What Jesus Did! 'Blocking Miracles' — Mark 6:4-6

Wednesday, April 8, 2020

Then Jesus told [the townspeople], "A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his relatives and his own family." And because of their unbelief, he couldn't do any miracles among them except to place his hands on a few sick people and heal them. And he was amazed at their unbelief.
— Mark 6:4-6 NLT

Key Thought

Jesus was in a synagogue, an important religious place, with people who knew him well. His intentions were good, and he had great power to heal and to help. Yet in this place, he couldn't do nearly as much as he wanted because the people refused to believe and didn't expect him to be able to act. How often have well-intentioned religious people blocked the power of God to work among them because they have refused to believe in Jesus' power? More often than they ever should have!

Today's Prayer

Father, forgive us... forgive me, for not expecting you to act in powerful ways to bring deliverance, healing, and blessing in the lives of your people. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Ephesians 1:15-20
  • Ephesians 3:14-19
  • 2 Timothy 3:5

Comments

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Wednesday, April 8, 2020

Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Proverbs 3:11-12
"My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'All the Marvelous Things' (Ps. 9:1)
"I will praise you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: Psalms 23:4
"Behold, how independent of outward circumstances the Holy Ghost can make the Christian! What a bright light may shine within us when it is all dark..."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Desmond Tutu:
"Easter says to us that despite everything to the contrary, his will for us will prevail, love will prevail over hate, justice over injustice and oppression,..."

Illustration

Illustration of Mark 6:4-6 NLT — "A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his relatives and his own family."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!