For He is God

Mark 6

“Don’t hinder the work of God. His power is unlimited. But if you refuse to trust him, don’t be surprised when eternity doesn’t show up in your history.” Dr. Tony Evans

In Nazareth, the people were so focused on Jesus’ humanity that they failed to recognize the supernatural nature of His words, His amazing works, and His Godship. Jesus did not lack power there or anywhere, as He is all-powerful; rather, the unbelief of the community and the absence of faith caused Him, as He is God, to withhold His supernatural work.

“He went away from there and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. 2 And on the Sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things? What is the wisdom given to him? How are such mighty works done by his hands? 3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. 4 And Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown and among his relatives and in his own household.” 5 And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them. 6 And he marveled because of their unbelief. And he went about among the villages teaching.” Mark 6:1-6 (ESV)

Jesus’ old neighborhood seemed amazed at what He said and did, but He was amazed at their unbelief that would not let Him do more: “According to your faith let it be to you” (Matt. 9:29).

As we share the message of Christ; as we seek to make disciples that make disciples, we need to ask God to strengthen our faith so that we can glorify Him before others. We need to be “fully convinced that God is who He says He is and will do what He says He will do. We need to be able to share His promises, but also share our belief as followers that He will do what He has promised to do by faith as it states in Roman 4:20–22. Our faith will be “counted to us as righteousness” when we are willing to move beyond our ability, skillset, knowledge, or even comfort level to reach others for Jesus.

Our Lord’s response to the Nazarene’s unbelief was to send out His disciples to minister. Herod silenced one voice, the voice of John who was sent to them to testify that Jesus the Messiah was sent and at hand, but he could not silence the Word of God. Jesus gathered the Twelve together and authorized these apostles to engage in an expansion of his ministry. As His ambassadors, they were to do what he’d been doing: preaching the kingdom, casting out demons, and healing the sick.

What has Jesus called you to do to reach your community? Who in your circle of influence has He called you to have a spiritual conversation; more specifically, talk about the Messiah Jesus’ birth, life, death, burial, resurrection, and ascension?

“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.  At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison—that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.  Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.  Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. Colossians 4:2–6 (ESV)

Faith is to be exhibited in all things as it was for the disciples, as they were to take no suitcase, food bag or extra provisions because God would provide for them through the hospitality of those who’d submit to his kingdom agenda.

“And he called the twelve and began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. He charged them to take nothing for their journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in their belts— but to wear sandals and not put on two tunics. And he said to them, “Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you depart from there. And if any place will not receive you and they will not listen to you, when you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.” So, they went out and proclaimed that people should repent.  And they cast out many demons and anointed with oil many who were sick and healed them. Mark 6:7-13 (ESV)

This is a reference to the Jewish practice of shaking the dust off one’s feet upon returning to Israel from a Gentile region. If people would not receive the King’s message, his ambassadors were to symbolically proclaim their coming judgment.

God’s servants later become very weary as they worked as we often do as we work.

“The apostles returned to Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught.  And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat.  And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves.” Mark 6:30-32 (ESV)

Like Jesus and the disciples, we often must find rest and care for the body. But, as many in ministry know, when you have a compassionate heart, you will not have an idle hand. Our Lord interrupted His “vacation” to meet the needs of the people.

Sometimes, however, the most spiritual thing we can do is get some sleep... rest... unplug... chill. This is something I often preach, but don’t practice. I pray you do, as much energy is needed in our daily work, call and service. We often need the reminder that we are created beings; we’re not God. The fact that we need rest is a reminder that we are dependent on the One who “does not slumber or sleep.” With Jesus, continual care for us is His constant ministry. I’m preaching to me here.

“Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 7:25 (ESV).

After such a demanding time of ministry and the feeding of 5000 men, Jesus needed to go away to pray. He needed to meet with the Father and intercede on behalf of those He had just ministered, the disciples, and for the ministry yet to do.

“Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. 46 And after he had taken leave of them, he went up on the mountain to pray.” Mark 6:45-46 (ESV)
How is your faith today? Are you growing in your faith? Are you stepping out in faith and in great courage, often not knowing the results? Are you Glorifying God in your work and your walk? Is the Gospel being heard through your obedience to share with everyone and everywhere? Are you resting and being recharged to do all that He has designed for you to do? For whom are you interceding?

​Know today, Jesus intercedes for you and me, and He knows our situation, our struggles, and the sins that so often entangle us. As we witness throughout Mark 6, Jesus will come to you, care for you, and lead you into His peace. He will walk with you and equip you as you act in faith doing those things, He has called you to do and in the conversations for which He has ordained. Find rest, peace, hope and courage today as you seek to Glorify Him in all you do and say.

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