When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. 

“Where did this man get these things?” they asked. 

“What’s this wisdom that has been given him? 

What are these remarkable miracles he is performing?

 Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? 

Aren’t his sisters here with us?”

 And they took offence at him. (Mark 6:2-3)

Mark 6: 1-6

At first, the people in the synagogue refer to Jesus as “this man”. They have not yet recognised him as one of their own. They seem impressed and welcome his teaching, and they appear drawn to his message. They acknowledge him to be wise, wondering where he received this wisdom. 

The change happens when they realise they know Jesus. The message was so powerful and challenging that they had to forget it for a while and instead study the messenger. Does this person tick all the boxes for someone bringing such a message? Where should such a person come from, and to whom should this person be related?

Sometimes, we are like the people in the synagogue who took offence at Jesus. We expect wisdom from places other than our own. We want this wisdom to drop from heaven into our living rooms. The people in the synagogue recognise that Jesus' teaching is full of wisdom and that the deeds he performed are mighty. Why can’t they put aside their judgement of Jesus’ family and background and welcome his teaching?

What might you be invited to set aside today to welcome an invitation or teaching from the Lord? 
 

Reflections by Morongoa Selepe

Loving Lord,
Thank you for your unconditional love. 

Help us to see ourselves as you see us. 

May we see those you send to teach us as your disciples.
Amen.

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