Today’s selected reading continues in the New Testament gospel narrative of the life and ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ as it was written and recorded by John Mark. More specifically today’s passage is found in the first twenty-nine verses of the sixth chapter. “And he went out from thence, and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him. And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things? And with what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands? Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house. And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them. And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages teaching” (Mark 6:1-6).

 

            “And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits; and commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse: but shod with sandals; and not put on two coats. And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place. And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment, than for that city. And they went out, and preached that men should repent. And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them” (Mark 6:7-13).

 

            “And king Herod heard of him; (for his fame was spread abroad) and he said, That John the Baptist was risen from the dead, and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him. Other said, This is Elias. And others said, That it is a prophet, or as one of the prophets. But when Herod heard thereof, he said, it is John, whom I beheaded: he is risen from the dead. For Herod himself had sent forth and laid upon John, and bound him in prison for Herodias’ sake, his brother Philip’s wife: for he had married her. For John had said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother’s wife. Therefore Herodias had a quarrel against him, and would have killed him; but she could not: For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly. And when a convenient day was come, that Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords, high captains, and chief estates of Galilee; and when the daughter of the said Herodias came in, and danced, and pleased Herod and them that sat with him, the king said unto the damsel, Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt, and I will give it thee. And he sware unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom. And he sent forth, and said unto her mother, What shall I ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptist. And she came in straightway with haste unto the king, and asked, saying, I will that thou give me by and by in a charger the head of John the Baptist: and the. King was exceeding sorry: yet for his oaht’s sake, and for their sakes which sat with him, he would not reject her. And immediately the king sent an executioner, and commanded his head to be brought: and he went and beheaded him in the prison, and brought his head in a charger, and gave it to the damsel: and the damsel gave it to her mother. And when his disciples heard of it, they came and took up his corpse, and laid it in a tomb” (Mark 6:14-29).

 

            When you come to this particular portion of Scripture you will encounter the tremendous truth surrounding of the Lord Jesus once more teaching in the synagogue. What’s more is that as you read the words which are found in this passage of Scripture you will find the Lord Jesus not only teaching in the synagogue but teaching in the synagogue within His own home town and country. Upon reading the words found in this passage of Scripture you will find that after raising up Jairus’ daughter from death and from her bed he went out from that place and came into His own country. As Jesus went into His own country His disciples would follow Him and when the sabbath day was come He would teach in the synagogue as He had in other cities and towns. Thus far within this New Testament gospel there have been at least three different accounts of the Lord Jesus in the synagogue with another seeming as though it took place within the synagogue although it doesn’t specifically say. It is in the fourth chapter of this New Testament gospel we find the Lord Jesus being present in “the house” and how there were so many people within the house and round about the door that when four men came bringing one sick with the palsy on his bed they could not enter through the front door to make their way unto the Lord Jesus. What we find in the opening verses of the sixth chapter is an absolutely incredible picture of the Lord Jesus—not only in His own country but also teaching within the synagogue which was present in the midst of that county.

 

            If you take the time to read the words which are found in this passage of Scripture you will find John Mark writing how on the sabbath day the Lord Jesus would begin teaching in the synagogue. What’s more is John Mark would go on to write how many hearing the Lord Jesus were astonished at His teaching and the gracious words which proceeded forth from His mouth. What we must needs recognize and understand concerning this passage of Scripture, however, is that while those who were present in the country of Jesus were astonished when they heard His teaching and preaching in the midst of the synagogue they also had other thoughts which were present within their hearts and minds. John Mark writes concerning this event and how those who heard the words which proceeded forth from His mouth were astonished at His doctrine and would ask themselves where He came about such things. It would be written in this passage of Scripture how those who were present would also go on to ask with what wisdom this man would teach and preach unto them that such mighty works would be wrought by His hands. Oh please don’t miss and lose sight of the words which are found in this passage of Scripture for it calls and draws our attention to the tremendous confusion surrounding the Lord Jesus among His own countrymen and those who had known Him His entire life. What’s more is I would not only say there was a great confusion surrounding the Lord Jesus in the town of Nazareth but there was also a great mystery surrounding Him. Those who heard the words which He taught while in the synagogue would indeed marvel at what proceeded forth from his mouth—and not only what proceeded forth from His mouth but also what proceeded forth from His hands. It’s important to note that those who were present within the synagogue weren’t simply astonished at the words of the Lord Jesus but they were also astonished at the works which the Lord Jesus wrought in the midst of Galilee in the surrounding cities, towns and villages.

