THAT HOMETOWN JESUS BOY

THAT HOMETOWN JESUS BOY

DOC LYNCH

Mark’s gospel gives us the account of when Jesus went back to his hometown of Nazareth and was rejected by all of the people who knew him when he was a boy and a young man.

“That Jesus fellow is a strange one alright.”

They just couldn’t get past the fact of who he used to be.

They couldn’t accept Him in His present role as Messiah.

The Word says that Jesus “marveled” at their unbelief.

The tragic part of the passage is contained in Mark 6:3 – “And they took offense at Him and were hurt [that is, they disapproved of Him, and it hindered them from acknowledging His authority] and they were caused to stumble and fall.”

It says they were hurt and hindered. They disapproved of Him. They were offended by Him.

They couldn’t put away the image of perhaps a normal little kid trampling over their rose bushes.

They couldn’t get past the fact hat the guy who once fashioned their tables and chairs was now claiming to be the Son of God.

“Isn’t he the son of the carpenter?”

Can you identify?

How about when you met Jesus (really met Him, not the “rumors” of Him) and in your exuberance tell your family and friends and co-workers only to be met with a lesser exuberance than your own? Honestly, I’ve known Him for 40 years and I’m at a loss as to how anyone could dislike Him. It’s really the massive machine that has been built up around Him that has virtually destroyed His real presence.

How about when they start to avoid you because you are just going to start talking that “God stuff” again? I’ve lost some friends. I’ve been hidden, I’ve been ex’d out on FaceBook (oh, the horror). All for talking that Jesus stuff.

How about under you own roof when you hear Sunday after Sunday, “You go to church honey, I’m just not really into that religious stuff”.

“That _____ is a strange one alright.”

Jesus relates.

Jesus doesn’t like being limited, which is what He was as a result of unbelief.

Mark says that Jesus could only do a few minor acts of healing at Nazareth because the level of unbelief was so high. Imagine what the haters accomplish.

The one place where perhaps He wanted His greatest triumph became the place of disappointment: His own hometown.

“A prophet is not without honor except in his own hometown.”

His own hometown for crying out loud. Everybody should always be welcomed home. Unless they’re Manson. And Jesus is as far the polar opposite of Manson. I sometimes believe that even Manson gets a pass that Jesus never does.

From what I can ascertain from that passage the culprit really is stubborn unwillingness to simply acknowledge Jesus Christ.

It’s typical, but not insurmountable.

Those of us who are His disciples today have done it. I don’t shy away from “disciple” I accept it as preferable over “christian”. Lot’s of “christians” are not disciples. Much of Jesus’ rejection is due to “christians”. Being associated with “christianity” puts me in some bad company.

Many are puzzled by our testimonies of miracles and God’s providence in our lives. I can tell you of some miracles that have happened in my life that was not accompanied by flashing lights and burning bushes, but have left me speechless and in awe.

It confounds the stubborn who refuse to yield.

The Rock of Offense becomes a tripping stone instead of a place of refuge.

I would like to say this is all about “the others”.

However, I have seen it right in the very place one would least expect.

I have seen it in the churches.

Time and time again.

There are people in the pews who have never submitted it all to Jesus.

Not in 5 years. Not in 10 years. Not in 50 years. Guilt becomes their tie that binds to religion, not Jesus. Please don’t confuse them. Jesus has NOTHING to do with religion.

The rising tide of problems and difficulties always sits just below the nostrils, not quite consuming and drowning them, but never allowing for deliverance into the full flow of grace.

I call it treading water.

Jesus wants us to swim, not merely tread water.

So how about yourself today?

Fully submitted?

It might cause some rejection from your own household, but Jesus has disallowed any excuse for not following Him fully.

Become all of His. Every fiber. Sold out lock, stock, and barrel.

The decision carries eternal benefits. Or consequences.

Keepin’ it Revived,

~Pastor Doc Lynch~

Revival Life Church

New Milford, CT