Mark 6:1-13 – Unbelief of Jesus Friends

Mark 6:1-13 – Unbelief of Jesus Friends           February 10, 2018

Introduction

The Servant rejected; opposition develops. Will anyone trust God’s Servant?  The unbelief of Jesus friends, enemies and disciples.

Hebrews 3:12  See to it, my brothers, that no evil, unbelieving heart is found in any of you, as shown by your turning away from the living God. 

God takes unbelief seriously. So should we.  We should be on our guard.

Structural Outline.  This is what is covered in Chapter 6 

•      The Unbelief of His Friends           Mark 6:1-13

•      The Unbelief of His Enemies         Mark 6:14-34

•         The Unbelief of His Disciples         Mark 6:35-56 

Jesus Rejected at Nazareth, His Last Visit to Nazareth, we will cover today the Unbelief of His Friends. 

Mark 6:1 Jesus left that place and went back to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. 

Here Jesus returns to His hometown of Nazareth were where Jesus was raised.  Most people do not realize that Jesus boyhood days were not happy days. 

Let’s look at the  Early Years of Jesus as this is important to explains these next few verses. 

We find that Psalm 69 has many hints about the silent years of Jesus unhappy childhood and the young manhood of which the Gospels tell us practically nothing. 

We read in the Gospel of Luke tells us about an incident in Jesus life when He was twelve years old, (about the Temple) but really, we learn nothing else about Him until He is about thirty years old.

Psalm 69 gives us some hints and fills in some of the details of those early years. 

*Psalms 69:8 I am a stranger to my brothers, a foreigner to my mother's sons. 

What a strange expression to use until we realize the family Jesus was in.  Jesus brothers do not know who His father is.  The children in the family, (just from hints in the Scriptures) were not converted until after His resurrection. 

We know Mary had other children.  It probably was a very unhappy home for Jesus and the other children as they were growing up. This verse also teaches the virgin birth of Christ. 

Jesus became a stranger to My mother’s children, not His father’s children because we know Joseph was not His father.  They were half-brothers and half-sisters as we would look at it.  

This verse tells a lot we would not know otherwise. Can you imagine living in this small town and everyone in town knows Mary was having a child before marriage.  Possibly her boys, James, Judas and Joses, said to her, “Mother, we heard somebody say that Jesus is not really our brother. They said that nobody knows who His father is.” It must have been interesting when they later discover who He really is!  Because of this tension in the home, it was probably a unhappy home.  

*Psalms 69:9 Zeal for your house consumes me, and the mockeries of those who insult you fall on me. 

Remember, at the Temple, Jesus drove all out. 

*John 2:16-17 Then he told those who were selling the doves, "Take these things out of here! Stop making my Father's house a marketplace!" (17) His disciples remembered that it was written, "Zeal for your house will consume me." 

*Psalms 69:10-11 I weep and fast, and I am mocked for it. (11) When I dressed in sackcloth, I became an object of gossip among them. 

Jesus was object of gossip, He cried and fast and was mocked. 

*Psalms 69:12 Those who sit in the gate speak against me, And I am the song of the drunkards. 

Remember, those who sit in the gate are the rulers (like Mayors, etc). 

Remember what John wrote. 

*John 8:41 You do the deeds of your father." Then they said to Him, "We were not born of fornication; we have one Father--God." 

Can we imagine hearing this as we grow up every day in school and your brothers also hear it.  Not a happy home. 

This one bothers me:  The drunkards at the local bar made up dirty little stories about Him and His mother. Jesus was the subject of this. 

We often think of Jesus as suffering on the cross, which He did.  We often overlook the 30 years of suffering. 

We have no idea what Jesus really endured for 30 years in order that we will be changed at His return to the earth.  

Mark 6:2  When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were utterly amazed. "Where did this man get all these things?" they asked. "What is this wisdom that has been given to him? What great miracles are being done by his hands! 

*Matthew 13:54 He went to his hometown and began teaching the people in their synagogue in such a way that they were amazed and asked, "Where did this man get this wisdom and these miracles? 

Think about it, Jesus grew up here and they know all the gossip and stories.

These were people who (thought they) knew Him well; they were from His “home town.” They had been neighbors for 30 years!  

Mark 6:3 This is the builder (or carpenter), the Son of Mary, and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon, isn't it? His sisters are here with us, aren't they?" And they were offended by him. 

The fact that Joseph is not mentioned here may indicate that he had died. 

*Matthew 13:55-57 This is the builder's son, isn't it? His mother is named Mary, isn't she? His brothers are James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas, aren't they? (56) And his sisters are all with us, aren't they? So where did this man get all these things?" (57) And they were offended by him. But Jesus told them, "A prophet is without honor only in his hometown and in his own home."  

