What is the meaning of Mark 6:5? So He could not perform any miracles there Mark sets this phrase in the atmosphere of Nazareth’s skepticism (Mark 6:1-4). The townspeople’s familiarity bred contempt, and their unbelief created a barrier Jesus would not override. Matthew 13:58 says, “And He did not do many miracles there, because of their unbelief,” echoing the same point. • “Could not” is moral rather than mechanical. The Son who calmed storms (Mark 4:39) and raised Jairus’s daughter (Mark 5:41-42) never lacks power. Yet He sovereignly withholds displays of that power where hearts are hardened, just as Psalm 78:41 recalls Israel “limiting the Holy One.” • Scripture consistently links faith to divine action. In Mark 5:34 the woman is told, “Your faith has healed you.” Hebrews 11:6 reminds us that “without faith it is impossible to please God.” Nazareth chose doubt, and Jesus honored their choice. • This restraint underscores human responsibility. Isaiah 59:2 notes that iniquities “have separated you from your God,” a truth illustrated here: unbelief short-circuits the blessings God longs to give. except to lay His hands on a few of the sick and heal them Even in an environment thick with unbelief, grace shines through. Luke 4:40 shows that Jesus often healed by laying on hands, a gesture of personal compassion. • A “few” received what the many rejected. Their quiet faith opened the door (compare Luke 8:48). • The tenderness of touch matters. Mark 1:41 records Jesus stretching out His hand to a leper; here, the same gentle contact reaches receptive hearts. • This remnant healing reveals consistency with God’s character—slow to anger, abounding in mercy (Exodus 34:6). While judgment met unbelief, mercy met faith. summary Mark 6:5 teaches that Jesus’ power is unfailing, yet He chooses to act where faith is present. Unbelief in Nazareth did not diminish His ability; it restricted the town’s experience of His mercy. Still, He healed the few who trusted Him, illustrating both the seriousness of rejecting God’s Son and the tenderness awaiting those who believe. |
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