Scripture Reading
Luke 2:7; Luke 2:40, 52; John 19:28; Matthew 4:2; John 4:6; Mark 10:14; John 11:35; Luke 19:41; John 19:30–34
Jesus’ hometown of Nazareth was a small place. The people there knew His background–His mother, father, and brothers. They knew Him as the son of a carpenter. Because of this familiarity, it was difficult for them to believe that Jesus could be anyone other than Joseph’s son.
During His ministry, Jesus returned to Nazareth. Mark 6:1-6 records what happened:
“When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. “Where did this man get these things?” they asked. “What’s this wisdom that has been given him? What are these remarkable miracles he is performing? Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.” He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. He was amazed at their lack of faith.”
Because the people of Nazareth thought they already knew who Jesus was, they already made up their minds about him—even before hearing His teaching or seeing His miracles. No amount of teaching or miracles could move their hardened hearts. Perhaps this is why Jesus himself was amazed.
Unbelief Shuts Out the Possibility of the Supernatural
Mark 6:5 tells us that “He [Jesus] could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them.” Why? One of the purposes of miracles is to confirm the truth of who Jesus is. But if someone has already decided that Jesus is not who He claims to be, even a miracle won’t change that person’s mind.
The people in Nazareth knew Jesus was performing miracles, yet they still refused to believe. It wasn’t that Jesus lacked power. Instead, He knew miracles would not accomplish their purpose—to testify that He is the Son of God. Their unbelief shut out the possibility of the supernatural. It stopped the blessings of God from flowing in their lives.
Faith Opens the Door
I don’t know about you, but I don’t want my unbelief to close the door to God’s work in my life. I want to trust Him even when my circumstances push me towards doubt and unbelief. I want to see God move mountains, answer prayers, and pour out His blessings. I want to experience His peace, His love, and have life in His name!
Questions for Reflection
What does Mark 6:1–6 teach you about the danger of familiarity with Jesus?
Where might unbelief be shutting out the possibility of God’s supernatural work in your own life?
How can you respond with faith, even when your circumstances tempt you to doubt?
Prayer Focus
Jesus, I want to know who You really are. Help me set aside every wrong idea about You and replace any lie with the truth of who You are. Lord, I do not want my circumstances to limit what I believe about you. I don’t want unbelief to shut out the possibility of the supernatural in my life. Strengthen my faith when doubt arises. Lord, I believe–help my unbelief. In Your name, I pray, Amen.
Series Navigation
Previous in the Series: What Would You Have Noticed About Him in the Gospels
Next in the Series: His Humanity
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For more on this theme, see The Power of Unbelief
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Making Him Known August 13, 2025 4:20 pm