At the time of writing the UK is still in the midst of a general election campaign. Whoever holds the keys to Number 10 Downing Street when his service is published will have a lot of work to do. They will also have to meet the expectations not only of their party and parliamentary colleagues but of the electorate as well.

In the passage we have today, taken from the Gospel of Mark, addresses certain expectations around the ministry of Jesus. At the beginning of the passage Jesus has visited his home town (Nazareth) and has received something of a cold reception from his former neighbours. The people of his home town know Jesus’ family and his apprenticeship as a carpenter. This knowledge of Jesus leads them to take umbrage with him as this new prophetic leader who preaches amongst them. Jesus defies their own limited expectations and so they reject him and his ministry.

Jesus interprets their rejection as part of his prophetic task noting that:

“Prophets are not without honour, except in their hometown, and among their own kin, and in their own house.” (Mark 6:4)

Interestingly, the negative reaction that Jesus receives in his own town does seem to have an impact on his ability to exercise his divine power amongst them. The passage states that “he could do no deed of power there” although he does heal a few people who were sick and cure them whilst being amazed by the extent of the unbelief that he encounters (Mark 6:5).

After this encounter Jesus goes on to the nearby villages to continue his teaching and offer healing. Jesus calls and appoints his twelve disciples to go out two by two to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to have Jesus’ power over unclean Spirits (Mark 6:7-8). In so doing they are told to carry nothing but a staff and to rely on the hospitality of those who receive them. This in turn leads to positive outcomes with the disciples sharing in the ministry that Jesus has been exercising.

As I stated earlier, expectation is a central theme within this passage. The familiarity with which the people of Nazareth have with Jesus’ family defies their own expectations and leads them to reject Jesus. They are so wrapped up in their own notions and prejudices towards Jesus that they are unable to believe what God is doing in and through him. This lack of belief therefore limits the signs that they see performed amongst them. This is perhaps a lesson for us as well. Do we too need greater conviction in Christ’s presence with us through the Holy Spirit and a greater openness to the works of power that can occur amongst us?

We should also note that Jesus calls and sends his disciples with the expectation that they would fully share in his mission and ministry, giving them his authority. However, along with the power that he vests with them he also leaves them in a state of dependence and vulnerability, with no food or money but relying on the hospitality of strangers.

At the beginning of this reflection, I spoke about the new government that will have been formed at the time that this service goes out. That government will be faced with many expectations but perhaps the most important one is that it will govern for the wellbeing of all people. Jesus makes it clear in his ministry that the Kingdom of God is for all people. He also demonstrates God’s particular concern for those on the margins of his society. He then calls his disciples to further the work of the Kingdom by sharing in that ministry.

We as a church are called to the ministry of Jesus. This involves building relationships with people as we tell them about Jesus Christ and do the good works that God calls us to. However, we do this not by lording it over others but in service of them. Jesus’ disciples are guests in the homes of strangers, humbly willing to commit themselves to the wellbeing of the people that they encounter. We too must have a willingness to not only work out the ministry of Christ with new people in new places but to do so humbly and with a high regard for their wellbeing.

Let us remember then what we are called and expected to do by Christ; to proclaim his Kingdom and offer his healing and wholeness in confidence and humility. May God’s Spirit equip us to this task as we seek to follow Jesus as our Lord, Saviour, and Friend.