Rejected Yet Sent - Mark 6: 1-13

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Scripture Reading

Mark 6: 1-13 (ESV)

Jesus Rejected at Nazareth

6 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.

Jesus Sends Out the Twelve Apostles

7 And he called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. 8 He charged them to take nothing for their journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in their belts— 9 but to wear sandals and not put on two tunics. 10 And he said to them, “Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you depart from there. 11 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.” 12 So they went out and proclaimed that people should repent. 13 And they cast out many demons and anointed with oil many who were sick and healed them.

Reflection:

Jesus returns to His hometown and is met with skepticism and offense: “Is not this the carpenter…?” The people who should have known Him best couldn’t get past their familiarity. Mark tells us He “could do no mighty work there… And he marveled because of their unbelief.”

Right after that, Jesus sends out the twelve, two by two, to preach, heal, and cast out demons—with instructions that assume some people will reject them and some will receive them.

Worship leaders know what it feels like to be “known” and not always honored—friends, family, or long-time church folks who only see us as we were, not who God is shaping us to be. This passage reminds us that rejection doesn’t cancel our sending.

Personal Questions:

1. Where have I felt misunderstood, dismissed, or “boxed in” by people who know me?
2. How do I respond when my ministry isn’t received the way I hoped?
3. Am I willing to keep going where Jesus sends me, even when it’s hard?

Team Questions:

1. How can we encourage each other when ministry feels discouraging or unfruitful?
2. What does faithful obedience look like when response feels small?
3. How can we pray for boldness and humility as we “go out” each week?

Prayer:

Lord, thank You that my calling doesn’t depend on everyone understanding or affirming me. Help me stay faithful where You’ve placed me, whether I feel celebrated or criticized. Send me out in Your authority and love. Amen.