Gospel lesson for the week

Mark 6:1-13

At home and abroad, Jesus and his disciples encounter resistance as they seek to proclaim God's word and relieve affliction.

^{1 Jesus left that place and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him.2On the sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They said, "Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? What deeds of power are being done by his hands!3Is 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.4Then Jesus said to them, "Prophets are not without honor, except in their hometown, and among their own kin, and in their own house."5And he could do no deed of power there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them.6And he was amazed at their unbelief.  Then he went about among the villages teaching.7He called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits.8He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts;9but to wear sandals and not to put on two tunics.10He said to them, "Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place.11If 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."12So they went out and proclaimed that all should repent.13They cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.}

Gospel Reflection Questions 
 to share and discuss

1. How do you feel about the place where you grew up?  Can you identify with Jesus’ statement “prophets are not without honor, except in their hometown”?
   
   
2. Has anyone ever questioned your belief in God?  Have there been situations where you have had to defend your faith to others?
   
   
3. In this text, Jesus advises us to “travel light” (“take nothing for your journey..”) Think about ways you could live your life more simply.
   
   

Prayer

Dear God, help us to live our lives in your love, no matter how our faith may be challenged.  Help us always to travel “light” in this life and to live lives of love to you and service to others.  Amen.

This is Mt. Olive’s weekly online Bible Study for youth, adults and families. Each week we will reflect on the coming weekend’s Gospel text covered at our upcoming worship services. This is your opportunity to read the text, reflect on the questions, share and discuss with friends and family, and share a prayer.

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illustration by Julie Lonneman exclusively for Augsburg Fortress.