• Home
  • About This Blog
  • Contact Me
  • Subscribe
  • Comment Policy

Attempts at Honesty

Reflections on the interplay of the Bible and Culture

  • Westminster Shorter Catechism Series
  • Sermon on the Mount Series
Home Bible Reflection And he marveled at their unbelief

And he marveled at their unbelief

Posted on July 10, 2017 Written by Mark McIntyre Leave a Comment


Trust
Copyright: lightwise / 123RF Stock Photo

Mark 6 records the events when Jesus returned to his hometown of Nazareth. The townspeople were not quick to recognize the significance of what Jesus was doing. In fact, Mark records that Jesus “could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them.” Jesus’ response is recorded in verse 6:

“And he marveled because of their unbelief. And he went about among the villages teaching.” (Mark 6:6, ESV)

The danger for us is that we might think we would respond differently if we saw the miracles first hand. We could think ourselves better than this. But would we respond differently?

I think it unlikely that we would. Or perhaps I should only speak for myself. I think it unlikely that I would respond differently.

Face it, we daily face issues and situations that require us to respond in faith. I find that in such situations, I am more inclined to either worry about it or take on the responsibility for fixing it myself.

I don’t know of a fix for this other than making a conscious effort to choose to believe. I’m not advocating anything like the “positive confession” nonsense that God will give me anything I want if I only muster up enough faith.

What I’m thinking of is making a conscious choice to look in Scripture to see how God responded to his people through the ages and learning to trust that he will continue to support those who love and follow him.

Like so many other things in life, this is easier said than done. But in my own life, I have seen my unbelief slowly receding and faith gaining ground.

Someday, perhaps, the wind and waves will no longer keep me from getting out of the boat . . .


Filed Under: Bible Reflection

About Mark McIntyre

A follower of Jesus Christ who shares observations about how Scripture should impact the church and the world. Mark is the original author and editor of Attempts at Honesty.

I have the opportunity to go to Istanbul, Turkey this summer to minister to Syrian refugees. If you would like more details about this trip, please use this link Mark McIntyre - Istanbul, Turkey Please note that this trip is fully funded, but I would appreciate your continued prayer. The trip will take place June 27 - July 6, 2025.

Follow Attempts at Honesty

Honesty in your Inbox

Saving Leonardo

Nancy Pearcy on the Logos

John’s Gospel begins, “In the beginning was the Logos.” A paragraph by Nancy Pearcey helps set this phrase in its cultural context.

Easter

An Easter Meditation for 2016

If ever I felt the need to appreciate and appropriate the meaning and the power of The Resurrection, it is today. I thought that perhaps you would also benefit from this meditation as we consider the empty tomb.

Peace sign

Whence the lack of peace?

Peace is the one thing that is lacking in many churches today. Perhaps it is because it is one thing that is lacking in many believers today. Or, perhaps, I am projecting this on others because of a lack of peace in my own life.

Hymnal

Actual vs Aspirational

So while what we are singing may not describe what is actually true of us in the moment, it can be an accurate description of our desire. Our voice can express what is aspirational even though it may not be wholly or even partially true in the moment.

Living up to our Facebook Page

We probably all have at least one acquaintance who makes us nuts with their social media posts because we know that their life is not as pleasant as Facebook would make it appear. According to Facebook, every social event they attend is wonderful and they had a great time and were appreciated by all. This […]

Post Series

  • Westminster Shorter Catechism Series
  • Sermon on the Mount Series
June 2025
SMTWTFS
1234567
891011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
2930 
« May    

Categories

Archives

Blogger Grid
Follow me on Blogarama

Copyright © 2025 · Focus Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in