With Jack Paton.

The reason why the people of Nazareth reject Jesus has never been entirely clear to me. I would have expected a small town would celebrate a local man making good in the world. The text suggests an initial positive reception, but somewhere everything seems to change. Why might this be?

The identity of Jesus is a consistent issue in the Gospel of Mark. In this gospel we hear the opinions of rulers, religious authorities, of crowds of people, disciples, and indeed family members. But for Mark, as our author, the important question keeps coming around to “who do you — the reader — say that Jesus is?” And if you do honour Jesus as a prophet (or more than a prophet), what does that make you? Does it mean new allegiances that supersede traditional country and family values? As you answer those questions, Mark is leading you into a confession of faith.

We do have one thing those early disciples did not, and it makes all the difference. We have experienced the faithfulness of God in Jesus crucified and risen. So, we may marvel at the unbelief around us, but still we go forth, proclaiming and practicing our faith in Christ.

Broadcast on 3rd July 2022

This talk is based on Mark 6:1–13, and refers to other passages from Mark’s Gospel.

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