Then and Now

He went away from there and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. And on the Sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things? What is the wisdom given to him? How are such mighty works done by his hands? Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. And Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown and among his relatives and in his own household.” And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them. And he marveled because of their unbelief.  And he went about among the villages teaching.
Mark 6:1–6
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Then and Now
In these short verses, we are treated to a picture of what so many Christians deal with today. When we share the Good News of Christ crucified, we are often met with the same response as Jesus and His teachings, one of amazement. Yet, then, like now, because many have close minds and hard-heartedness, we can often be left as Jesus was, amazed. Survey our world today, and you will notice that not much has changed, as people experience so much goodness from God yet remain unthankful and unbelieving. But Jesus did not retaliate or write people off, even when they scornfully dismissed Him. He took the world’s rejection and, through His sacrificial death, reconciled all people to God. May we have eyes to recognize Jesus, ears to receive His Word, and hearts to believe its promises. By His grace, we are brought to the fullness of His glory in heaven.