Reading 7—Who Is this Jesus? 

Read Mark 6:1-30

Well, after Mark tells several stories of Jesus power over things like: nature (the sea and the wind); demonic powers (Gerasene demoniac); loss of life blood (woman with hemorrhage); and death (a child) one would think it would be easy to see that there is something up with Jesus of Nazareth. But upon returning home, those closest to Jesus cannot see it. In his first return home after casting out a demon, healing a paralytic and forgiving sins, his family comes to get him because they think he is out of his mind. Now, on this return home, it is the neighbors who cannot believe it is Mary’s son (a possible slur implying that no one really knows who his father is) doing these things. It seems that the deeds of power that Jesus does cannot overcome familiarity and relationships Jesus has with people who have known him since birth or at least for the past ten or 20 years. Did not his teachers and classmates see any potential in Jesus for greatness?

Amazed but undeterred, Jesus sends out his disciples giving them authority to heal and cast out demons. While the disciples’ mission trip is going on, Mark provides an update on the fate of John the Baptist, whose arrest signals the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. If anything, this account is a stark reminder of what happens to God’s prophets. Not only are they unwelcome in their hometown, they are likely to be killed.

Mark then reports the disciples return from a very successful mission trip, after which Jesus invites them to have some alone time with him.

Has familiarity with an individual, (i.e. family member, neighbor, someone you have known since school days) ever blinded you to the power of God at work in them or God doing a new thing in their lives?  How can a return to baptism (dying and rising each day) give us new eyes to see?

Each Sunday we are sent out with words like: Go in peace, share the Good News. What might worship look like if we then came back the following week and gave a report just as the disciples did on their return to Jesus after he sent them out?

Holy One, open my eyes to your power at work in the world, my community, those I meet or live among, and in me. Amen.

Phil Thorsen has been a pastor in the NC Synod since 2000 and currently serves at St. Mark’s, China Grove. He and his wife Meg reside in Salisbury. In his free-time he plays guitar in the Salisbury Swing Band, Rev It Up or with anyone who is interested.