 

            The more I read the words which are found within this passage of Scripture the more I am reminded of the account the beloved physician Luke wrote in the fourth chapter of the gospel narrative he himself wrote concerning the Lord Jesus. It is in the fourth chapter of this particular gospel Luke presents us—not only with Jesus teaching in the synagogue but also with the words which the Lord Jesus would speak unto them. There is something truly astonishing about the words which are found in the New Testament gospel narrative written by the physician Luke for He would write of the Lord Jesus teaching and preaching in the synagogue in the presence of all those who were present in the midst of it. What’s more is that the words we find in the New Testament gospel narrative written by Luke show and demonstrate the Lord Jesus teaching in the synagogue of His home town from the prophetic book of Isaiah—and not only teaching from the prophetic book of Isaiah but also how the words which the prophet had spoken referred directly unto Him. There is not a doubt in my mind that when we read the words found in the sixth chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by John Mark we must needs also consider the words presented in the fourth chapter of the New Testament gospel written by the beloved physician Luke. It is what we find in this particular passage of Scripture we not only find those in Nazareth marveling at the words the Lord Jesus taught among them but also their growing offense with Him. Not only this but the beloved physician Luke also presents us with something more—something beyond mere offense—for he presents us with those from Jesus’ country thrusting Him out of the synagogue and even out of the town itself seeking to cast Him off the brow of the cliff upon which the town was built.

 

            It is with this in mind I invite you to consider the following words which are found in the fourth chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the beloved physician Luke concerning the Lord Jesus teaching and speaking in His own town and country within the synagogue itself. Beginning with the fourteenth verse you will find the following words which are present in the fourth chapter of the gospel narrative written by Luke:

 

            “And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about. And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all. And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read. And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the LORD. And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears. And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph’s son? And he said unto them, Ye will surely say unto me this proverb, Physician heal thyself: whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also hear in thy country. And he said, Verily, I say unto you, NO prophet is accepted in his own country. But I tell you of a truth, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elias, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when great famine was throughout all the land; but unto none of them was Elias sent, save unto Sarepta, a city of Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow. And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian. And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath, and rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the grow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong. But he passing through the midst of them went his way, and came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and taught them on the sabbath days. And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power” (Luke 4:14-32).

 

            I am absolutely convinced we must needs recognize and understand the words which are found within this passage of Scripture for they call and draw our attention to the incredible truth surrounding the time the Lord Jesus would spend in the midst of His own country. Luke writes how after Jesus overcame the temptation of the devil in the wilderness He would return in the power of the Spirit unto Galilee and would teach in their synagogues. What’s more is that not only would the Lord Jesus teach within the synagogues present within Galilee but He would also teach in the synagogue within his own country of Nazareth. This is something we must needs recognize and understand for it would be in the synagogue there in Nazareth where He would encounter wonder and wrath—and almost at the same time. The beloved physician Luke would indeed write concerning the Lord Jesus and how after He had found the place in the prophetic book of Isaiah where it was written concerning the Spirit of the LORD God being upon Him for He had anointed Him to preach the good news He would give the book back unto the attendant. Luke writes how the eyes of all those who were present within the synagogue were fastened upon Him and how all marveled at the gracious words which proceeded forth from His mouth. What we find within this passage of Scripture, however, is the Lord Jesus angering and offending those who were present within the synagogue when He would proceed to speak of the hardness of their hearts and their unbelief. Jesus would speak of many widows in the land of Israel during the days of Elijah and yet how the prophet of the living God was sent unto none of them save a widow from the region of Sidon. Moreover Jesus would declare how there were many lepers in the land of Israel during the days of Elisha and yet how none of them was cleansed but rather Naaman a Syrian general in the army.

