Jesus in His Home Town

This meditation is based on a passage for August 22, 2010 in the Daily Lectionary Year 2 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: Mark 6:1-6a

Reflection and Question: Up to this point in the gospel of Mark, the people have been amazed at Jesus’ teaching and healing wherever He has gone. Now it is His turn to be amazed at the unbelief among His neighbors in Nazareth when He teaches in their synagogue. For some, amazement turns to offense because it makes no sense to them that Jesus, who they know as Mary and Joseph’s kid, would say and do such things. Matthew and Luke share this event a little differently, but the heart of all three versions is the same: “Prophets are without honor in their hometowns.” What is Jesus saying to us here, do you think?

Prayer: Beloved Jesus, we seek to learn from You and be healed by You in Your return home and Your reflection upon the visit. Do Your neighbors simply know You too well, so that faith eludes them? May our knowing You well sustain our faith. Amen.