Bible Reflections From Scripture Union Volume OneSample

Persistence and Focus!
Read Mark 6:1-13

Jesus said to them, “Only in his hometown, among his relatives and in his own house is a prophet without honor.” Mark 6:4

After so many years of missionary work in Asia the Christian population in Asia is still very small. Many Christians have become disheartened and feel that the ground is just too hard. Many have given up, but we thank God that many others have not.

If we need an example of persistence and obedience, we just have to follow that of Jesus. One would expect his own fellow countrymen to be excited by His presence and teachings but all we see is rebuke and disbelief (v 3). They thought they knew Jesus but their understanding was blurred by indifference to the power of God. Nothing good could have come from a local man.

We too encounter these disappointments as we try to be ambassadors for Christ. Our friends just see us as ordinary persons. We may have the message but their familiarity with us can be a stumbling block.

What encourages us is that despite the opposition people gave Jesus, He just went on with the task. He did not get much result (v 5) but He still worked hard amongst them. He did not come to be popular but to preach the Gospel. Jesus’ persistence and focus are important for us as we share our faith with our friends. We just need to get on with the task for that is all He asks of us. This was exactly what He required of His disciples (vs 8-13) and it brought great results.

Sharing our faith in a multi-religious setting is not easy. How will you respond to the oft repeated statements, “People of all religions worship the same God” and “All religions are the same”?