Wednesday: 4^th Week in Ordinary Time-B

I Reading: 2Samuel 24:2.9-17: It was I who sinned, taking a census of the people. But these, this flock, what have they done.

Gospel: Mark 6:1-6: A prophet is despised in his own country.

The Rejection of Jesus’ Authority: Why Jesus is rejected?

Jesus’ hometown was harsh with him. Most of his neighbours could never accept the fact that He was the Messiah, the Son of God. Unacceptance, unbelief and rumours about him were widespread among his own people; and their unbelief led them to do

Some terrible things.

·       Some in the city tried to kill him.

·       Some friends and neighbours considered him mad or insane (Mk 3:20-21; Lk 4:16-30).

·       His family was extremely embarrassed by his claims and the wild rumors surrounding hi (Mk3:31-32).

The most sever critics of man’s life and works are, of course, those who have always known him.

1.    Jesus was in his home town, Nazareth (v.1-2)

a.    He entered the synagogue

b.    He taught: the people were amazed

2.    Some questioned his source of authority (2-3)

a.    He lacked proper credentials and education

b.    He was from human and humble beginnings

3.    Some were offended by him: They thought of him only as one of their own (3-4): they knew only the human flesh of Jesus and not the divinity

4.    Some blocked God’s power (5)

5.    Some were gripped with unbelief-shockingly so

Thought: The basic problem with Jesus’ home flock was envy and jealousy. They became stiff-necked, giving themselves over to obstinate unbelief. Every believer is responsible and accountable for his or her faith in God. Jesus was perfectly obedient to the Father (Hebrew 5:8).

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