Rejected by his own people

A Gospel Enquiry

Introduction

The focus of every Gospel Enquiry is Jesus and what it means to follow him. What comes to mind is the event in his life when he called Peter, Andrew, James and John, four Galilean fishermen, to be his apostles. They experienced amazing things happening in their lives when they chose to accept his invitation to be his co-workers. The Gospel Enquiry is intended to help people recognise the truth of Christ’s presence in the world and in their lives and to respond like the apostles, that is, to walk in faith with Jesus, and to learn from him how to do God’s will. 

The Gospel Enquiry for today is a reality check for followers of Jesus. It is not unreasonable to expect that Jesus, the home-town hero, would be welcomed with open arms, however, what he has accomplished away from home is dismissed as fake news and he is rejected by those who have known him for many years. Isn’t this happening today?

The Gospel

Jesus left there and went to his hometown, and his followers went with him. On the Sabbath day he taught in the synagogue. Many people heard him and were amazed, saying, “Where did this man get these teachings? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? And where did he get the power to do miracles? He is just the carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon. And his sisters are here with us.” So the people were upset with Jesus.

Jesus said to them, “A prophet is honored everywhere except in his hometown and with his own people and in his own home.” So Jesus was not able to work any miracles there except to heal a few sick people by putting his hands on them. He was amazed at how many people had no faith.

Then Jesus went to other villages in that area and taught. (Mark 6:1-6)

The Enquiry

See

• What happens in this account from Mark’s Gospel? Is the story just about his experience of coming back to his hometown? Or could the story be about his mission to his nation? Have you ever experienced rejection? Or been responsible for rejecting others? What happened? How did you feel? What did you do about it? 

• What had people heard about Jesus? Why did they not accept what they heard as being the truth about him?  Why had they lost faith? And what was the focus of the faith that Jesus needed to find in people so that he could carry out his mission? 

• What were the consequences for those who who did not have faith? What were the consequences for those who did have faith in him? What are the signs of the lack of faith in the world today? 

Judge

• What do you think about this event in Jesus’ life? Is there evidence in Australian society today of this Gospel event being repeated?  Or are there signs of God at work in our society today that give you hope and joy? 

• What insights have you gained from reading and reflecting on this part of Jesus’ life and mission? What have you learned about him that you recognise for the first time? How does this discovery affect your view of the world in which you live?

• If your understanding of who Jesus is and your relationship with him has changed, what would life be like if others came to know him in the way you now know him? 

Act

• What needs to change in Australian society so that the mission Jesus was given can be completed?

• What small action can you commit to that will help to bring about this change in our society? 

• Who can you involve in your action and how and when will you get them to participate in your action?

Image source:  https://www.psephizo.com/biblical-studies/jesus-is-rejected-at-nazareth-in-mark-6/