Jesus went out from there and *came into His hometown; and His disciples *followed Him. And when the Sabbath came, He began to teach in the synagogue; and the many listeners were astonished, saying, “Where did this man learn these things, and what is this wisdom that has been given to Him, and such miracles as these performed by His hands? Is this not the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And are His sisters not here with us?” And they took offense at Him. Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not dishonored except in his hometown and among his own relatives, and in his own household.” And He could not do any miracle there except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them. And He was amazed at their unbelief. And He was going around the villages, teaching.

Mark 6:1-6

You won’t always get credit for doing the right thing.

Jesus knew this as well as anybody. He was doing miracles in His hometown and all people could say is, “Isn’t that Joseph’s boy?”

For am I now seeking the favor of people, or of God? Or am I striving to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.

Galatians 1:10

Sometimes the right thing, the right teaching, and the right way of living will get you no recognition from those around you. But that doesn’t make it any less of a worthy thing to pursue.

Ethan Kirl

Originally Published January 27, 2021