The danger of familiarity

He went away from there and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. 2 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? 3 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 offense at him. 4 And Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown and among his relatives and in his own household.” 5 And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them. 6 And he marveled because of their unbelief. And he went about among the villages teaching. 7 And he called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits.
Mark 6:1-7

Word spread that God was working through Jesus in ways no one had ever seen. He was healing, casting out demons, and there was even talk that he might be more than a prophet. Every city Jesus visited became a whirlwind of preaching and healing. Then there is Nazareth.

Nazareth did not look to Jesus with hope but astonishment. Where did Jesus get such wisdom? How are such mighty works done by him? This is Jesus. He fixed my fence. His brothers and I play cards on Tuesday nights. My mom babysat his sister. He grew up here. Mark records in verse 3. They took offense at him.

In Capernaum, the crowds pressed in to listen and receive healing, but Jesus offended the members of his hometown. There is a proverb that captures their attitude.

Familiarity breeds contempt.

They saw so much of Jesus growing up and assumed they knew all they needed to know about him. They were so familiar with him as a neighbor the suggestion that they might need him for anything else offended their sensibilities. 

How about you? Did you “grow up” with Jesus, going to church and hearing all the stories? Has he become familiar to the point of contempt? Is he a cultural neighbor you grew up around or is he the Lord of your life? Do you long to get a glimpse of him in his word or do you think, “I know him already.” Repent of the attitude and ask him to reveal himself to you.