Mark 6:1-6
He left from there and came to his fatherland,[1] and his disciples followed him. 2 On the Sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They said, “From where did this man get all these teachings? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? What works of power are being done by his hands! 3 Is not this the builder, 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[2] at him. 4 Then Jesus said to them, “Prophets are not dishonoured, except in their hometown, and among their own kin, and in their own house.” 5 And he could do no work of power there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them. 6 And he was amazed at their unbelief. Then he went about among the villages teaching.
faithless fatherland
So, you say that you are “called” to stay in your own hometown, and minister to the people who know you so well. How’s that working out? Are you experiencing faithless fatherland syndrome? Jesus did. Those who knew him from childhood recognized both the wisdom of his words, and the power of his touch. But it made no difference. They were offended by this local trying to be something they were sure he was not. They could accept life-changing counsel from anyone but a local.
OK, I admit that most are not called to cross-cultural ministry in other lands. I also admit that just changing places does not make you a different person, or endue you with different power. That certainly was true for Jesus. His power and ability are absolute. He chose to respond to the faithless with less display of his power. But if he wanted to, he could have transformed Nazareth against their will.
I also cannot guarantee you a powerful ministry if you go overseas. It’s not about that. It’s about the fact that there is a whole world out there of people who need the gospel, and if your Nazareth will not listen to you, you should consider the villages.
LORD, speak to the heart of those you are calling outside their comfort zone, into their ministry zone.
[1] πατρις
[2] σκανδαλιζω
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