In the book of Mark, we learn about one of the most interesting accounts of Jesus when He returned to His hometown. It is perplexing because it says,
“He couldn't do any miracles,” (6:5 NLT).
Yes, you read that correctly, He could not do miracles! This shocked me, compelling me to research further, and to my discovery, every translation presents the same situation. Here are a few of the translations:
“He could do no mighty work there.” (ESV)
“He could not do a miracle there at all.” (AMP)
“So Jesus was not able to work any miracles.” (NCV)
Can you see why this is mind-blowing? Jesus is a miracle worker, and yet in this account, He was not able to perform the miracles He desired to do. Let’s read the situation in its entirety to grasp the impact of Honor:
“Jesus left that part of the country and returned with his disciples to Nazareth, his hometown. The next Sabbath he began teaching in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. They asked, ‘Where did he get all this wisdom and the power to perform such miracles?’ Then they scoffed, ‘He’s just a carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon. And his sisters live right here among us.’ They were deeply offended and refused to believe in him. Then Jesus told them, ‘A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his relatives and his own family.’ And because of their unbelief, he couldn’t do any miracles among them except to place his hands on a few sick people and heal them. And he was amazed at their unbelief.” (Mark 6:1-6)
The people were astonished by his teaching; His wisdom and revelation were remarkable. They took note that Jesus spoke with authority, they heard about the miracles He had performed at other cities yet they themselves were unable to experience His miraculous power. The passage does not say, “He wouldn’t do miracles”; it says, “He couldn’t”. The question arises, “Why couldn’t Jesus do mighty miracles for them?” Scripture indicates that acts of healing are different from performing miracles (1 Corinthians 12:9-10). Jesus was able to heal a few people but not able to perform miracles. At first glance, I thought it was because of their unbelief or because they were offended. Both are true, however, when Jesus addressed them, He didn’t mention their offense or lack of faith but instead exposed the root issue in verse four. He told them, “A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his relatives and his own family.” Their lack of honor hindered them from receiving miracles from Jesus.
Dishonor shuts the door on miracles. Honor opens the door for miracles.
Unfortunately, dishonor is as prevalent in the church today as it was with the church of Corinth. The Corinthian church brought judgement on themselves with their dishonor towards one another. Paul addresses the church of Corinth about this in 1 Corinthians 11:17-22. The body was not in unity nor were they honoring one another while partaking in communion. In actuality, they were humiliating the poor by simply not waiting for each other to eat. Paul goes on to say, “So, my dear brothers and sisters, when you gather for the Lord’s Supper, wait for each other. If you are really hungry, eat at home so you won’t bring judgment upon yourselves when you meet together,” (v33, 34). I was shocked when I first read this scripture. Who would have thought not waiting for other believers during communion would bring judgement? By rushing to eat they exposed the root issue of dishonor. When they refused to wait for others to take communion, the believers were esteeming themselves above their brothers and sisters. This is a dishonor not only to the body but to Jesus himself. Paul warns us,
“That is why you should examine yourself before eating the bread and drinking the cup.
For if you eat the bread or drink the cup without honoring the body of Christ, you are
eating and drinking God’s judgment upon yourself. That is why many of you are weak
and sick, and some have even died.” (1 Corinthians 11:28-30)
Some people believe they can honor Jesus but dishonor other believers. This is a dangerous mindset to have. Their disregard for other members of the church resulted in communion being taken in an unworthy manner (v27), which led to judgement in their lives. Paul tells us the consequence of their dishonor was believers experiencing weakness, sickness, and even death! The first word Paul mentions is weak, without strength.
An absence of honor equals an absence of strength. Dishonoring people will make you weak.
If you have dishonored other people, ask God for forgiveness right now. Ask Him to do a work of honor in your heart by giving you the grace and power to see others the way He see's them, loves them and cares for them. If you need to apologize to others, go in a spirit of humility and make things right. Some people may receive the apology and others may not. Whether or not they receive your apology, you do what the Word instructs you and seek reconciliation, pursue peace with everyone and honor everyone. (Hebrews 12:14 & 1 Peter 2:17)
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