Jesus’ hometown of Nazareth was a small town. The people from Nazareth knew Jesus’ background; they knew His mom, dad, and brothers. They knew He was the son of a carpenter. Knowing these things made it very difficult for them to believe that Jesus was anyone other than the son of Joseph and a carpenter.
During Jesus’ ministry, He visited His hometown. Mark 6:1-6 tells us what happened during His visit:
“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 of what those in His hometown thought they knew about Jesus, they had already made up their minds about him even before they heard His wisdom, had seen His miracles or heard His declarations. No amount of wisdom, miracles, or declarations would change their minds. Perhaps, this is why Jesus was amazed.
Unbelief Shuts Out the Possibility of the Supernatural
Mark 6:5 says that “He [Jesus] could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them.” Why was that? One of the purposes of miracles is to attest to the truth of Jesus Christ. If someone has already made up their mind about Jesus because they think they know the truth about Him, a miracle will not change that person’s mind. The people in Nazareth knew Jesus could do miracles, but they still did not believe. It’s not that Jesus wasn’t able to do miracles because he lacked power. It’s that He knew that these miracles would not accomplish their purpose: to attest to the truth that He was the Son of God. These people’s unbelief shut out the possibility of the supernatural; it stopped the blessings of God.
I don’t know about you, but I want to believe God even when my circumstances push me towards doubt and unbelief. I do not want my circumstances to limit what I believe about Jesus. I do not want unbelief to shut out the possibility of the supernatural in my life or stop the blessings of God. Instead, I want to see God move mountains in my life. I want to see God answer my prayers. I want to have life in His name! A life that is full of His blessings, His peace, and His love.
Prayer Focus: Jesus, I want to know who you really are. I want to discover the real you. Help me set aside every wrong idea about you and replace any lie with the truth about who you are. Lord, I do not want my circumstances to limit what I believe about you. I do not want unbelief to shut out the possibility of the supernatural in my life. Help me believe you even when my circumstances push me towards doubt and unbelief. I want to see you move mountains in my life. Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
