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Thy Kin-dom Come Anyway
By Pastor Seth
A Galilean born on the wrong side of the tracks, Jesus returns to his hometown roots in Nazareth with a Kin-dom bringing agenda. With disciples by his side and a home court advantage, it appears at first glance that favor leans his way for the reception of good news incarnate. As the story goes, Jesus arrives on scene with his posse of followers, assuming authority in the synagogue. He begins teaching and performing miraculous works to which the community of his youth and early adulthood first responds to with astonishment: “What is this wisdom that has been given to him? What deeds of power are being done by his hands!” they shout. But as the narrative continues, it becomes evident that the people’s lingering associations about him begin to overshadow the liberating power of this savior comes home, who is left with the temptation to cease his work in the face of rejection’s sting.
Jesus returns home as the Son of God with divine intentions only to be met by the crowd’s quick estimation of him as somebody that they used to know. In reading Mark 6:1-6, I invite us to consider: How are we called to handle ridicule and rejection?
(Congregational Response)
- Hurting people hurt people
- Recognizing that we all suffer, which is not and excuse for harming others but may help us not take it so personally
- We want to dish it right back sometimes
- Christ stands in solidarity with the ridiculed and the rejected
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