(1) v.1-6
Difficult verses:
v.3a Isn’t this the carpenter, the son of Mary
(NET) The reference to Jesus as the carpenter is probably derogatory, indicating that they knew Jesus only as a common laborer like themselves. The reference to him as the son of Mary (even though Jesus’ father was probably dead by this point) appears to be somewhat derogatory, for a man was not regarded as his mother’s son in Jewish usage unless an insult was intended (cf. Judg 11:1–2; John 6:42; 8:41; 9:29).
Everything said in v.2 (Many who heard him were astonished, saying, “Where did he get these ideas? And what is this wisdom that has been given to him? What are these miracles that are done through his hands?) was respectful until v.3. They disrespect Jesus not because of what He said or what He did, but who He was. He was despised because He was the son of the carpenter and now the son of a widow, probably poor and low in social status. Pure discrimination.
6:5a He was not able to do a miracle there
(BKC) There was no limitation on His power, but His purpose was to perform miracles in the presence of faith. Only a few here had faith to come to Him for healing
(BKC) There was no limitation on His power, but His purpose was to perform miracles in the presence of faith. Only a few here had faith to come to Him for healing
(2) v.7-13
Contrast words:
He gave them authority v.7, He instructed them to take nothing v.8, no bread, no bag, no money, not to wear 2 tunics v.8,9
With the authority that Jeus gave them they would have enough to let people know that they were sent by God. Therefore, people would welcome them to their home and provide them what they need.
6:11 If a place will not welcome you or listen to you, as you go out from there, shake the dust off5 your feet as a testimony against them.”
(NET) To shake the dust off represented shaking off the uncleanness from one’s feet; see Luke 10:11; Acts 13:51; 18:6. It was a sign of rejection.
(3) Reflection: In both passages, there were some people who either rejected Jesus or His disciples. The people in Jesus hometown rejected Him out of pure discrimination. People who rejected the disciples were also without reason. Jesus gave His disciples to cast out demons and heal sick people. To reject such obvious signs from God again was unreasonable.
From yesterday's passage, people thought they knew better than Jesus and laughed at Him. That was bad, but in today's passage, people simply shut off from listening to Jesus without reasons. They just insisted in their own way. In other words, they were prideful. Are we like that? Are our egos so big that we just say "no" to God and insist in our own way.
Audrey
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