Mark 6:1
And he went out from thence, and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him.
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
Nazareth was a small Galilean village, population perhaps 200-400, where everyone knew everyone. Jesus had lived there approximately 30 years before beginning public ministry at age 30 (Luke 3:23). The townspeople watched Him grow up, knew His family, observed His ordinary life as carpenter (Mark 6:3). This familiarity became obstacle rather than advantage—they couldn't reconcile the ordinary Jesus they knew with claims of divine authority and miraculous power. This visit occurred midway through Jesus' Galilean ministry, after significant miracles established His reputation regionally. Nazareth's location in lower Galilee made it relatively isolated from major trade routes, contributing to provincial attitudes. Archaeological excavations reveal first-century Nazareth was modest agricultural village with simple stone houses, olive presses, and terraced hillside farms. Early church tradition held that Mary remained in Nazareth, possibly explaining Jesus' return visit. The rejection at Nazareth fulfilled prophetic pattern: prophets without honor in their hometown (Mark 6:4).
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' experience of rejection by those who knew Him best prepare believers for similar experiences when family or longtime acquaintances resist the gospel?
- What does the disciples' presence during Jesus' rejection teach about God's purpose in allowing His servants to experience both success and failure in ministry?
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Analysis & Commentary
And he went out from thence, and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him. After demonstrating authority over demons, disease, nature, and death (chapters 4-5), Jesus returns to His hometown. 'His own country' (τὴν πατρίδα αὐτοῦ, tēn patrida autou) refers to Nazareth where He grew up (Luke 4:16). The phrase carries poignant irony—He who created all things (John 1:3) comes to 'His own' place, yet will be rejected by 'His own' people (John 1:11). This geographic movement from spectacular miracle ministry to hometown rejection prefigures the larger pattern: Israel's rejection of her Messiah.
'His disciples follow him' (ἀκολουθοῦσιν αὐτῷ οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ, akolouthousin autō hoi mathētai autou) indicates the Twelve accompanied Jesus, witnessing both His power (chapters 4-5) and His rejection (chapter 6). This educational journey taught them that ministry involves both miraculous success and painful rejection. The disciples needed to see that even Jesus, despite undeniable miracles, faced unbelief from those who knew Him best. This prepares them for their own future rejection (Mark 13:9-13). Reformed theology emphasizes that God's servants should expect both fruitfulness and opposition—success doesn't guarantee universal acceptance; even perfect ministry (Christ's) faced rejection.