Jesus Teaching in the Synagogue - Mark 6:2

Mark wrote how Jesus went from Jairus' house, “and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him”, and in chapter six and verse two of his book, Mark wrote how Jesus, “began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From where has this man these things?” where we read:

And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From where has this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands?

The verse reads, “And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue:” Mark began with the words, “and when” or “and at the time and moment” “the sabbath day was come” which means “the seventh day of each week which was a sacred festival on which the Israelites were required to abstain from all work happened and appeared”, “he began to teach” or “Jesus started to and initiated instruction and discourses” “in the synagogue” which refers to “within the sacred worship place where the reading and teaching of the law was performed”. Mark shared how Jesus initiated “instruction” on the “Sabbath day” within the “synagogue” located in His “own country”.

The verse goes on to say, “and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From where has this man these things?” Mark continued with the words, “and many hearing him” which means “and a lot of people who were given the faculty of hearing, perceiving and understanding Jesus” “were astonished” or “were amazed, wondered and shocked”, “saying” or “uttering, declaring and proclaiming”, “from where has this man these things” or “what is the origin or source of Jesus' teachings, instruction and didactic words”? Mark shared how the people were in “shock” when they heard what Jesus said and wondered where He learned what He was telling them.

Finally the verse reads, “and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands?” Mark added the words, “and what wisdom is this” or “what is the science, learning and intelligence” “which is given unto him” which means “that is granted, bestowed, supplied and furnished to Jesus”, “that even such mighty works are wrought” or “that such power, ability and strength to perform miracles are worked” “by his hands” which refers to “Jesus' physical hands”. The people wondered where Jesus received the “ability” to perform the “mighty” miracles which He produced through His physical hands.

When we meditate upon Mark's words in this verse, we see how the people in Jesus' “own country” did not know Him or His abilities. Although He grew up there, the people were amazed not only at His words, but also at His works. They were quite the “spectators” when it came to Jesus, and their wonder only revealed their lack of ability to relate to who Jesus really was. Jesus Christ is the Messiah sent from God, and those who receive Him as their personal “Savior and Lord” shall not only learn of Him and His wonderful teachings, but also know that He was filled with the Holy Spirit of God so no “supernatural work” is too difficult for Him.

Next time we see Mark share how Jesus, “began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From where has this man these things?”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".