Loving God, you continue to send out messengers to share your love with all who are open to receiving it.  Open our hearts to the power of your Spirit, and teach us to listen to your voice, for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

            Leading up to today’s gospel, Jesus has been doing some amazing things.  He has healed people and raised a girl from the dead.  He has calmed a storm on the Sea of Galilee simply by issuing commands to the wind and the waves.  And, he has taught crowds of people, telling them parables about the kingdom of God.  He has done all of these things in and around the Sea of Galilee – close enough to Nazareth that word would have traveled there.

         However, when he shows up in the synagogue in Nazareth, people are surprisingly unreceptive.  In fact, even Jesus is “amazed at their unbelief” (Mk. 6:6).  To them, he is “only a carpenter” – trained for manual labour – and referring to him as “the son of Mary” implies that he is perhaps an illegitimate child (Mk. 6:3).  Thus, even though the people recognize that Jesus exhibits both wisdom and the power to perform miracles, they take offense at him – or are scandalized by him.

         The interesting thing is that their unbelief seems to produce an inward-focused kind of energy that tries to keep the power of God out.  It doesn’t entirely block the power of God, as Jesus is still able to heal a few sick people.  However, we are told that “he could do no deed of power there” (Mk. 6:5).

         I can’t help but wonder if there are times when we, too, become so inwardly focused that we try to keep the power of God out.  Certainly, as individuals we can close ourselves off from the life-giving and renewing power of God.  In fact, even as a congregation it is possible to become so inwardly focused that there is no opening there for the Spirit of God to be at work.

         However, Jesus’ response to their unbelief is also instructive.  He simply moves on to the next village in order to reach those who are open to encountering God through him.  In fact, in order to reach even more villages, Jesus also sends out the twelve disciples, giving them “authority over the unclean spirits” (Mk. 6:7).  They are sent out two by two, with only a staff in their hand, in order to proclaim a message of repentance, cast out demons, and heal the sick.  They are also sent out with the expectation that some places will refuse to welcome them or to hear their message.

         There are at least a couple of things that are worth noting in this sending out of the twelve.  The first is that they are to travel light.  Sandals should be worn – just like the common people – and a staff should be taken, but nothing else.  This means that, rather than being self-sufficient travelers, the disciples will need to rely on the hospitality of others.  In fact, they might even get to know those who host them - and their friends and neighbours.  They will also learn how to rely on God for all that is needed.

         The other thing that is worth noting is that these disciples, who often seem short on faith and understanding, are quite successful in their mission.  They do cast out demons or unclean spirits, and they also heal many sick people (Mk. 6:13).  Such is the authority and the power that has been given to them by Jesus.  For, where the Spirit of God is allowed to be at work, healing and deliverance from evil are sure to follow.

         These days, we continue to live in a world where unbelief is quite common and many have closed themselves off from the life-giving power of God.  At the same time, however, there are those who are open to the Holy Spirit and who are seeking healing and renewal.  And, Jesus continues to send us out – not to forcibly convert people or even to preach at them, but to share the love of God with all people – and especially with those who are open to receiving it.

         This means not just talking but listening.  It means meeting people where they’re at rather than requiring them to change first.  It means actually getting to know people rather than offering quick fixes.  It means opening ourselves to the Holy Spirit and being prepared to follow God’s lead.  It means paying attention to the people that God brings into our lives and being ready to share the hope that is in us.

         It is all too easy for us to become inward focused and to get discouraged by those who reject Jesus.  However, we are reminded today that Jesus himself was rejected by many, and those who follow him will also face rejection.  At the same time, we are reminded to shake the dust off our feet and move on when any mention of Jesus is unwelcome.  At the same time, we see in Jesus’ disciples what can happen when the Holy Spirit is allowed to be at work.  May it be so in us and through us as well!  Amen.

Lectionary 14B                                 Mark 6:1-13

July 4, 2021

St. Luke’s Zion Lutheran Church

Pastor Lynne Hutchison

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