August 16 | Bible in a Year: Psalms 94-96; Romans 15:14-33

More Than Family

They took offence at [Jesus]. Mark 6:3

Jon was hired as a professor in a prestigious university. His older brother David was pleased, but, as brothers do, he couldn’t resist teasing Jon about how he’d wrestled him to the ground when they were boys. Jon had gone far in life, but he’d always be David’s little brother.

It’s hard to impress family—even if you’re the Messiah. Jesus had grown up among the people of Nazareth, so they struggled to believe He was special. Yet they were amazed by Him. “What are these remarkable miracles he is performing? Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son . . . ?” (Mark 6:2-3). Jesus noted, “A prophet is not without honour except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home” (v. 4). These people knew Jesus well, but they couldn’t believe He was the Son of God.

Perhaps you were raised in a godly home. Your earliest memories include going to church and singing hymns. Jesus has always felt like family. Or maybe your story with Jesus is much more recent. Either way, if you believe and follow Him, Jesus is family. He “is not ashamed to call [us] brothers and sisters” (Hebrews 2:11). Jesus is our older brother in the family of God (Romans 8:29)! This is a great privilege, but our closeness might make Him seem common. Just because someone is family doesn’t mean they’re not special.

Aren’t you glad Jesus is family, and more than family? May He become more personal, and more special, as you follow Him today.

By Mike Wittmer

REFLECT & PRAY

How has Jesus become more personal to you? How might you make sure He remains special?

Dear Jesus, thank You for bringing me into the family of God.

SCRIPTURE INSIGHT

Jesus had an interesting relationship with His hometown of Nazareth. He and His family were known among Nazareth’s townspeople (Mark 6:1-3). It’s also clear that the people had no explanation for His powerful words or miraculous deeds (v. 2). The Bible Knowledge Commentary points out that there may be even more behind their disbelief: “The phrase ‘Mary’s Son’ was also derogatory since a man was not described as his mother’s son in Jewish usage even if she was a widow, except by insult (see Judges 11:1-2; John 8:41; 9:29 ). Their words, calculated insults, also suggested they knew there was something unusual about Jesus’ birth.”

No wonder Christ responded by reminding them that “a prophet is not without honour except in his own town” (Mark 6:4), which would include Nazareth. Apparently, Jesus was too ordinary for them, perhaps implied by addressing him as “the carpenter” (v. 3), the position of a common labourer.

Bill Crowder

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