 

            That which makes the words which are found in the fourth chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by Luke so incredibly unique and significant when you take the time to think about it is when you consider the fact that after hearing Jesus speak these words all those who were present in the synagogue were filled with rage and wrath toward and against Him. As a direct result of this rage and wrath which was present within their hearts and souls they would proceed to not only cast the Lord Jesus out of the synagogue but they would also cast Him out of their city as well. Moreover the men of Nazareth would take the Lord Jesus unto the brow of the hill upon which the city was built and sought to cast Him off headlong that they might destroy Him. Pause for a moment and consider the tremendous significance of this passage of Scripture and how within it we are brought face to face with the wonder and wrath of those who were present in the midst of the town of Nazareth. Those who heard and listened to the words which the Lord Jesus spoke in the synagogue of Nazareth would indeed be filled with wonder initially, however, that wonder would quickly be turned to wrath and rage as they would continue hearing the words which the Lord Jesus would speak unto them. The words which the Lord Jesus spoke would not only offend them but they would also provoke them unto wrath—and so much so that they would seek to put to death and destroy the Lord Jesus.

 

            As you read the words which are found within the sixth chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by John Mark you will not only find offense within the hearts and souls of those present within the country of the Lord Jesus but you will also find unbelief. You cannot read the words which are present in this passage of Scripture and not encounter and come face to face with the tremendous truth surrounding the offense of those in the town of Jesus’ origin and upbringing. What’s more is that when you read the words found in this passage of Scripture you will find that their offense was not only due to the words which He had spoken but also because of their own familiarity with Him. The words which are present in this passage call and draw our attention to the tremendous truth surrounding the Lord Jesus in His own country and how the people present in that country would indeed be overcome with both offense and unbelief. Their offense would be rooted in their own familiarity with the Lord Jesus—and not only with their familiarity of the Lord Jesus but also with their familiarity of His mother, His brothers and His sisters which were present among them in the midst of Nazareth. This is something we must needs recognize and understand for it calls and draws our attention to the tremendous and incredible truth surrounding those in Nazareth who knew Jesus the most and how it was that knowledge of the Lord Jesus that prevented them from believing Him. John Mark writes and records within this passage of Scripture that Jesus could to no mighty work within His own home country because of their unbelief. The only thing the Lord Jesus would do was lay his hands upon a few sick folk and heal them, however, beyond that He could do absolutely nothing among them.

 

            The more I read the words which are found in this passage of Scripture the more I am brought face to face with the truly awesome and astonishing truth surrounding offense and unbelief. These twin realities of offense and unbelief must needs be recognized and understood when reading the words which are found in this passage of Scripture for they call and draw our attention to that which kept the men of Nazareth from believing on the Lord Jesus. Although they had known Him His whole life and although they had perhaps had a relationship with He, His mother, Joseph and His brothers and sisters they could not believe on Him as the Messiah and the Christ. Pause for a moment and consider the fact that those who perhaps should have recognized and understood Him the best as the Messiah and the Christ were those who had the most difficult time recognizing and believing on Him. The words which we find in this passage of Scripture bring us face to face with the offense of those within the country of Jesus as well as the unbelief present within their hearts as well. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of the words which are found in this country as they call and draw our attention to the reality of the men and women within the town and country of Jesus being unable to accept and acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah and the Christ. Jesus would indeed grow up within this country and within the town of Nazareth and yet those who were present would and could not accept Jesus as the Messiah and the Christ.

 

            I sit here today thinking about and considering the words which are found in this passage of Scripture and how they bring us face to face with the wonderful truth surrounding the Lord Jesus within His own country. The words we find here in this passage of Scripture bring us face to face with the incredible reality of the Lord Jesus teaching in the synagogue within His own country and how the people would initially marvel at the words which would proceed forth from His mouth. What’s more is that John Mark would go on to write how in addition to those present in Nazareth marveling at the words which proceeded out of the mouth of the Lord Jesus they would also be offended at Him. This offense at and with the Lord Jesus would be rooted and grounded in their own understanding of Him and who they thought, understood and believed Him to be. Those within the town of Nazareth could not see nor could they view the Lord Jesus beyond His mother, beyond His brethren, and beyond His sisters who were present among them. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this particular truth as it calls and draws our attention to just how comfortable and how familiar those in the country of the Lord Jesus had become with Him. Oh they would indeed hear the fame of Him and what He had taught and wrought in the neighboring cities, towns and villages and now here He was teaching and preaching in their own synagogue. What makes this particular passage so incredibly unique and telling is when you consider that those who were present on this particular day were indeed astonished at the teaching and doctrine of the Lord Jesus. Those who heard the words which He spoke did in fact acknowledge there was something different and something unique about that which proceeded forth from His mouth. With this being said, however it’s important to recognize and understand that although they were astonished at His doctrine they would ultimately be offended because of Him.

