A Prophet with no Honor
Mark 6:1-13
Introduction
- Jesus is demonstrated in this book as a “servant”
-- Key verse: Mark 10:45, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
- This is probably one of those most straight forward messages in Mark
-- It says what it says, and it means what it means … its teaching history for us
- Read Mark 6:1-13
∆ Point 1 – Prophet with no Honor (1-6)
- As we know, Nazareth is where Jesus is from and prob spent most of life there
-- During his travels, he now has opportunity to go back home
-- Because He is with the disciples, He now comes as teacher (rabbi)
-- His arrival is one of “bringing new info”, not “coming home to see family”
- What we see in v3 is the real response that most people have to Jesus
-- They took offense to his teaching, calling Him out for His “inadequacy”
-- Unlearned, a carpenter’s son, the kid we knew from down the road …
-- What this brings out in people is an opportunity to mock Jesus
- The mocking is because he is merely a tradesman, a carpenter or wood-worker
-- He was not a scholar, not an educated man
-- Probably built a table/chair set for some of them and they knew it
- APP: Sometimes, knowing how people grew up causes us to judge them
-- What we miss is the opportunity to see what God can do in people
-- We cast judgment because we “know them”, and totally miss God
-- This happens more than you can imagine, I am certain of it …
- They called Jesus “Mary’s son”, which prob. means Joseph has died by now
-- They are also taking a pot shot at Him abandoning His family’s needs
-- As the oldest, Jesus would’ve inherited the business; been responsible for Mary
- In v4, He reminds the disciples of a well-known proverb of the day
-- He is not going to get any respect here, no matter what He does
- Jesus has presented them with many reasons to believe who He is
-- But, they choose to resent Him and call Him out as someone incapable of this
-- Perhaps they even took a shot at His being “illegitimate” by birth
-- APP: When mockery comes, what Jesus shows us is to move on from it
- Jesus’ miracles and acts pointed to Who He is … Not His skillset of the day
-- This is what people missed; this is what they refused to see
-- Therefore, even doing a few miracles wouldn’t change their heart condition
- The word used in v6 for amazed is “thaumazo”
-- Jesus contemplates their hearts, and wonders about their faith in God
-- APP: It is almost distressing to see this kind of unbelief
- TRANS: Therefore, He does what any of us could/should do … moves on!
-- This is NOT, however, a chance for us to just turn on and desert people
-- Jesus’ teaching here that there is more who need to hear, through our witness
∆ Point 2 – Sending out Teams (7-13)
- In Mark 3:14, we see the reason apostles were called: “He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach.”
-- These men are called to deliver the Gospel; to preach what they know
-- APP: It’s the same thing we are called to through the Great Commission
- The Law demands two witnesses in order to have a valid testimony (v7)
-- Deut 17:6, “On the testimony of two or three witnesses a person is to be put to death, but no one is to be put to death on the testimony of only one witness.”
-- Jesus gave the disciples authority over spirits and sends them to go and teach
- This is Apostolic Power given directly to these 12 men
-- They were called for this mission, and therefore are given power to accomplish it
- What is important here is to note how Jesus sends them out
-- He is not ambiguous, His instructions are not vague or without meaning (v8)
-- APP: We are given the same … go and make disciples
- Note that Jesus even tells them what to wear (re-examine v8)
-- APP: Why? So they would know their dependence was on God to provide!
- Then (v10), when they found a home that gave favor stay there
-- This teaches them to be grateful and not look for a “better deal”
-- APP: This applies to us as well. How? Bloom where you’re planted!
- Now, we come to a critical few verses often misunderstood and twisted
-- (v11) It was said that Jews could not visit a Gentile area
-- Since there was such a disparaging opinion of those of a Gentile persuasion
-- Even when a Jew visited Gentile land, he had to shake the dust from themselves
- What Jesus us saying if they shut the door, then they couldn’t have fellowship
-- What Jesus is literally saying here is that they would be considered unworthy
-- However … before we get a big head on this: Mark Swete writes, “This action was not to be performed with a contemptuous or vindictive spirit, but with a view to its morale effect; either it would lead to a reflection and possibly repentance, or at least it would justify God’s future judgment.”
-- BIG APP: The action would show them that their choices have consequences
- The disciples would carry the Gospel and preach/heal to all who would hear
-- IMP: (v12-13) The same command we have today is what they had then!
∆ Big Ideas
- The main idea here is simple: “Go and preach …”
-- Jesus commanded the disciples to teach what they knew
-- To do so with 2 witnesses to have credibility
-- And to show others that the choices they make today have consequences
- The consequence? Deny the Savior … be refused by Him later
- Pray