Jesus (first born of the family) replaced Joseph who apparently had died. Every Jew, even the rabbis, learned a manual trade; Paul was a tentmaker.  

When the term, Son of Mary, is actually an insult, in the Jewish culture you identified a man by his father.  So, calling Jesus the son of Mary is like pouring gas on a fire. 

The problem with gossip and rumors when you hear for the last 30 years it changes your thinking about someone these individuals could not accept and believe Jesus as who He is.  They were far too familiar with Jesus. Think about it. 

Mark 6:4 Jesus was telling them, "A prophet is without honor only in his hometown, among his relatives, and in his own home." 

We notice that Mark said Jesus did not honor among his relatives.  

He reminded them of what He had told them at that first visit!  If you remember, they wanted to kill Jesus the first time He was there.  This is the 2^nd time Jesus was rejected in His home town.   

*Luke 4:24 He added, "I tell all of you with certainty, a prophet is not accepted in his hometown.  (then they wanted to kill him) 

*Luke 4:29 They got up, forced Jesus out of the city, and led him to the edge of the hill on which their city was built, intending to throw him off. 

“Familiarity breeds contempt”, saying from Publius, the Syrian, 2 B.C. 

Our own land, our own country is “familiar” with Jesus; we, too, have become a “gospel hardened” people.  We hears so much about Jesus, we become harden to the gospel.   

We sort of dismiss it, the impact.  Just look at individuals lives, how they live them and the fruits of their lives, which looks more like the works of the flesh. The American people as a whole does not believe what Jesus says. 

Mark 6:5 He couldn't perform a miracle there except to lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. 

Jesus couldn't perform a miracle: Why again, Matthew states 

*Matthew 13:58 He did not perform many miracles there because of their unbelief.  (the deep-seated unbelief, growing up with gossip about Jesus) 

Christ had all power, but He would not force His blessings on those who did not wish to receive them. He will not violate our sovereignty or Free Moral agency.   

Mark 6:6  He was amazed (marveled) at their unbelief. Then he went around to the villages and continued teaching. 

There are only 2 places does the Scripture say that Jesus “marveled or amazed.” Here, it is at the unbelief of the Jews. The other case was concerning the faith of the centurion (Matthew 8:10; Luke 7:9) 

*Luke 7:9 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him. Turning to the crowd that was following him, he said, "I tell you, not even in Israel have I found this kind of faith!" 

Interesting, one was for their unbelief and the other was for their belief. 

Faith is more than just believe (we know the demons also believe and tremble).  It is belief plus a total commitment or a total reliance with faith in our Lord, Jesus.  

*James 2:19 You believe that there is one God. That's fine! Even the demons believe that and tremble with fear. 

What is faith? 

*Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the assurance that what we hope for will come about and the certainty that what we cannot see exists. 

Jesus did not let this rejection by His home town to slow Him down. Jesus got on with the business of teaching the Word and going around to the villages. 

*Matthew 9:35 Then Jesus began traveling throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every illness. 

*Matthew 9:36-38 When he saw the crowds, he was deeply moved with compassion for them, because they were troubled and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. (37) Then he told his disciples, "The harvest is vast, but the workers are few. (38) So ask the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest." 

Jesus Sends Out the Twelve Apostles.  This is the start of the 3^rd tour of Galilee after instructing the 12 and sending them forth by 2’s. 

Mark 6:7 He called the Twelve and began to send them out two by two, giving them authority over unclean spirits. 

The twelve: is a specific group within the 70.  Judas was among the 12. 

*Luke 9:1-2 Jesus called the Twelve together and gave them power and authority over all the demons and to heal diseases. (2) Then he sent them to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. 

*Matthew 10:1 Then Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority over unclean spirits, so that they could drive them out and heal every disease and every illness. 

What was their Mission

1.  Authority over all the demons , unclean spirits

2. To heal diseases 

3. Proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom

4. To heal the sick, every illness 

Two by two: In pairs, always in pairs.  Why 

*Ecclesiastes 4:9 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. 

The law always required at least two witnesses (Deut 17:6; 19:15; 2 Cor 13:1). 

*Deuteronomy 19:15 "The testimony of one person alone is not to suffice to convict anyone of any iniquity, sin, or guilt. But the matter will stand on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 

With the disciples going out two by two in different directions provides fellowship, support, encouragement, safety. accountability, and adequate witness. This principle is still a good one to follow in our lives. 

If we look through the lists of disciples, it seems to be given in pairs.  

As a side:  Someone had to organize who went where.  My guess, this was Jesus himself.  Wonder who went with Judas.

Mark 6:8 He instructed them to take nothing along on the trip except a walking stick--no bread, no traveling bag, nothing in their moneybag. 

