Consider the Word, July 1, 2021

Consider the Word, July 1, 2021

THERE'S NO ACTUAL ZOOM MEETING ON JULY 1!
 
A Printable Copy
 
Readings for July 4:

• 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10
• Psalm 48
• 2 Corinthians 12:2-10
• Mark 6:1-13

 
Collect

Almighty God,

your Son Jesus Christ has taught us

that what we do for the least of your children

we do also for him.

Give us the will to serve others

as he was the servant of all,

who gave up his life and died for us,

but lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever. Amen.

 
Reading: Mark 6:1-13

Jesus came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. On the sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They said, "Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? What deeds of power are being done by his hands! Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?" And they took offence at him. Then Jesus said to them, "Prophets are not without honour, except in their hometown, and among their own kin, and in their own house." And he could do no deed of power there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them. And he was amazed at their unbelief. Then he went about among the villages teaching. He called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; but to wear sandals and not to put on two tunics. He said to them, "Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. If any place will not welcome you and they refuse to hear you, as you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them." So they went out and proclaimed that all should repent. They cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.

 
Reflection Questions

1. Why did Jesus seem to fail or falter in his hometown? Was it jealousy, resentment, doubt?
2. Did attitudes of Jesus’ neighbours erode an openness to trust Jesus as a prophet, healer and preacher?
3. The word “prophet” means to “speak for”, how can we be prophets for God?

 
Closing Prayer

God of grace and powerful weakness,

at times your prophets were ignored, rejected, belittled, and unwelcome.

Trusting that we, too, are called to be prophets,

fill us with your Spirit,

and support us by your gentle hands,

that we may persevere in speaking your word

and living our faith. Amen.

 
The Message: Mark 6:1-13

6 ^1-2 He left there and returned to his hometown. His disciples came along. On the Sabbath, he gave a lecture in the meeting place. He stole the show, impressing everyone. “We had no idea he was this good!” they said. “How did he get so wise all of a sudden, get such ability?”

³ But in the next breath they were cutting him down: “He’s just a carpenter—Mary’s boy. We’ve known him since he was a kid. We know his brothers, James, Justus, Jude, and Simon, and his sisters. Who does he think he is?” They tripped over what little they knew about him and fell, sprawling. And they never got any further.

^4-6 Jesus told them, “A prophet has little honor in his hometown, among his relatives, on the streets he played in as a child.” Jesus wasn’t able to do much of anything there—he laid hands on a few sick people and healed them, that’s all. He couldn’t get over their stubbornness. He left and made a circuit of the other villages, teaching.

^7-8 Jesus called the Twelve to him, and sent them out in pairs. He gave them authority and power to deal with the evil opposition. He sent them off with these instructions:

^8-9 “Don’t think you need a lot of extra equipment for this. You are the equipment. No special appeals for funds. Keep it simple.

¹⁰ “And no luxury inns. Get a modest place and be content there until you leave.

¹¹ “If you’re not welcomed, not listened to, quietly withdraw. Don’t make a scene. Shrug your shoulders and be on your way.”

^12-13 Then they were on the road. They preached with joyful urgency that life can be radically different; right and left they sent the demons packing; they brought wellness to the sick, anointing their bodies, healing their spirits.

 
The Message (MSG)
Copyright © 1993, 2002, 2018 by Eugene H. Peterson