The Day Miracles Ceased

Main Text: Mark 6:1–6 (ESV)

Main Text: Mark 6:1–6 (ESV)

He went away from there and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. And on the Sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things? What is the wisdom given to him? How are such mighty works done by his hands? Is 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. And Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown and among his relatives and in his own household.” And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them. And he marveled because of their unbelief.

  • In Jesus’s hometown of Nazareth, He encountered a barrier so significant that it stopped a move of God.
  • Jesus was not limited in WHO He was; He was limited in WHAT He could do!
  • Why?— The Barrier of Dishonor and Disbelief!

Does God Still Do Miracles?

  • Yes! WE UNAPOLOGETICALLY BELIEVE IN MIRACLES!
  • When God uses you, it is not an endorsement of the Messenger, the Message, or the Method.

Two Helpful Thoughts

  1. Jesus does not discourage HONEST questions:
  • John 20:27–29 (ESV)
  1. Jesus always let miracles speak for themselves:
  • Luke 5:14 (ESV)

Nazareth Shows Us That…

What you BELIEVE builds a BARRIER or BRIDGE for a move of God.

  • Mark 6:2 (ESV)

Jesus Preached an UNAPOLOGETIC Message

  • Jesus preached… He is THE ONLY WAY
    Jesus preached… The Baptism and Gifts of the Spirit are for today
    • Why do we believe this?
      • The Old Testament Prophesied it (Joel 2:28)
      • Jesus promised it (John 14:16)
      • Peter Proclaimed It (Acts 2:16)
      • Paul Preached It (1 Cor 14:1)
      • Early Church Fathers Practiced it
  • Jesus preached… GREATER WORKS
    • We believe Divine healing from God is an integral part of the gospel. Deliverance from sickness is provided in the Atonement.
  • Jesus preached… He would COME AGAIN

There Are Two Barriers That Will Stop the Miraculous — Dishonor and Disbelief

  • Mark 6:3–5 (ESV)

Dishonor: The Barrier of Offense

  • Dishonor is to treat someone or something with a lack of respect or to degrade their perceived value.
  • 3 Types of Honor:
  1. Honor: Valuing and respecting someone deeply, such as recognizing Jesus as the Messiah. This type of honor creates an environment where divine actions are welcomed and fostered.
  2. Dishonor: Seeing someone in a diminished light, such as viewing Jesus merely as a carpenter’s son, which reflects a failure to recognize His divine authority and role.
  3. No Honor: Treating someone as ordinary or common, thus failing to acknowledge their unique contributions or divine nature.

Disbelief: The Barrier of Doubt

  • Disbelief is the refusal to accept something as true, often despite evidence.

Three Foundations to Build a Bridge to the Miraculous

  1. Begin with Honor
  2. Build with Humility
  3. Be Hungry

Conclusion

  • “And he marveled because of their unbelief.”
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