Jesus made a splash everywhere he traveled, with one exception—his hometown. When the cloak of anonymity fell away, many who knew Jesus from boyhood failed to latch onto his undisguised persona.

As they heard him teach they responded with indignation. What’s this wisdom that have been given to him? What are these remarkable miracles he’s performing? Isn’t this the carpenter?

In other villages people rushed their sick and hurting into the marketplace for wild parties of healing and health. No so in this town of scoffers. Taking offense, the people refused to believe and the carpenter quietly left town.

Scoffing conquered belief. Same can be true today, especially since Jesus isn’t walking down the street. I must be careful to audit the time I give to scoffers, whose distrust of God short-circuits my belief. Running with a crowd who appreciates Jesus encourages my faith to develop depth and fortitude.

Jesus goes about his work quietly and patiently. Resist the scoffers who ruin his movement in your life. Avoid the mistake of the hometown crowd.

Don’t overlook the carpenter.

Mark 6 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by jesse orrico