been in use by Sunday. That was February 9, 1947... the day his eighteen-month old son, Tiran, squirmed away from his sister’s grasp and ran behind the car as Zorthian drove it from the garage. The child was killed instantly. Swindoll, The Quest For Character, Multnomah, p. 81-2.
We, like Zorthian, can project a fearful and fatalistic element in our lives. It is the act of unbelief. God is in control of all things and wants us to enjoy a full relationship with Him. We must learn to trust Him in every aspect of our lives.
In verses 1-2, we see…
An Art of PESSIMISM
We see the love and Affection of Jesus displayed. Rejected once before by His family and community, Jesus returned to His hometown of Nazareth. He loved the folks in His community. He wanted them to experience the love and forgiveness God was offering. So, attending the synagogue on the Sabbath, He taught the Word and demonstrated His power in their presence.
But, notice the community’s Perception of Jesus. Yes, they may have considered Him a Rabbi or teacher, but He couldn’t be anything more than that! They considered His education and upbringing. Why, He grew up among them and their children. He was one of them. He certainly couldn’t be the Messiah.
Then detect the obvious Rejection of Jesus. He came unto His own and was rejected by them. They simply would not trust Him for who he said he was.
Illustration - Perspective
An airline pilot flying over the southeastern U.S. called the local tower and said, "We are passing over at 35,000--give us a time check." The tower said, "What airline are you?" "What difference does it make? I just want the time." replied the pilot. The tower responded, "Oh, it makes a lot of difference. If you are TransWorld Airline or Pan Am, it is 1600. If you are United or Delta, it is 4 o’clock. If you are Southern Airways, the little hand is on the 4 and the big hand is on the 12. If you are Skyway Airlines--it’s Thursday." Peter Dieson, The Priority of Knowing God, p.91.
Jesus’ hometown people were very pessimistic concerning His ministry. They were looking through the world’s eyes of anticipating a reigning King not a suffering servant.
Then we see…
An Attitude of CRITICISM in verses 3-4.
Look and listen to their response to Him.
First, listen to their Questions. They asked “where, what and how”. Where did He get His training? Did He go to a credentialed and accredited school of theology? How can He know so much? They also questioned who the author of His power was. Was it God or Satan? And they also questioned His heritage. He was a simple carpenter and the son of Mary. This implies both His meek surroundings and His lineage. More will be said on this later.
Then, consider their Familiarity. They knew Jesus since He was a little boy. Many of them had grown up with Him. They had known Him for years. It was hard to swallow that He could be more than a Rabbi. Isn’t that the way it is to some who grew up in church? The surroundings are familiar and we are used to “godliness”. But yet each person must make their decision regarding Christ. My children won’t get into heaven on my coat-tails. They must choose for themselves.
Finally, watch their Contempt. They questioned His education and training. They questioned where He received His power and authority. But most of all, they questioned His pedigree. Rumors probably surrounded Him all His life that He certainly wasn’t the son of Joseph. This reference to His being Mary’s son is meant as a statement of disgrace for Him and her. His background was questionable to them. Joseph had been deceased for several years and still they doubted His birth origin. Their attitude was “He is certainly no better than any of us!”
Illustration - Criticism, W. Churchill or Fool
Winston Churchill exemplified integrity and respect in the face of opposition. During his last year in office, he attended an official ceremony. Several rows behind him two gentlemen began whispering. "That’s Winston Churchill." "They say he is getting senile." "They say he should step aside and leave the running of the nation to more dynamic and capable men." When the ceremony was over, Churchill turned to the men and said, "Gentlemen, they also say he is deaf!" Barbara Hatcher, Vital Speeches, March 1, 1987.
If you are a Christian, you can expect folks to criticize, but you ought to live so nobody will believe them.
Fool
Don’t write or say anything that you won’t sign your name to. If you receive a negative, anonymous note, ignore it! If they’re not willing to sign their name, it’s not worth reading don’t take heed to it. Like the pastor who received an anonymous note with nothing but the word "FOOL!" written on it. The next morning he got in church and said, "I’ve gotten many notes without signatures before but this is the first time I got one where someone forgot to write the note and just signed his name!" Source Unknown.
If you are in the ministry or in ministry, expect to receive criticism! Even Jesus, the perfect Son of God, was criticized! Why should you be any different? Your failures and shortcomings will always be pointed out by those who know you. Just remember that God has forgiven your past through the precious blood of His Son. Our authority, strength and power originate from Jesus and His righteousness!
Finally we see…
An Act of SKEPTICISM 5-6
Often, human actions are insincere and motivated by self-interest. It was fascinating the skepticism Jesus received from the people in His own community.
First, we see they were Cold. They were, for the most part, very non-receptive to His message. So much so that the scripture indicates that even Jesus was able to do very little while there.
Then we discern they were Critical. They watched Him as he grew up both before them and among them. They thought they really knew Him. We too, often criticize that which we are familiar with.
Third, we note they were Caustic. You can almost feel the razor sharp and cutting words spoken in His presence and behind His back. They simply would not believe in the goodness and grace of God.
Observe the response recorded in the scripture.
First, we note the people’s response was one of astonishment! They were in essence struck senseless or amazed beyond belief! How could this Man do these things?
Second, see that they were offended! This meant that Jesus was a stumbling block to them. They simply could not and would not believe who He was.
And finally, because of their unbelief, notice how Jesus marveled! Just as others marveled at the works He did, Jesus was amazed at how they would not believe!
Illustration - Opportunities Missed
There was a very cautious man
Who never laughed or played;
He never risked, he never tried,
He never sang or prayed.
And when he one day passed away
His insurance was denied;
For since he never really lived,
They claimed he never died!
Source Unknown.
The townspeople of Nazareth missed a great blessing because of the sin of unbelief. Don’t repeat their mistake.
So, how do we avoid or confront the sin of unbelief?
First, recognize the presence and plans of God. He has a purpose even in your sufferings. He wants to be involved in your life. Trust Him!
Second, realize the flaws of our unbelief. There are a few who never struggle with unbelief. I believe that is the exception rather than the rule. BUT, God wants you to trust Him completely, even when you wonder if you can. We are flawed and sinful. Know what yours are.
Third, repent from the sin of unbelief toward God. To repent simply means to turn from the direction you are headed. God always comes through.
And finally, return to a loving, compassionate & forgiving Father. This is a means of re-dedicating yourself to Him through His loving grace!
