Mark 6:1-6
Hometowns can be complicated. There’s history. There are relationships (sometimes going way back to early childhood!). I think we see this with Jesus. He grew up. He was well regarded (Luke 2). But when He goes back to Nazareth, where everyone should have remembered how He grew up (which one would think that would give Him some credibility), they reject Him. He was just a carpenter’s son in their eyes. He was just a son and a brother.
I have often thought of this. What was their barrier to belief? Was it just familiarity? Was it jealousy, since He grew up there and should be just like them? I can’t answer for what was in their hearts. I do, however, notice that Jesus expected more of them. He came teaching and doing mighty works, but they reject Him. He marveled (astounded). No doubt He wants them to believe, but speaking in human terms, I think there would be an added desire since He had personal relationships with people back home.
“A prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown and among his relatives and in his own household.” All 4 gospels contain this saying. Many consider it to be a common proverb. Jesus had been honored by people in other areas, but in His own hometown, they questioned Him and did not believe. Matthew 13:58 states that Jesus didn’t do many mighty works because of their unbelief. The text indicates He had done some mighty works, but they still don’t believe. And they weren’t going to. At least not now.
Jesus went elsewhere. He didn’t come to preach to those who stopped up their ears so they wouldn’t hear. He came to seek and save the lost, which requires listening, belief, and obedience! He wasn’t finding that in Nazareth so He went elsewhere.
Oh that we would never be in such a situation! We should always be willing to listen to what God has to say in His inspired Word. Even when it’s a hard thing. Even when we are challenged to repent, change, or adopt a different behavior. May Jesus never marvel at a lack of belief in us!