Mark 6:1-6
Chapter 6
1
In the Synagogue of Nazareth
Leaving that place, Jesus went back to his hometown, and his disciples followed him.2
When the Sabbath arrived, he began teaching in the synagogue, and most who listened were amazed. But they asked:
“Where did this man get all these? What kind of wisdom has been given him? What deeds of power are being done by his hands!
3
Is he not the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?”
So they took offense at him.
4
And Jesus said to them:
“Prophets are despised only in their own country, among their relatives and in their own family.”
5
And he could not work many miracles there; instead, he only healed a few sick people by laying his hands on them.
6
He was amazed at their unbelief. Jesus then traveled through the villages, teaching.
Commentaries
In the Synagogue of Nazareth.
The faith of Jairus and the woman with the hemorrhage contrasts with the lack of faith of the Nazarenes. Jesus returns to his hometown. The people marvel at his wisdom, but they distrust him because they “already know him.” They cannot believe that God can manifest himself in the humble, everyday, and familiar. Jesus was unable to perform any miracles there and was amazed at the unbelief of his countrymen (6). Regarding Jesus’ brothers (3), this passage doesn’t necessarily mean that Mary had more children than Jesus. In Semitic languages, the word “brothers” can also refer to cousins and uncles.