Life for missional Jesus was not easy; especially not in his own home of Nazareth.
1. Missional Jesus used public places to teach about the kingdom of God. This included public spaces in his home village.
2. Missional Jesus, evidently previously perceived as an ordinary Jewish young man, surprised the locals with his wisdom and miracles. Not only surprised but offended at his chutzpah.
3. Missional Jesus observes, wryly so it seems, that prophets get honor everywhere except at home.
4. Missional Jesus’ powers to heal are in part dependent upon the faith of those in need.
5. Missional Jesus was suprised by the response of his hometown to his message.
Mark 6:1 Jesus left there and went to his hometown, accompanied by his disciples. 2 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? 3 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.
Mark 6:4 Jesus said to them, “Only in their own towns, among their relatives and in their own homes are prophets without honor.” 5 He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. 6 He was amazed at their lack of faith.
Then Jesus went around teaching from village to village.