Mark 6:1-13

Introduction

Mark 6:1–13: After preaching and healing people throughout Galilee, Jesus returns to Nazareth, his hometown, but is rejected by the people there. He then commissions the twelve disciples, giving them authority to cast out demons.

Today’s Key Verse: Mark 6:12

[The disciples] went out and preached that people should turn away from their sins.

Reading

6 Jesus left that place and went back to his hometown, followed by his disciples. ² On the Sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue. Many people were there; and when they heard him, they were all amazed. “Where did he get all this?” they asked. “What wisdom is this that has been given him? How does he perform miracles? ³ Isn’t he the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon? Aren’t his sisters living here?” And so they rejected him.

⁴ Jesus said to them, “Prophets are respected everywhere except in their own hometown and by their relatives and their family.”

⁵ He was not able to perform any miracles there, except that he placed his hands on a few sick people and healed them. ⁶ He was greatly surprised, because the people did not have faith.

Then Jesus went to the villages around there, teaching the people. ⁷ He called the twelve disciples together and sent them out two by two. He gave them authority over the evil spirits ⁸ and ordered them, “Don’t take anything with you on the trip except a walking stick—no bread, no beggar’s bag, no money in your pockets. ⁹ Wear sandals, but don’t carry an extra shirt.” ¹⁰ He also told them, “Wherever you are welcomed, stay in the same house until you leave that place. ¹¹ If you come to a town where people do not welcome you or will not listen to you, leave it and shake the dust off your feet. That will be a warning to them!”

¹² So they went out and preached that people should turn away from their sins. ¹³ They drove out many demons, and rubbed olive oil on many sick people and healed them.

Reflect

Why did the people in Jesus’s hometown reject him? Are there people today who are rejected for preaching the Good News? In what ways can communities of faith affirm and support those among them who engage in public ministry? What instructions did Jesus give his disciples? What were they able to do?

Pray

You have called me, Lord Jesus, to follow you. Help me to be a bold witness for you and tell others about your saving love. In your holy name, I pray. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Mark 7:1–13: The religious leaders question Jesus about ritual purity.