What do you know about Jesus?
“Jesus left that part of the country and returned with his disciples to Nazareth, his hometown. 2 The next Sabbath he began teaching in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished (amazed). They asked, “Where did he get all his wisdom and the power to perform such miracles? 3 He’s just the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon. And his sisters live right here among us.” They were deeply offended and refused to believe in him. (Mark 6:1-3 NLT)
One of the most disturbing stories in the gospels is found in Mark chapter 6. Jesus goes back to his hometown. But instead of being welcomed as a hero he is rejected. In fact, in Luke’s account of this event (Luke 4:16-30) it says that the people tried to kill Jesus. They were so offended by his teaching that they attempted to throw him over a cliff.
Reading this passage recently I was challenged to think about what I know about Jesus. This led me to ask, “How does what I already know about Jesus affect my openness to learn more about him?” The people from his hometown were amazed by his wisdom and power. They already knew quite a bit about him? But they didn’t trust in him or follow after him. Instead their amazement was accompanied by unbelief and rejection of Jesus. Why was this so?
The people had heard about Jesus. They knew that he had been teaching and performing miracles in the neighbouring towns. This impressed them. But what they already knew about Jesus shut them down to the possibility of finding out more about him. They questioned his right to speak God’s word into their lives. They dismissed him with insults as just a carpenter and Mary’s illegitimate son. Their questions were “closed” not “open”. They were designed to put Jesus in his place and keep him at a distance. They didn’t really want answers.
What is most surprising is that the people who knew Jesus best rejected him the worst. They embodied the sayings, “a little knowledge is dangerous” and “familiarity breeds contempt”. What they already knew about Jesus limited their openness to knowing and trusting him more deeply. Instead of arousing their curiosity it made them proud and arrogant.
But even though he was a “prophet without honour” in his hometown, Jesus was still a prophet. He spoke God’s message with power and authority. The rejection of his own people didn’t stop him moving on to others who wanted his help in their lives. Nor did it deter him from willingly dying on the cross for our sins. Now God has honoured this “despised and rejected One”. (Philippians 2:1-11)
What do you already know about Jesus? How does it help or hinder you getting to know and trust him more fully? Are you asking God “open” or “closed” questions?
One of the most disturbing stories in the gospels is found in Mark chapter 6. Jesus goes back to his hometown. But instead of being welcomed as a hero he is rejected. In fact, in Luke’s account of this event (Luke 4:16-30) it says that the people tried to kill Jesus. They were so offended by his teaching that they attempted to throw him over a cliff.
Reading this passage recently I was challenged to think about what I know about Jesus. This led me to ask, “How does what I already know about Jesus affect my openness to learn more about him?” The people from his hometown were amazed by his wisdom and power. They already knew quite a bit about him? But they didn’t trust in him or follow after him. Instead their amazement was accompanied by unbelief and rejection of Jesus. Why was this so?
The people had heard about Jesus. They knew that he had been teaching and performing miracles in the neighbouring towns. This impressed them. But what they already knew about Jesus shut them down to the possibility of finding out more about him. They questioned his right to speak God’s word into their lives. They dismissed him with insults as just a carpenter and Mary’s illegitimate son. Their questions were “closed” not “open”. They were designed to put Jesus in his place and keep him at a distance. They didn’t really want answers.
What is most surprising is that the people who knew Jesus best rejected him the worst. They embodied the sayings, “a little knowledge is dangerous” and “familiarity breeds contempt”. What they already knew about Jesus limited their openness to knowing and trusting him more deeply. Instead of arousing their curiosity it made them proud and arrogant.
But even though he was a “prophet without honour” in his hometown, Jesus was still a prophet. He spoke God’s message with power and authority. The rejection of his own people didn’t stop him moving on to others who wanted his help in their lives. Nor did it deter him from willingly dying on the cross for our sins. Now God has honoured this “despised and rejected One”. (Philippians 2:1-11)
What do you already know about Jesus? How does it help or hinder you getting to know and trust him more fully? Are you asking God “open” or “closed” questions?
posted by Peter Wilson at 10:07 AM
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