Astonishing Ministry!

 

“Jesus came to His hometown…” Mark 6:1

“He (Jesus) began to teach in the synagogue; and the many listeners were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things, and what is this wisdom given to Him? …”” Mark 6:2

 

“… and they took offense at Him”   Mark 6:3

For thirty years Jesus lived what would be considered a “normal” quiet life among His relatives in the city of Nazareth. Since there were no alarm clocks He probably woke-up every morning with the crowing of a rooster. Rising early and working by the sweat of His brow He learned the craft of carpentry alongside His adoptive father. It would seem from Mark 6:3 He eventually carried on the family trade being known as a carpenter Himself. Calloused hands and sore muscles characterized His daily life among the working class. During those thirty years He didn’t perform miracles or try to gather a following and start up a ministry.  Neither did He attend special schools or study at the feet of “well known” Rabbi’s.  The incarnate Son of God lived as a seemingly ordinary man, hard working, quietly studying and observing the Torah, all the while loving God and others without seeking recognition for His diligence. Wow! Jesus didn’t take any short cuts. No streamlining to success. He truly lived among us, making Himself of no reputation.  It was here during these quiet years of faithfulness to His Father that He acquired “these things” that the astonished listeners asked about and yet were so unwilling to believe.   It was only after this thirty years of virtual obscurity, thirty years of NO extra-ordinary feats to attract people to Him (Is.53:2-3) that His heavenly Father commissioned Him into ministry  with the words “You are My Beloved Son, with You I am well pleased” Mark 1:11

The very thing that made Him offensive and unappealing to His hometown crowd made Him acceptable to the Father and prepared Him for His “astonishing” ministry.

 If you ever thought an “ordinary” job wasn’t spiritual think again. Jesus always did what pleased the Father and this made his ordinary tasks extra ordinary bringing glory to God. If you are in a season of what seems to be uneventful and ordinary rejoice and be faithful in it as a time of preparation. A time to walk humbly with Your God that He might exalt you for His purposes at the right time.

“Well done good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord”                       Matthew 25:21