NOT WHERE YOU ARE KNOWN

Jesus and his Followers
image courtesy photobucket.com

Our Pastor Jerry was reading from Mark the 4^th chapter.  Taking notes I gleaned from his sermon.
   

Jesus often spoke in parables and when his disciples asked him why he said, “It is for you to know, but for those who are outside, all things come in parables.”

There seems to be an unwritten law among ministers that they should never consider accepting a pastorate of a church in their home town where they are known.  

It is difficult to minister among people who know you and you grew up with.

Jesus grew up in his home town of Nazareth, but as he began his ministry he went into other nearby towns and became popular because of the miracles, “He could do no mighty works in Nazareth, because of their unbelief.” 

The people of Nazareth, questioned, “Where did he get all that wisdom?  Is not this the carpenter’s son?”  “Surely we would recognize the Messiah, but this man is just Jesus and we know him.”

His family even believed Jesus had gone mad and at one time came to take him home.  Jesus turned away from his family and took unto himself a group of social misfits. 

Although women usually did not travel alone, there were many women who also followed Jesus.  Pastor speculated that their husbands may have been a follower and the wife came along too..

The townspeople were amazed at the miracles, but they were offended at Jesus.  To them he was a stumbling block and a rock of offense.

Pastor read from:  1 Peter 2:4-8 (KJV)  To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,  and a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.

In history one of the central leaders speaking about George Washington said, “I never had confidence in George, because I knew him as a boy, and I don’t believe that he could ever lead an army.”

Pastor asked us, “Do we really ever know each other?”

Jesus sent out disciples and told them to preach the Kingdom of God, and if you are accepted then stay, but if you are rejected, then shake the dust off your feet and leave.

Pastor suggested that as we go our way this week -- to show the love of Jesus, and if we are not accepted, to be polite but to back off and allow the person to reflect on what you have told them. 

Pastor told us to understand that perhaps later that person will remember your words and actions and come to Christ.  The Holy Spirit continues to strive with men.

This post is Linked up today with Michelle’s Hear it on Sunday Use it on Monday