Mark 6:1-5
“And he could do no deed of power there…”
(Mark 6:5)
Mark tells a sad story of missed opportunity. Jesus comes home to family and community. He teaches in the synagogue and the tongues begin to wag. “Isn’t that Mary’s son?” “Why, he’s just a carpenter.” “Who does he think he is?” “He must think he’s somebody!”
Mark says they “took offense at him.” The Message translates their rejection, “They tripped over what little they knew about him and fell, sprawling.” Their offense was self-inflicted. Isn’t that often the case? We allow our pride to get the best of us, or we are drawn in by the narrow-mindedness of the crowd. The gifts of others are compromised, but in the end, we are the losers.
One gets the impression that there was great opportunity for Jesus in his hometown, but given the attitude of the crowd, there ultimately was very little he could do. How often do our attitudes and actions become a barrier to the work of Christ? How often do we share in this sad story of missed opportunity?
Prayer: Forgive my stubbornness and pride, Lord. May I be open to the opportunities before me and learn from you and others. Amen.
Jim Abernathy
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