 

            In order to truly understand the significance of what is found within this passage of Scripture and those who would indeed be offended with the Lord Jesus I find it absolutely necessary to call and draw your attention to the words which are found in the sixth chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John. It is in the sixth chapter we find the account of the Lord Jesus feeding the five thousand men not including women and children using five loaves of bread and two fish. After the feeding of the five thousand and after Jesus would dismiss the multitude which had gathered themselves around Him He would enter into a ship and would pass over to the other side there in the region of Galilee. Those who had been fed on the other side and who had partaken of the loaves of bread and fish which were multiplied would indeed seek for to find the Lord Jesus in that place. It would be in response to their words the Lord Jesus would speak unto them and declare unto them that they sought after and sought for Him because they ate of the loaves of bread and were filled and satisfied. What makes the words which are found in this passage of Scripture so incredibly unique when you take the time to think about it is when you consider how what would begin with Jesus’ feeding five thousand men not including  women and children would ultimately end with many being offended with and because of Him. What’s more is that not only would many be offended with and because of the Lord Jesus but many of His disciples who walked with Him would turn back and walk no more with Him. There would be a great many who would walk with and follow Him and who would even partake of the miracle of the loaves of bread and the fish and yet would both be offended because of Him as well as turn back and walk no more with Him.

 

 

            I would like to call and draw your attention to the words which are found in the sixth chapter of this New Testament gospel narrative as it calls and draws our attention to the incredible truth of these men and women who had walked with and followed the Lord Jesus and had also partaken of the miracle of the loaves of bread and of the fish. Those who partook of the loaves of bread and the fish would indeed seek after the Lord Jesus on the other side of the sea after He had crossed over together with His disciples. It would be there on the other side of the sea where Jesus would build upon His feeding them with and from the loaves of bread which He blessed, broke and distributed unto His disciples that the entire multitude might be fed and fed to the full. What we find in this passage of Scripture brings us face to face with Jesus’ feeding the five thousand with more than just the loaves of bread but also of His very nature and person. I am absolutely convinced that Jesus fed the crowd and multitude with more than simply the loaves of bread which were blessed, broken and multiplied for together with the loaves of bread would be the very essence and nature of the true bread of life which came down from heaven. In fact this is precisely what the Lord Jesus would teach and speak on the other side of the sea as He would declare unto them that He was the bread which came down from heaven—bread which was entirely different from the bread which Moses had fed their fathers in the wilderness. Oh having said this I invite you to consider the following words which are found in the sixth chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John concerning this tremendous offense at and with the person of the Lord Jesus after many of those who were offended had indeed partaken of the loaves of bread which He Himself had blessed and broken that they might be fed and fed to the full:

 

            “The day following, when the people which stood on the other side of the sea saw that there was none other boat there, save that one whereinto his disciples were entered, and that Jesus went not with his disciples into the boat, but that his disciples were gone away alone; (Howbeit there came other boats from Tiberias nigh unto the place where they did eat bread, after that the Lord had given thank) When the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, neither his disciples, they also took to shipping, and came to Capernaum, seeking for Jesus. And when they had found him on the other side of the sea, they said unto him, Rabbi, when camest thou hither? Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled. Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed” (John 6:22-27).

 

            “Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? What dost thou work? Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat. Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread. And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not. All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. The Jews then murmured at him, because he said, I am the bread which came down from heaven. And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How is it then that he saith, I came down from heaven? Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, Murmur not among yourselves. No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me. Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. I am that bread of life. Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us his flesh to eat? Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: So he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever. These things said he in the synagogue as he taught in Capernaum” (John 6:28-59).

 

            “Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it? When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you? What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before? It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father” (John 6:60-65).

