Mark 6:2-3

And when the Sabbath had come, He began to teach in the synagogue. And many hearing Him were astonished, saying, “Where did this Man get these things? And what wisdom is this which is given to Him, that such mighty works are performed by His hands! Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us?” So they were offended at Him.
Mark 6:2-3

Jesus had returned to His hometown of Nazareth and He was preceded by His reputation. His miracles were well known, and now, as He taught in the local synagogue, the Nazarenes were experiencing the authority by which He taught. Yet they were offended by Him, and they were full of unbelief.

Not much has changed since then – today, people consider Jesus to have been a great teacher, great prophet, or a great man if they accept that He existed at all. However, if you acknowledge that He is God and Savior, they react with offense and unbelief. You know the power of Jesus firsthand in your heart, and you experience the changes He has made and is making in your life. Your friends and family have observed those changes as well.

They may have even been astonished at what God has done in your life. Do not be discouraged by negative reactions or by being treated differently. React as Jesus did: He simply stayed the course of His ministry (Mark 6:6), and so should we, “For surely there is a hereafter, And your hope will not be cut off” (Prov 23:18).

Pastor Jeff Mericle