Mark 6:1-6
And on the Sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things? What is the wisdom given to him? How are such mighty works done by his hands?
Oh Little Town of... Nazareth
How still we see thee lie
Briefly, let's say archaeologists have found a population of 480 people in the hometown of Mary, Joseph and Jesus, James, Joses, Simon, and Judas — mentioned as the brothers of Jesus in Matthew 13:55; Mark 6:3.
Mary's family is not given the Biblical historical nod. Yet, they returned to live there and Nazareth records the city saw them as perfectly blended.
Rejection is something we will all experience.
How did Jesus do with the rejection of his hometown?
Thirteen times he is referred to - not as Jesus bar Joseph - instead Jesus of Nazareth.
Jesus is recorded as vacationing. Visiting with His disciples, seeing His mother and family for a week. Having His brothers tell Him to claim His Kingship. Almost being pitched off a hillside at Nazareth.
And with the rejections - Jesus - Upgraded!
Epiphanius in his Panarion (375 AD) numbers Nazareth among the cities without Christians. No relationship to Christ.
Eusebius tells us this is because Constantine, under Diocletian, killed all the Christian great nephews of Jesus who refused to renounce Him. Eusebius (Church History 1.7.14), speaks of “Nazara.” In the same passage, Africanus writes of desposunoi - relatives of Jesus - who he claims kept the records of their descent with great care.
If we aren't in tune with the Word of God to be true, we would see Epiphanius teach us Nazareth had rejected Jesus for all time. Discrediting Jesus.
Jesus healed Nazareth. Even when Nazareth was discredited in Jerusalem, in the Temple, among the Governing Body of the Temple, sneered as biblically of no account, Jesus never says, "I'm Jesus of Capernaum."
Because Jesus healed them. Nazareth was never lost to history.
and whoever believes in him will never be put to shame.”
Abba, Father
You are a God of Love and Glory.
We Glory in Your renewed Blessings each day.
We Glory to be asked for more of Your Good Will on earth as it is in Heaven.
We Glory to be given the Day to find Your Path.
We Glory on Your Promises of Your Kingdom, Your Power and Your Salvation for ourselves and those we Love.
We Glory the Wind will blow as it will and Your Holy Spirit leads us.
Your Glory covers all the people of Your Good Creation. You save the lost and You save the world in Jesus Christ.
To You be the Glory.
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