They were to go forth with their staff as they had it at the time, but they were not to seek or “purchase one. 

*Matthew 10:9-10 Don't take any gold, silver, or copper in your moneybags, (10) or a traveling bag for the trip, or an extra shirt, or sandals, or a walking stick, because a worker deserves his food.

*Luke 9:3 He told them, "Don't take anything along on your trip--no walking stick, traveling bag, bread, money, or even an extra shirt. 

It seems like, every day, God seems to ask each of us the same question: Do you trust Me?   We are still to plan for the future, but Jesus wants to rely on Him.  Every day God will test us, do I really trust him. 

The disciples was given specific instructions not to go to the gentiles or Samaritans.  

*Matthew 10:5 These were the Twelve whom Jesus sent out after he had given them these instructions: "Don't turn on to the road that leads to the gentiles, and don't enter Samaritan towns. 

Walking Stick:  to help over the rough and rugged mountains and for protection? 

Have No bag, no bread, no copper in their money belts:  As well, travelling light kept them dependent upon God. They had to trust the Lord for everything if they didn’t take much with them. If the preacher doesn’t trust God, how can he tell others to trust Him.  Jesus was checking their faith? 

Where were they to go? 

*Matthew 10:6-8 Instead, go to the lost sheep of the nation of Israel. (7) As you go, make this announcement: 'The kingdom from heaven is near!' (8) Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons. You have received without payment, so give without payment. 

Mark 6:9 They could wear sandals but not take along an extra shirt. 

They could wear Sandals which consisted only of a sole or slipper, fastened about the foot and ankle with straps 

The disciples were allowed to wear sandals according to Mark, such as the common people wore. They should go with simply their ordinary wear. They were required to dress as the people.  

Mark 6:10  He told them repeatedly, "Whenever you go into a home, stay there until you leave that place.  

Notice Jesus continue to give orders and directions to the disciples.  They were not to “pick and choose.” They were to be profitable servants, not pampered guests. There was to be no ground for the suspicion that they were seeking personal comfort or special recognition.  Pick a house, stay there until you leave.  Kind of strange.   

*Luke 9:4 When you visit a home and stay there, and go out from there, 

Matthew gives us a little more information 

*Matthew 10:11 "Now whatever city or town you enter, inquire who in it is worthy, and stay there till you go out.  (to examine by questions) 

*Matthew 10:12-13 As you enter the house, greet its occupants. (13) If the household is receptive, let your blessing of peace come on it. But if it isn't receptive, let your blessing of peace return to you. 

*Matthew 10:14-15 If no one welcomes you or listens to your words, as you leave that house or town, shake its dust off your feet. (15) I tell you with certainty, it will be more bearable for the region of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town!" 

Mark 6:11 If any place will not welcome you and the people refuse to listen to you, when you leave, shake its dust off your feet as a testimony against them."  Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment, than for that city. 

*Luke 9:5 if people don't welcome you, when you leave that city, shake its dust off your feet as a testimony against them." 

I just said, ouch, that is a strong and scary statement.  But should be a comfort to Jesus servants.  This shows that Jesus severely avenges evil done to His servants.  Strong words what will happen. A day of judgment is coming and is fixed. 

*2 Peter 2:9 then the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials and to hold unrighteous people for punishment on the day of judgment, 

Jesus just told them, pick a house, if they do not treat you well, leave and do this, there many more cities out there. 

Their job as preachers wasn’t to change people’s minds. They were to  present the message; but if their audience didn’t receive it, they didn’t receive it - and they could leave, and shake the very dust from your feet as they left. 

As a side, why did this relate with the Jewish people: 

In that day, if Jewish person had to go in or through a Gentile city, as they left they would shake the dust off their feet. It was a gesture that said, “we don’t want to take anything from this Gentile city with us.” Essentially, Jesus is telling them to regard a Jewish city that rejects their message as if it were a Gentile city. 

Mark 6:12  So they went and preached that people should repent. 

*Matthew 10:7 And as you go, preach, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is (near) or at hand.' 

The disciples were not to simply, preached repentance, but preached in order that men might be lead to repentance;  Repentance was necessary to change their way of life. 

Mark 6:13  They also kept driving out many demons and anointing with oil many who were sick, and healing them.  (example: why we anoint with oil) 

Why we Anointed with oil, because we know Oil is a type of the Holy Spirit. 

*James 5:14 Is anyone among you sick? He should call for the elders of the church, and they should pray for him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. 

And finally 

*Luke 9:6 So they left and went from village to village, spreading the good news and healing diseases everywhere. 

*Matthew 11:1 When Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he left there to teach and preach in their home towns.