DCLM Search The Scripture Youth For September 17, 2023 : Topic – CHRIST REJECTED IN HIS OWN COUNTRY
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YOUTH STS
LESSON 78
CHRIST REJECTED IN HIS OWN COUNTRY
Memory Verse: “But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house. And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them” (Mark 6:4,5).
Text: Mark 6:1-56
Jesus has been ministering to people of different lands, countries, cities and languages. In our text today “He went out from thence, and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him” (verse 1). Jesus came to the place of His birth for the purpose of preaching the gospel to them. By this, He was fulfilling His mission on earth “For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost” (Matthew 18:11).
Question 1: What should young people learn from Jesus going back to His own country to preach?
Young people should learn vital lesson that the preaching assignment should not be limited to those of other countries or family alone. We should also find time to witness to our immediate family members, close friends, classmates and school mates.
THE CONSEQUENCES OF REJECTING CHRIST
Mark 6:1- 6;Matthew 13:54-58,Luke 4:16
“And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things? And what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands?” (Mark 6:2). As Jesus continued His threefold teaching, preaching and healing in Nazareth, most of the people in His audience were His kinsmen and hometown people They were surprised at the teaching of Jesus knowing fully well that He was once among them as a carpenter. They marveled “from whence hath this man these things?” They even recognized and admitted that mighty works were done through Him. One would have thought that their amazement would have led them to accept His lordship and to repent. But this familiarity hindered them. They were offended at Him; hence, they despised and rejected H His offer of salvation.
Question 2: In what ways do youths manifest over familiarity with the word of God and ministers of the gospel today?
Familiarity breeds contempt. Many youths lose out of God’s blessings due to familiarity with the word of God and His ministers. Hence, they receive nothing during church services, retreats, success camp and other meetings. Such youths do not open their Bibles when a particular passage is quoted on the premise that they know what that passage is saying. Others despise their leaders and pastors because of their familiarity with them. Some despise their youth leaders and pastors based on the physical, financial or other weaknesses. It is pertinent to note that over familiarity will hinder a youth from getting God’s best. It will block his chances of being saved, and receiving miracles from the Lord. “And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them (verse 5).
Question 3: What should Christian youths do when they are rejected in the course of preaching the gospel?
“But Jesus, said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house; And he marveled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching” (Mark 6:4,6). Jesus was not bitter at them. He did not fight or use any derogatory word on His despisers and rejecters. Above all, He was not deterred in any way. He left the despisers and went round the villages teaching and healing. Christian youths should not be discouraged or downhearted when people reject their messages or make mockery of their faith. They should do like Jesus by going to other people who will hear and accept the gospel message. The Scripture says, “And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them” (Luke 9:5).
THE REAWAKENED CONSCIENCE OF HEROD AND HIS WICKED ACT
Mark 6:14-29; Matthew 14:1-12; Luke 9:7-9
“And king Herod heard of him; (for his name was spread abroad:) and he said, That John the Baptist was risen from the dead, and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him. Others said, That it is Elias. And others said, That it is a prophet, or as one of the prophets. But when Herod heard thereof, he said, It is John, whom beheaded: he is risen from the dead”(Mark 6:14-16). The news of the activities of Jesus came to King Herod and this troubled and reawakened his dead conscience. Before now, Herod had arrested John, imprisoned and killed him. This was at the request of Herodias his brother’s wife whom he had married unlawfully but was condemned by John the Baptist. “For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for Herodias’ sake, his brother Philip’s wife: for he had married her” (verse 17).
Question 4: What can Christian youths learn from the life of John the Baptist?
“For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly” (Mark 6:20). John was a fiery and bold preacher who would not condone prove sin in whomsoever it was found. As a Christian leader the Youth Home Success Fellowship, School Fellowship or Bible Study Group, you must preach against, refuse and rebuke sin in any person.
“Therefore Herodias had a quarrel against him, and would have killed him; but she could not” (verse 19). Herodias, the wife of the brother of Herod who left her husband to marry her brother-in-law had a quarrel with John because of his unyielding stand against sin. We must not mind the reactions of the evildoers or sinners, who kick against our preaching against sin in their lives. We are to preach the gospel without fear or favor. “And when a convenient day was come, that Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords, high captains, and chief estates of Galilee” (verse 21 ). The despicable (vile, evil contemptible) act of King Herod in killing John was carried out on the day he was celebrating his birthday. Uncontrolled drinking, worldly music, ungodly dance and moral debasement filled the atmosphere of unrestrained celebration. A careful examination of the Scriptures shows that only two birthdays were recorded. First, Pharaoh celebrated his birthday and killed his chief baker (Genesis 40:21). Second, Herod celebrated his birthday and killed John the Baptist. Many youths commit a lot of atrocity in the name of birthday celebration and other parties. However, any celebration that does not put God first but promote ungodliness, defilement, immorality and uncontrolled passion and lust is not acceptable to God.
