Reflecting on Mark's Gospel - Mark 6:1-6

In a way this is one of the unexpected segments of the gospel account. Meeting opposition is a regular aspect of Jesus’ story. However, somehow we expect that to lie with the religious leaders and the occupying Romans and to be focussed in Jerusalem. We recognise the truth of the saying that Jesus cites in verse 4 – prophets are not without honour, except in their home town, and among their own kin, and in their own house. But we do not expect this rejection.

These were the people who had watched him grow up. This was the community in which he was known. We might expect some element of scepticism. Isn’t this Joseph’s boy? That element is there, though the references are to his mother, and brothers and sisters. However, we might also expect an element of pride. Even if they did not completely understand what was happening, could they not see that ‘one of their own’ was doing something really good?

The people of Nazareth are full of questions. Warren Carter (Mark) lists these – “They ask five questions: the origin of his teachings (6:2c), the nature and origin of his wisdom (6:2d), his mighty works (6:2e), his identity/occupation, and his household (6:3).” As Carter further comments – “his hometown audience is mystified and does not discern divine activity or the presence of God’s commissioned agent.” They relate to him, as a Nazareth boy, and see nothing more.

Interestingly, as a result they miss out on what has been happening in the surrounding communities where Jesus has been engaging in what we might now describe as Kingdom ways with the people whom he encounters. At first sight it may seem surprising that we are told that Jesus was able to do very little in that place: but it is an important reminder of the place and importance of faith which is frequently mentioned in the accounts of the events involving Jesus in neighbouring communities.

I wonder where we fit into this story. I wonder how we would have reacted, had we been in Nazareth on that sabbath day when Jesus began to teach in the local synagogue. Their unbelief is a surprise to Jesus. It would seem that he was expecting his mission and ministry to make God’s difference in Nazareth as in the surrounding area. But that is not so, and it is time to move on. So far as we know, Jesus never again goes to Nazareth.