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January 20, 2022

Mark 6:1-6

Jesus left there and went to his hometown, accompanied by his disciples. 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.

New International Version (NIV)

My study of family systems led me to spend a number of weeks in Richmond, Virginia. The story is told there of a guest who noticed an old colonial era musket hanging on a wall. The plaque beneath the firearm dated it to the Revolutionary War. The guest asked the homeowner if his ancestor had used it to help win the revolutionary war. The homeowner amazed him by saying, “No. My grandfather did not join the war effort because he did not think George Washington was much of a leader.”

On the whole Jesus was more likely to amaze people than to be amazed by them. When Jesus performed miracles and taught he amazed people. But in his own hometown of Nazareth, the people amazed him by their lack of faith. Some just couldn’t believe the carpenter, Mary’s son was the messiah. They were offended that Jesus came home teaching. So many cities had honored Jesus. But not Nazareth. Jesus could not do many miracles there. Why? Their lack of faith.

This made me wonder if Jesus is ever amazed at us. Is there any way in which we mistrust him or underestimate his sovereignty today? What does Jesus want to do in our lives? Do we believe he can do anything he chooses? Or is he amazed at our lack of faith? Let’s carefully consider our faith today. As we trust Jesus more and more we will be amazed by him, and he will not be amazed by our lack of faith.

Pray with me:
Father, forgive us for ever underestimating your sovereignty. We believe you can do anything you choose. Have your way in our lives and in your church as we place our trust in you. We are amazed by you. Please continue to grow our faith, we pray. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Our 2022 Every Day with Jesus readings will cover the whole Bible in one year. Copies of the reading plan are available at Tallowood Baptist Church, or download your copy here:

2022 Reading Plan

We would love for you to join us as we read through the Bible this year. In addition, I will continue my long-standing practice of reading one Psalm a day through the year. As we journal together this year, Highlight a verse that stands out to you, Explain what it means, Apply that truth to your life and Respond to what you’ve read with an action or prayer.

Joyfully,
Duane

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Houston, TX | 77024 US

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