Do We Sell Jesus Short?

Daily Reading:  Mark 6

He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. (Mark 6.5)

Devotional Thought: The people of Jesus' hometown sold him short.  Having watched Jesus grow up, they knew all about his family.  They probably knew about his “illegitimate” birth and had seen his father struggle to make a living.  They couldn’t bring themselves to believe in his power.  Because of that, “he could do no mighty work there.” 

What can we learn from this passage?

·       The people rejected him for his messages, not for his miracles.  It wasn’t until he preached in the synagogue that "many who heard him were amazed, saying, 'Where did this man get these things?'"  The timing is significant.  There are many who would welcome a miracle from Jesus, but they refuse to believe his message.  They want the blessings without the commitment.

·       Jesus’ power was not somehow diminished by his geographical location.  The people just didn’t bother to ask him.  There is a danger that when we become familiar with Jesus we will tend to forget about his power.  I’ve been a Christian for five decades.  Do I believe in his ability more now than I did 50 years ago?

·       Jesus “could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them.”  No mighty work?  Except heal?  That seems to be a mighty work in and of itself and consider that Jesus had just cast out a legion of demons and had raised a dead girl back to life.  But they sold him short.  Our expectations of Jesus are fulfilled.  “He is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think!” But remember, it is “according to the power at work within us” (Ephesians 3.20).

Do we sell Jesus short? 

Prayer: Forgive me, Lord, when I limit your ability to work miracles in my life.  I do believe.  Help my unbelief.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 5.1-6

1 Give ear to my words, O Lord; consider my groaning.

2 Give attention to the sound of my cry, my King and my God, for to you do I pray.

3 O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch.

4 For you are not a God who delights in wickedness; evil may not dwell with you.

5 The boastful shall not stand before your eyes; you hate all evildoers.

6 You destroy those who speak lies; the Lord abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man.