 

 

            “From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus answered them, have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil? He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve” (John 6:66-71).

 

           

            I am absolutely convinced we must needs recognize and understand the words which are found in this passage of Scripture for not only do we find Jesus teaching in Capernaum but we also find Him teaching in the synagogue—presumably on the Sabbath day. This is something which must needs be carefully considered for there is every indication within the words written by the apostle John that those which were present in the synagogue were offended at and because of the Lord Jesus. What’s more is that as you read the words which are found in this passage of Scripture you will find the Jews murmuring among and within themselves because of the words which the Lord Jesus had spoken unto them. It’s actually quite remarkable to read the words written by the apostle John in this passage of Scripture and to consider how the Lord Jesus would teach in the synagogue and would anger and offend many of those who were present in Capernaum. As if this weren’t enough you get the strong impression when reading the words found in this passage that there were many of the disciples which had partaken of the bread on the other side of the sea in Galilee who were present in the synagogue on this particular day. Many of these who partook of the bread were those who had walked with and followed the Lord Jesus wherever He went during those days. What we find here, however, is the Lord Jesus speaking words in the synagogue unto those who were present and how the Jews not only murmured against Him but there were those who were offended at the Lord. Not only this but when you read the words presented here you will find that those who heard the words the Lord Jesus spoke in the synagogue declared among themselves that what He was speaking was a hard saying and would ask who can hear it.

 

            As you continue reading the words found in this passage of Scripture you will find the Lord Jesus knowing that they murmured within themselves and within their hearts and would ask if His words had offended them. This is something we must needs recognize and understand for it calls and draws our attention to the incredible truth surrounding the Lord Jesus’ presence in the synagogue and how while teaching in the synagogue He would offend many who were present in the midst of it. What adds even more weight and meaning to this is when you consider the words and language that is found in the sixth chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by John Mark. It is in this passage of Scripture we find Jesus teaching in the synagogue in His own country of Nazareth in Galilee and how many who heard the words which He spoke were offended at and because of Him. That which John Mark presents concerning those who were offended at Him centered not around the words which He spoke but rather around the familiarity which surrounded His person. Those who heard the words which He taught and spoke in the midst of the synagogue there in Nazareth would be greatly offended at Him because they not only knew Him but they also knew His mother, his brethren, and his sisters. It’s truly astonishing to think about and consider the words and language found in these passages of Scripture and how Jesus would teach in two different synagogues and would offend many who were present within it. What’s more is that not only would the Lord Jesus offend many who were present in the midst of the synagogue but He would offend those who knew Him.

 

            The more you read the words found within these two passages of Scripture the more you will be brought face to face with the incredible truth that in both Capernaum and in Nazareth Jesus was known. With this being said, however, it is important for us to recognize and understand that the way Jesus was known was not because of the miracles He wrought among them nor even because of the words which He had spoken unto them. If you read both of these passages you will find those which were present being offended with Jesus because they knew Him and knew where He had come from. It would be in Capernaum the Lord Jesus would declare that He came down from heaven while it would be in Nazareth the Lord Jesus would declare that the Spirit of the Sovereign LORD was upon Him and had anointed Him to preach. It would be in Capernaum the Lord Jesus would declare that He was the bread come down from heaven that those who partake of it might not hunger any more while it would be in Nazareth the Lord Jesus would declare that He had come to preach the gospel unto the poor, to bind up the brokenhearted and recovery of sight unto the blind. Oh this is something we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of it as it calls and draws our attention to the incredible that here we find Jesus teaching in two different synagogues within the region of Galilee and in two towns which He had frequented and was well acquainted with. There is something utterly remarkable about the words presented in these two passages for there is a stark contrast between Capernaum and Nazareth in that in Nazareth He could do no mighty work while it would be in Capernaum the Lord Jesus would be freer to be able to work ordained and appointed Him by the Father which was in heaven.