Question 5: Which day should be Christian youths’ most important day?
No day could be greater than the day you were born into the kingdom of God. The day you had an unforgettable encounter with Jesus Christ should be the day that gives you the greatest joy and happiness that is worth celebrating. If you are not saved, you will be keen at celebrating your natural birthday at all costs. You must be born again so that the angels will celebrate you in heaven. “Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth” (Luke 15:10). We see a practical demonstration of this in the parable of the prodigal son. The father celebrated the return of his prodigal son
(Luke 15:11- 24)
CHRIST COMMISSIONED HIS DISCIPLES
Mark 6:7-13,30- 32;Matthew 10:1-15;Luke 10;1-12,1 7-20;9:10
“And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits; And commanded them that they should take no thing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse: But be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats. And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an ho use, there abide till ye depart from that place”(Mark 6:7-10).
Question 6: What can Christian youths learn from the way Jesus sent out His disciples in pairs to preach?
Jesus intensified His evangelistic campaign in His own country by sending out His disciples to preach. He realized the power of working together with others. This teaches us that: Firstly, no leader (no matter how gifted or endowed) can do the work of God alone. He needs the support of others. He may not be able to reach some places where his supporters and helpers in ministry will get to. Secondly, youths should co operate with their leaders and pastors when they are sent out for evangelism. Thirdly, no one should be idle in the house of God because there is work for everyone. More so, evangelism is the ministry of all believers whether young or old. Obedience to the Masters instruction must be implicit as demonstrated by the disciples. “And they went out, and preached that men should repent” (verse 12). Christian youths should preach Jesus Christ. They should emphasize the need for their audience to repent. They are not expected to preach their church or pastors. Jesus only should be our message when we go out to preach. Jesus gave His disciples power as He sent them out to preach. This made them to “.. cast out many devils anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them (verse 13). Power demonstration, miracles, signs and wonders will follow youths who obediently and faithfully go out to preach the gospel.
Question 7: What is the importance of report in the church today?
Having been sent to preach, the disciples of Christ returned to give their evangelistic report to Christ. “And the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught” (Mark 6:30). They told Jesus about what they had taught and done. This underscores the importance of reporting. Youths should always report to their leaders their encounter, success, oppositions and breakthrough in any of their evangelistic outreaches. The act of reporting plays important roles in the church. Firstly, it updates the supervising or coordinating leader of the activities in any section. Secondly, it helps the church to know if there is progress or not. Thirdly, it serves as a source of challenge to other youths and leaders who are less concerned or idle in the church. Fourthly, it makes room for proper assessment and planning in the future. Fifthly, it makes the church leadership to have proper records of all activities in every section. “And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat. And they departed into a desert place by ship privately” (verse 31,32). Having received their report, Jesus told His disciples to rest. At this time, they were busy to the point that they hardly had time to eat. Hence, Jesus knowing the importance of rest told them to go apart for rest. We learn here that we should find time for resting and relaxation of our body after a hard day’s work. As Christian youths strive to balance their spiritual and academic life, they must not undermine the act of physical rest. More so, youth leaders must also find time for spiritual recuperation, refreshing and retreating. “And when he had ‘sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray” (verse 47). The keeps them going and progressing valiantly for the Lord
CHRISTS PROVISION AND POWER OVER NATURE
Mark 6:32-56;Matthew 1 4:15-33;Luke 9:11-17;John 6:16-21
The ministry of Jesus did not stop at preaching, teaching and healing, He also showed love and compassion on the people that came to hear Him. He did not only feed them with the bread of life, but also fed them with the physical bread. “And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things” (Mark 6:34) Overwhelmed by the number of the multitude and the seeming impossibility of getting enough bread for them in the desert, the disciples told Jesus to send the people away. However, Jesus “…answered and said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they say unto him, Shall we go and buy two hundred pennyworth of bread, and give them to eat?” (verse 37). We are to give food to those who are hungry and famished. Though the disciples had only five loaves and two fishes, yet, Jesus shared it with the multitude. Note that the miracle of multiplication did not take place before the sharing but during the sharing. When we share our money, materials and other things with those who are in need, Jesus will perform the miracle of multiplication in our lives.
Question 8: What were the miracles performed by Christ?
Furthermore, other notable miracles performed by Jesus in our text include the miracle of walking on the sea.
“But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out” (verse 49). Secondly, He calmed the stormy sea. “And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered” (Mark 5:15). Jesus is still in the business of performing miracles today: “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever”(Hebrews 13:8). He still heals the sick, does the impossible, give success, peace, promotion and favor. To experience the miracle power of Jesus, sinners must repent of their sins and accept Him as Lord and Savior.