Outcast

4 Then Jesus said to them, "Prophets are not without honor, except in their hometown, and among their own kin, and in their own house." (Mark 6:4)

When Jesus returned to Nazareth after his ministry was in full swing the people didn't know what to make of him. They thought they knew him - he was just a carpenter, just a son of Joseph and Mary - and they believed Jesus could not possibly have the knowledge or power that they had heard about. Jesus had made a good name for himself everywhere he had ministered to the broken and outcast, but at home, where he should have been encouraged and trusted, Jesus was the outcast.

We are further told that Jesus could not do many miracles except to lay hands on a few people and heal them.

These, sometimes precariously united, states are made up of people who were “just” - just a dreamer, just a refugee, just a slave. Rather we were native to this land, came seeking advancement or adventure, were brought involuntarily, or came escaping abuse or tyranny, we are a nation of outcasts. Hence the allure of independence. But independence must not become isolationism. Discouraged, but undeterred, Jesus sends the disciples out in pairs. Though they have each other for encouragement, safety, and support, they are utterly dependent on those they serve.

8 He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; 9 but to wear sandals and not to put on two tunics. 10 He said to them, "Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. 11 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." (Mark 6:8-11)

Dependence on one another can be a strength when guided by compassion, trust, and love. We are called to strengthen each other, and we can be assured that, even when we feel cast out, we do not stand alone.

10 Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:10)