Mark 6 (part 2)

Since we are working on Mark chapter six again, here are some of thoughts to ponder.

Jesus could do "no mighty work" in His hometown because of the peoples "unbelief".  We've been seeing that Jesus had all authority, but that, "in all things He had to be made like His brethren" (heb.2:18) to be our merciful and faithful High Priest. Jesus subjected Himself to the limitations as we are, but showed us what it looked like to be submitted to the Father and filled with the Holy Spirit. 

So, here's Jesus in an environment of unbelief, instead of faith, and because of that, He could do "no mighty work" because He was submitted to the Father.  And the Father sovereignty chooses to send His Spirit in environments of faith. 

Now this did not mean that Jesus was unable to exercise authority through the power of the Spirit, because He was obviously still believing.  That's why we see Him lay hands on some and heal them. The power/authority was still there, but I'd did not spill over into the environment around them and become a mighty work (like they had become accustomed to seeing... where everyone is healed... and the atmosphere is full of the power of God).   Like when touching the hem of His garment, or later when even the shadow of the apostles could heal those who believed.

But this time, the work could only come through direct contact with Jesus... instead of the Holy Spirit moving mightily on individuals because of an atmosphere of faith.

I speak like I know, but my words come from a deep longing to know...  to be a part of a people who live in an environment of faith, a people who "believe".  That's what we are anyway right?  Believers!