Mark 6 - Contrast in Power

I want you to look closely at two curious passages from today’s text—one at the beginning and one at the end; the scenes are almost identical, but the outcomes are strikingly different.

The first scene occurs in Jesus’ hometown, presumably Nazareth.  He is going about his work teaching and healing, but here he is met with incredulous doubters.  The outcome: “He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them.” (vs. 5).

The second scene occurs in Gennesaret.  Here we see an entirely different response from the people: “As soon as they got out of the boat, people recognized Jesus.  They ran throughout that whole region and carried the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was.  And wherever he went—into villages, towns or countryside—they placed the sick in the marketplaces.  They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed.” (vs. 54-56).

The first community is marked by skepticism, and we read that Jesus could do very little healing there.  The second community was so convinced of his power to do miracles that it turned itself out just to touch a corner of his clothes.  And all who touched it were healed.  Fascinating.

These two passages make it clear that one community’s lack of faith can actually limit the miraculous work God is able to do its midst. 

So, a question for our own community: How are we limiting God by our own lack of faith?

Reuben