Mission Accomplished
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Key Verse: “Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.” Selected Scripture: |
AFTER JESUS HAD RETURNED to Capernaum from the other side of the sea, he traveled back to his hometown of Nazareth with his disciples. As was usual, our Lord entered into the synagogue on the Sabbath Day and began to preach. Those hearing him were astonished at his wisdom. They said from where did this man get this knowledge, and what wisdom is this that has been given him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands.—Mark 6:1-2
Those in the synagogue recognized Jesus as one brought up in the house of a lowly carpenter. They recognized him only as any other human, son of Mary. None knew him as the “Son of God.”—Luke 1:26-35; Matt. 1:18-25
Disbelief and jealousy had taken over those in the synagogue and we read they were “offended at him.” (vs. 3) As often happens even today, unless one goes to a seminary to learn the Bible there is disbelief as to the abilities of any one understanding the Bible. Often in one’s own home there is jealousy of one able to expound the Scriptures. In Jesus’ case the only recognition was that of a lowly carpenter’s son, one unlearned in the religious schools.
Our Lord recognized the situation and simply replied a known fact, “A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.” (vs. 4) We read that Jesus could do no mighty work, except healing a few of the sick. (vs. 5) We might have supposed that the ability to heal the sick would have changed the hearts of those in unbelief but not even this changed the sentiments toward him. It is stated that “he marvelled because of their unbelief.”—vs. 6
What was our Lord’s reaction to their unbelief? He moved on to other villages in his area and taught them. We find the lesson the same for all God’s people. Matthew 10:11-14 gives specific instructions to any preaching God’s Word. Do not force the message of Truth on anyone; go peaceably, but leave if any do not wish to hear your words.
In verses seven through thirteen we have our Lord sending out the apostles, two by two. The instructions given here are worthy of note. They were not to take scrip, (a purse to carry money in) not even any money or food. However they were to wear shoes and only one coat. This commandment meant that they were to be dependent upon the wisdom and guidance of God. They were to leave the place of their abode in God’s hands.
Much misunderstanding has been given to this scripture. The proper thought in any case when witnessing to God’s Word is not to be concerned with one’s own comforts but be zealous in doing God’s will.
We are told “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” (II Tim. 4:2) This lesson teaches the preaching of the good news at the cost of rejection.
The people of Israel were the first to hear the gospel message. If they responded, they would be considered for a place in the body of Christ. As the Apostle John wrote later, “As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” (John 1:12) Most of them did not recognize the great Prophet in their midst.