Jesus - Rejected by His Own

 Mark 6:1-6 - went to Nazareth (his hometown) - had been invited to share in the synagogue.
Home folk at 1st were AMAZED!!  (His knowledge, wisdom, miracles - knew he was not formally schooled, was the son of a carpenter.
but THEN = they were offended!!  

Why?  Luke 4:16-30 - (quoting Isa. 61:18-19)

(1)  He's making Messianic claims for Himself! =  ie:  "Isaiah's prophecy (about the chosen Messiah)  fulfilled in ME!"
(2)  He knows they won't accept that.  (He knows their hearts)
So, (3)  He compares them to unbelieving Israel!! -  God went to a pagan widow, pagan military leader (Naaman) - who believed and were blessed when much of Israel was astray!!

So..... they were VERY offended!!  (from Greek word meaning scandalized)

Result?  (1)  "He couldn't work many miracles there"
and       (2)  He left town!!

question:  Can my unbelief tie God's hands?? - Answer = yes and no.
On one hand, NO!! God is totally Sovereign!!  We can't manipulate Him.
However, our faith does affect His activity!! (concerning the outcome and results)
Matt. 13:58  - - Probably because they wouldn't bring the sick ones to Him. 
Nevertheless - their lack of faith therefore affected His activity!!

So.... He leaves Nazareth and sends out the 12 disciples.  - Mark. 6:6-13

The task of the 12?  "preach that people should repent." = Primary part of their message.
Definition of repent = a turning ... (which = turn FROM and turn TO)

The proof of their authority?? - drove out demons; healed the sick

(NOTE:  Mark states their mission in 8 verses.  Matthew uses 42 verses - Matt. 10:1-42 - expansion of their commission)

Question:  Why no provisions? - Compare sending the 70 - Luke 10:7
(God provides FOR His workers THROUGH people!!) - the workman is worthy of his hire.

Some observations from these 2 passages: 

#1.  (Your) Faith Matters - can't tie God's hands, can't manipulate Him or make Him do anything, but is very apparent that your faith makes a difference.
Examples:  Matt. 21:21-22   Mark 11:24   Mark 5:34

BUT ... #2  Your)  Faith doesn't guarantee you'll get what you pray for.
Examples:  Paul's thorn    Christ in Gethsemane    healings

FAITH and confidence = trusting Him ... whether or NOT He acts according to your wishes!!

#3.  The Gospel is a message of BOTH Salvation AND condemnation!  (good news, bad news)
John 3:16-18

#4.  (nevertheless) Unbelief today does not necessitate unbelief tomorrow.
Is never too late to turn!!  (ie:  opportunity till death!)
Example:  Jesus' brothers .... James and Jude - after the resurrection became strong believers.  See books of James and Jude.

How to be saved?  Simple as A, B, C - Rom. 10:9-11
                                             A - admit
                                             B - believe
                                             C - confess
(too simple??? Rom. 1:16-17)  - this is the only way - there is NO other way!!

#5.  Jesus' ministry is extended through His human helpers
Jesus = one mouth and 2 hands
Add the 12 - 13 mouths and 26 hands
Add the 70 - 83 mouths and 166 hands
etc.

Clearly God can save people APART from you and me... But, in His wisdom,  He chooses to do HIS work through His people!!  - then and now!

AND there is plenty of His work to be done!!! - John 4:35 - talking about the field of mankind.
However, the Holy Spirit has to make a heart ready, call people, etc.  We can't just set out on our own.

Only opportunity to do this is here and now.  There won't be opportunity in heaven.  It will have already been taken care of when we get there.