Gospel of Mark Part 30: When Familiarity Breeds Contempt[Small Group Discussion]
- Rev. Bruce A. Shields
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Scripture Focus
Mark 6:1–6 “And He went out from there and came into His hometown; and His disciples followed Him. And when the Sabbath came, He began to teach in the synagogue; and the many listeners were astonished, saying, ‘Where did this man get these things, and what is this wisdom given to this man, and such miracles as these performed by His hands? Is this not the carpenter, the son of Mary, and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? Are His sisters not here with us?’ And they were taking offense at Him. And Jesus was saying to them, ‘A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and among his own relatives and in his own household.’ And He could do no miracle there except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them. And He was marveling at their unbelief. And He was going around the villages teaching.”
Opening Question
Have you ever found it harder to take someone seriously simply because you knew them well? Why do you think that happens?
Background
When Jesus returned to His hometown of Nazareth, the people who knew Him best dismissed Him. They could not see beyond “the carpenter’s son.” Their familiarity led to contempt, and contempt led to unbelief. As a result, they missed out on His teaching and blessings.
This story shows how routine and overfamiliarity with holy things—God’s Word, worship, baptism, communion, even fellowship—can dull our reverence and rob us of God’s blessings.
Key Points
The Message Is Not Received
At first, they were amazed at His teaching (Luke 4:22).
But quickly, they reduced Him to “just a carpenter” (Mark 6:3).
Familiarity turned to offense and rejection.
The Blessings Are Not Received
“He could do no miracle there… and He was marveling at their unbelief” (Mark 6:5–6).
Faith opens the door for God’s power; unbelief closes it (Matthew 13:58).
The Warning for Us
We must not treat holy things as “common” (Hebrews 10:29).
Spiritual dullness leads to unbelief and judgment (Hebrews 3:12).
Application
We must guard against routine making us careless with God’s truth. Reverence for His Word, worship, prayer, baptism, and communion keeps our hearts open to His teaching and blessings.
Discussion Questions
Why did the people of Nazareth struggle to see Jesus as more than “ordinary”?
What are some ways we can become too familiar with the things of God?
How does unbelief stop God’s blessings from flowing in our lives?
What practical steps can we take to keep reverence and faith alive in our daily walk?
Memory Verse
Hebrews 11:6 “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who draws near to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.”
Prayer Focus
Pray for God to guard your heart from spiritual dullness. Ask Him to renew your awe and reverence for His Word, His presence, and His blessings.
Comments