Mark 6:1-6
In this passage, Jesus is preaching in his hometown of Nazareth, where he grew up as a carpenter's son, and his family was well known. They couldn't believe that this boy that they had known could speak with such authority and do miracles.

Because of their lack of faith--they could only see the boy Jesus that they had known, and not the Son of God, the Messiah--Jesus was unable to do many miracles.

Sometimes it seems it's easier to go halfway around the world to minister to people than it is in our own backyard--even in our own family. I've been amazed to watch the power of God work as I've traveled on missions trips to Ecuador, and see lives dramatically changed when God's people come to minister to them. But at home, it is somehow harder to be a "missionary"--which really is only one sent by God to do his work. We get caught up with daily tasks or assume that those closest to us already know God in the same way we do, and we don't need to proclaim his message in our words or actions.

Jesus didn't give up on his hometown--he did come and preach there, and he was able to heal a few sick. We should seek to minister to those closest to us--knowing that it may be difficult, but worth all the effort in the end.

- posted by Suzi @ 7:59 PM