Saturday, July 6, 2024  

---

Today's Scripture
Mark 6:1–13

He left that place and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. On the sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They said, “Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? What deeds of power are being 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. Then Jesus said to them, “Prophets are not without honor, except in their hometown, and among their own kin, and in their own house.” And he could do no deed of power there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them. And he was amazed at their unbelief.

Then he went about among the villages teaching. He called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; but to wear sandals and not to put on two tunics. He said to them, “Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. If any place will not welcome you and they refuse to hear you, as you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.” So they went out and proclaimed that all should repent. They cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them. (NRSV)

---

Reflection

In this passage, Jesus returns to his hometown of Nazareth, where he faces some amazement and some offensiveness. He clearly changed over time, and for some, that was a difficult thing to accept. We all change over time and have different stages in our lives and events that we go through. It can be challenging for our friends, family, and loved ones to totally understand these seasons of life, just as the folks of Nazareth experienced.

Nothing will always be familiar in our lives. How do we deal with familiarity versus new situations? It can be difficult, and it can also be a blessing in disguise, that we need to be open to. We can open our minds to new things, learn more about our brothers and sisters in Christ, and become a more loving people. These moments can open our eyes to how God is working in our lives, others’ lives, and in our world, and our community.

That was the mission of the disciples (which includes us). We can learn to adapt to new situations within ourselves, our families, and our friends, feeling God’s presence through every moment. How can we be present and open to others in our community?

---

Prayer
Gracious God, thank you for Jesus and the disciples showing us how to learn through other people. Help us to see your work in each other and encourage us to be graceful and loving to all we meet. Amen.

---

Written by Briana Belding-Peck, Family Ministry Coordinator

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

Devotion index by date | I’d like to receive daily devotions by email