 

            Perhaps one of the greatest truths found in both of these passages of Scripture is that while Jesus taught in the synagogues those who were present would be offended with Him. What’s more is that not only would those present in Capernaum and Nazareth be offended because of Him but they would be offended because they knew who He was. Those who were offended with the Lord Jesus were indeed offended with Him because they knew who He was and who His mother, His brethren, His father and his sisters were. What we must needs recognize and understand is that while it is true those in Capernaum and Nazareth thought they knew the Lord Jesus Christ they knew Him only in the physical and natural sense. It’s interesting to read both of these passages and find that both those in Capernaum as well as those in Nazareth would refer to the Lord Jesus as being someone whom they knew. Those in Capernaum and Nazareth knew who the mother and father of the Lord Jesus were—or who the mother and father were presumed to be. The people which were present within these synagogues knew who Jesus’ brothers and sisters were and it was precisely because of this familiarity they were offended with Him. What’s more is that not only were they offended with Him because of their familiarity with Him but they were also offended with Him because they thought they knew Him. Pause and consider what it must have been like for those who were present during those days to know the Lord Jesus as being the son of Joseph and Mary and yet hear Him profess that He came down from heaven. Many of the Jews there in Capernaum of Galilee knew the Lord Jesus to be the son of Joseph and Mary which meant that when he professed unto them that He came down from heaven it would completely throw them out of whack and cause them to wonder how He could make the declaration that He came from the Father which was in heaven.

 

            I find it absolutely incredible when reading the words found in these passages how the Lord Jesus would teach in the synagogues which we must needs understand in our modern vernacular and language as being the churches. The Lord Jesus taught in the synagogues on the sabbath and yet in the sixth chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by John Mark as well as the sixth chapter of the gospel narrative written by Luke we find Jesus offending many who were present in the midst of the synagogue. This is something we must needs understand for when was the last time you entered into the house of the Lord and were offended—not because of something someone did to you but because of the words which the Lord Jesus through the Spirit had spoken directly unto you? When was the last time you entered into the house of the living God and were angered and offended because of the words which He spoke? If there is one thing that makes the offense of those in Capernaum so incredibly tragic when you take the time to think about it it’s that many of them ate and partook of the bread which the Lord Jesus had blessed and broken among them beside the sea of Galilee. There were many in Capernaum who partook of the bread which the Lord Jesus had fed them and yet were entirely and altogether offended at Him because of the words which he spoke unto them. There were many who were present in Capernaum who were perfectly content partaking of the bread which the Lord Jesus would bless and break among them in their midst. There were countless men and women present in Capernaum and even in they synagogue who partook of the bread which the Lord Jesus had blessed and broken and were filled to the full and yet were offended with Jesus when He declared concerning Himself that He was the bread which came down from heaven from the Father.

 

            Within the sixth chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John you will find many of the disciples of Jesus murmuring at the words which He spoke and that many of His disciples would turn back and walk no more with Him. Despite the fact that many of them might very well have partaken of the bread which He had blessed and broken before them in the fields by the sea of Galilee they would turn back and walk no more with Him because of the offense which was present within their hearts and minds. It would be in Capernaum where the Lord Jesus would teach in the synagogue and would great offend, anger and upset those who were present. What we find in the sixth chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John describes the murmuring first among the Jews before transitioning to the disciples of Jesus and their murmuring at and because of the words which He had spoken unto them. This murmuring would continue to escalate until many of the disciples of the Lord Jesus would turn back and walk no more with Him. The disciples of the Lord Jesus—those who had walked with Him—would turn back and choose to walk no more with Him and would depart and go their own ways. Oh if there is something else we must needs understand it’s that even in Nazareth those who heard the words the Lord Jesus spoke would be offended because of and at Him. There were those in Nazareth who would be offended with Jesus—not solely because of the words which He spoke but because of their familiarity with Him. There were many who felt they knew who the Lord Jesus only to discover the fact that He would teach them something entirely different. Oh I am absolutely convinced when reading the words found in this passage of Scripture that there were many who were present in these places who felt they knew the Lord Jesus only to hear Him teach and speak something that would make them question it.

