Mark 6:1-13

1    Jesus left that place and came to his hometown. His disciples followed him.  ²  On the Sabbath, he began to teach in the synagogue. Many who heard him were surprised. “Where did this man get all this? What’s this wisdom he’s been given? What about the powerful acts accomplished through him?  ³  Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t he Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” They were repulsed by him and fell into sin. 

4    Jesus said to them, “Prophets are honored everywhere except in their own hometowns, among their relatives, and in their own households.”  ⁵  He was unable to do any miracles there, except that he placed his hands on a few sick people and healed them. 

⁶ He was appalled by their disbelief. 

Then Jesus traveled through the surrounding villages teaching. 

7    He called for the Twelve and sent them out in pairs. He gave them authority over unclean spirits.  ⁸  He instructed them to take nothing for the journey except a walking stick—no bread, no bags, and no money in their belts.  ⁹  He told them to wear sandals but not to put on two shirts.  ¹⁰  He said, “Whatever house you enter, remain there until you leave that place.  ¹¹  If a place doesn’t welcome you or listen to you, as you leave, shake the dust off your feet as a witness against them.”  ¹²  So they went out and proclaimed that people should change their hearts and lives.  ¹³  They cast out many demons, and they anointed many sick people with olive oil and healed them. 

Listening to God: Your unbelief can block the good I want to do in this world.  I have promised over and over again that whatever you ask in my name I will do.  This applies to your life, to those around you, and also to your church and the wider community.  If you are dedicated to doing my will, all the power in heaven is at your disposal.  Does this mean you will get everything you want?  No.  That would not be good for you.  However, I promise to give you everything you need to live in the flow of my will.  Today ask for this and trust me to keep my promise!  Your prayers are the channel through which my power flows into the world.

Journal or lift up your prayers and reflections to God.  

It’s a Sabbath Day – in addition to your personal prayer time worship God in community today!  If you are local to the Olathe area, we would love to have you join us for worship at either 10:30am or 5pm.

*Our season of prayer guide comes from Joan Gray’s book, Sailboat Church: Helping Your Church Rethink Its Mission and Practice.