3 “Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? Are not His sisters here with us?” And they took offense at Him.
4 Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and among his own relatives and in his own household.”
5 And He could do no miracle there except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them.
6 And He wondered at their unbelief. And He was going around the villages teaching.” (Emphasis added.) Mark 6:1-6.
There may be reasons why “A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown …”. Relatives and neighbors may be jealous of the prophet. They may be defensive and even offensive, because the prophet makes them look less righteous and less successful in comparison. With outsiders, it is easy to attribute their success to special surroundings and better opportunities. But, if they all have the same surroundings and the same opportunities, then they are confronted with the thought that they should all achieve the same. If the relatives and neighbors belittle what the prophet does, then they feel better about themselves.
We just need to be aware of this truth. For some of us, we will still be called by God to remain in our hometown, and despite this jealousy and resistance to us, still be salt and light in our hometown. For others, we will be called by God to move away from our hometown, and this truth may help us to make this move, understanding that we may be more fruitful and receive more honor elsewhere.
“But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired.” 1 Corinthians 12:18
“Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.” Philippians 4:11
In conclusion, whether we serve God in our hometown or elsewhere, understanding this truth will help us. If we stay home, then we can be prepared and guard against such jealous reactions from our relatives and neighbors. If we move away from home, then we can appreciate that such a move may be best according to this truth.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 