 

            I am sitting here today thinking about that which we find within these passages of Scripture and I can’t help but see one of the greatest sources of offense within the hearts and souls of many who have walked with and followed the Lord Jesus. What’s more is I am convinced that is something that if many within this generation and these Last Days aren’t careful with can and will find themselves growing offended with and at the Lord Jesus. There is within these two passages of Scripture an underlying offense that was found to be within the hearts and souls of those in Capernaum and Nazareth and yet it wasn’t merely an offense dealing solely with the words which He spoke. Oh it is true that the words which the Lord Jesus spoke would indeed offend many who heard them, however, I am convinced that the underlying offense which was present in these two towns of Galilee wasn’t merely an offense because of and at the words which were spoken by the Lord Jesus but because of who He taught them He was. I am absolutely convinced that the underlying cause for the offense that was present during these days and in these two towns was simply and solely because they thought they knew the Lord Jesus only to discover how very little they actually knew Him. Those who were present in Nazareth and Capernaum knew Jesus to be the carpenter’s son and yet here He was speaking of God the Father in heaven and having come down from Him. The Lord Jesus was known as the son of Mary and the brother of those brothers and sisters which were present in Nazareth and perhaps even the surrounding towns and cities. Those who were present in each of these two cities and towns were in fact offended and angered with the Lord Jesus because they felt they knew who He was only to discover that they knew very little of Him.

 

            I write these words knowing that one of the greatest sources of offense which is present within the hearts and souls of many men and women during these days is and will be because many people thought and believed they knew who the Lord Jesus was only to discover how very little they knew of Him. What’s more is that these individuals will not only be offended at the Lord Jesus thinking and believing they knew Him and who He was but they will also learn and discover that the Lord Jesus did not know them. It’s interesting that when you read the words found in Scripture you will find accounts of those who thought they knew who the Lord Jesus was only to discover that they actually had no clue or understanding who He was.  There is not a doubt in my mind when reading the words found in this passage of Scripture that those in Nazareth and those in Capernaum were offended at Jesus because they thought and believed they knew Him only to discover how very little they knew concerning Him. If there is one thing we must needs recognize and understand concerning this it’s that if we are confronted with this reality within our own lives—the reality that we thought we knew who the Lord Jesus was only to discover how very little we knew concerning Him—we will either become offended at Him or we will press on and seek to know Him all the more. I firmly believe that many during these days could have chosen and were given the choice not to be offended at the Lord Jesus Christ simply because they thought they knew Him only to discover they knew very little of Him. Oh it is with this being said I firmly believe there are going to be men and women within the days in which we are living who think and believe they know the Lord Jesus only to discover how very little they truly know of and concerning Him.

 

            The words which we find in these two chapters present us with a powerful picture oef just how dangerous becoming too familiar with Jesus can actually be. In all reality I am not sure I would say the danger is becoming too familiar with the Lord Jesus but actually believing we know Him one way only to discover that what we thought we knew about Him was in fact incorrect. What we find within this passage of Scripture is actually incredibly unique when you take into account that those in Capernaum as well as those in Nazareth did in fact know who Jesus was. Those in both Capernaum and Nazareth knew that Jesus was [as it was supposed] the son of Joseph who was a carpenter in the town of Nazareth. Not only this but those in both of these towns knew who Jesus’ mother was as well as His brothers and sisters. It was these in Capernaum and in Nazareth who knew Jesus one way and yet had an incredibly difficult time trying to understand and recognize Him in the manner in which He was speaking. Those in Nazareth and Capernaum thought they knew who the Lord Jesus was and yet here He was describing unto them that He proceeded from the Father. What’s more is that the Lord Jesus wouldn’t only describe Himself as having come from the Father but he also described Himself as being the bread which came down from heaven. It would be in Nazareth when those who heard Him speak marveled and were astonished at the words which proceeded forth from His mouth and yet could not get past what they knew concerning Him and who they knew Him to be. All of a sudden the Lord Jesus was revealing Himself in a manner that was completely contrary from what they had previously known and as a direct result of this both those in Nazareth and in Capernaum grew offended with Him.

