What other scriptures show Jesus facing disbelief from those close to Him? Context: Brothers Challenge Jesus (John 7:3–5) “ So His brothers said to Him, ‘Leave here and go to Judea so Your disciples there may see the works You are doing. … For even His own brothers did not believe in Him.’ ” Family Deems Him Out of His Mind (Mark 3:20–21, 31–35) • 20 “Then Jesus went home, and once again a crowd gathered, so that He and His disciples could not even eat. • 21 When His family heard about it, they went out to seize Him, saying, ‘He is out of His mind.’ ” • 31-35 Mother and brothers wait outside; Jesus identifies true family as “whoever does the will of God.” Hometown Rejection in Nazareth (Mark 6:1–6; Luke 4:22–30) • Mark 6:2-3 “Where did this man get these things? … Isn’t this the carpenter, the son of Mary? … And they took offense at Him.” • Mark 6:4-6 “Only in his hometown, among his relatives, and in his own household is a prophet without honor. … He was amazed at their unbelief.” • Luke 4:28-29 “They got up, drove Him out of town … to throw Him over the cliff.” Mary and Joseph Puzzled (Luke 2:48–50) • 48 “Child, why have You treated us like this?” • 49 “Did you not know that I had to be in My Father’s house?” • 50 “But they did not understand the statement He was making to them.” Neighbors Who Knew His Family Doubt (John 6:41–42) “Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How then can He say, ‘I have come down from heaven’ ?” Some Disciples Walk Away (John 6:60, 66) • 60 “On hearing it, many of His disciples said, ‘This is a difficult teaching. Who can accept it?’ ” • 66 “From that time on many of His disciples turned back and no longer walked with Him.” Thomas Refuses to Believe the Resurrection (John 20:24–29) • 25 “Unless I see the nail marks in His hands … I will never believe.” • 27 “Put your finger here … Stop doubting and believe.” From Unbelief to Faith (Acts 1:14; 1 Corinthians 15:7) • Acts 1:14 “They all joined together constantly in prayer … with His brothers.” • 1 Corinthians 15:7 “Then He appeared to James.” Key Observations • Scripture records repeated skepticism from Jesus’ relatives, hometown, and even disciples. • The pattern underscores Isaiah 53:3—“He was despised and rejected by men.” • Persistent grace ultimately turned some skeptics—James and Jude among them—into devoted witnesses, showing the transforming power of the risen Christ. |
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