 

            WHEN JESUS REVEALS HIMSELF IN A NEW WAY! I am absolutely convinced we must needs recognize and understand just how significant this truly is for within these passages of Scripture we find those who knew Jesus—or those who thought they knew who Jesus was—becoming offended with the words coming out of His mouth as well as who He was professing Himself to be something and someone entirely different from what they had known. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this as it calls and draws our attention to the incredible reality of those times when the Lord Jesus begins revealing Himself to us in an entirely different manner—and not only revealing Himself in an entirely different manner but also beginning to reveal that what we thought we knew about Him was entirely and altogether incorrect. Those in Nazareth and Capernaum were offended at and because of Jesus because He was beginning to show them something of Himself which they had not previously seen or known. What we must understand concerning this particular reality is that this still happens today within our generation and in these Last Days. The Lord Jesus does indeed and does in fact reveal Himself to us in an entirely new and different way and there are times when we come face to face with the fact that the Jesus we thought we knew is actually a false Jesus. What adds even more truth and weight to this is when you consider how in the writings of the apostle Paul he wrote and spoke about those who would present a false gospel and a false Jesus unto men and women seeking to lead men astray. In addition to this we find the Lord Jesus Himself warning concerning the Last Days and how there would be many who would come in His name and would deceive many. Perhaps one of the greatest realities we must needs recognize and understand is that we must needs know who the Lord Jesus truly is and we must allow Him to reveal Himself unto us for who He really is.

 

            Having said all of this I find it absolutely necessary to call and draw your attention to the words which are found in the eleventh chapter of the second epistle written by the apostle Paul unto the Corinthians. I also find it necessary to call and draw your attention to the words which are found in the first chapter of the epistle written unto the churches in Galatia. In addition to this I feel it is necessary to call your attention to the words which the Lord Jesus Himself spoke unto His disciples concerning the Last Days and many coming in the Last Days professing themselves to be Christ. Not only this but I find it necessary to call your attention to the words which are found in the first epistle written by the apostle John concerning the antichrist and those who deny the Lord Jesus and those who went out from among the brethren proving and demonstrating that they were never apart or among them:

 

            “Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me. For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if he receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him” (2 Corinthians 11:1-4).

 

            “I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, IF any man preach any other gospel unto you, than that ye have received, let him be accursed. For do I now persuade men, or God? OR do I seek to please men? For if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ” (Galatians 1:6-10).

 

            “And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows” (Matthew 24:4-8).

 

            “For there shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened. Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; belive it not. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you before. Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not. For the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together” (Matthew 24:21-28).

 

            “Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father; (But) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also. Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which. Ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father. And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life” (1 John 2:22-25).

 

            “And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us his commandment. And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us” (1 John 3:23-24).

 

            “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus is come in the flesh is of God; And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come: and even now already it is in the world. Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them” (1 John 4:1-5).

 

            “And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us” (1 John 4:14-15).

 

            “Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God” (1 John 5:1-5).

 

            “He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life: and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life” (1 John 5:10-12).

 

            “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe the name of the Son of God” (1 John 5:13).

 

            “And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness. And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life. Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen” (1 John 5:19, 21).

 

            As I bring this writing to a close I find it absolutely necessary we as the saints of God recognize and understand that we must needs know and recognize the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. Those in Nazareth and those in Capernaum—both the Jews as well as the disciples who had walked with and followed the Lord Jesus—were offended at Him. There were many who were offended at Him because they believed they knew who He was only to find Him revealing something entirely different concerning Himself. Those in Capernaum thought and believed they knew who He was knowing His brethren, his sisters, and his mother were present among them there in Galilee and yet here we find the Lord Jesus professing that He came down from heaven from the Father as the bread which gives life. The Jews in Nazareth and Capernaum were greatly offended at the Lord Jesus because they thought and believed they knew who He was only to discover an entirely different revelation concerning Himself. What’s more is that what the Lord Jesus was doing was demonstrating that although they knew Him according to the flesh they did not know Him according to the spirit. The words which the Lord Jesus taught and spoke unto them would demonstrate and reveal that their understanding of who He was was greatly jaded and rooted in the earthly and natural realm. This is something we must needs recognize and understand for this can still and does still happen today within our generation. One of the greatest needs we have is to guard and keep ourselves from offense when the Lord Jesus reveals Himself unto us in perhaps an entirely different way than what we have previously known and thus reveals how little we knew of Him. Oh that we would be a people who would indeed recognize and understand that we have been called to know—and not only know but intimately know the Lord Jesus Christ and believe on Him who came from the Father as the Word which was made flesh and dwelt among us.