Sharing Jesus with Those Closest to Us
“Then Jesus told them, ‘A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his relatives and his own family.’ And because of their unbelief, he couldn’t do any mighty miracles among them except to place his hands on a few sick people and heal them. And he was amazed at their unbelief” – Mark 6:4-6a (NLT).
Influencing our family or closest friends to believe in Jesus can be difficult if not impossible.
It was for Jesus. He was the Son of God, yet his own family did not believe in him for some time after he began his ministry. If you will recall, they thought he was out of his mind in making the claims he made about himself and tried to take him home (See Mark 3:21; 31-35). Now he returns to Nazareth, the place he grew up, and the people are deeply offended by his teachings and completely reject him. After all, he was just the carpenter’s kid from down the street that they saw playing as a boy (See Mark 6:1-3).
So Jesus makes the statement that a representative (prophet) of God is honored everywhere but in his hometown, and among his relatives and family.
Anyone who has tried to share their faith in Christ with someone in their inner circle knows how true this is. Those closest to us seem to reject us most. While others respect us and our opinions, those closest to us could often care less. They see us as the little boy or girl they once saw playing in the street or walking around with a runny nose!
What’s more, they are familiar with us - - too familiar. They see us often enough to know our weaknesses as well as our strengths, so they tend to respect us less. Consequently, when we attempt to share Jesus with them, they just naturally reject what we say or politely listen and then ignore us.
The bottom line is that sharing Jesus with our inner circle can be frustrating and irritating. But from this story we can gain some insight about how to go about it.
First, even though Jesus undoubtedly knew his hometown would be a tough nut to crack for God, he still went. We should go too - - to our families and close friends, that is. Don’t let their familiarity with you or knowledge of your weaknesses stop you from sharing Jesus with them. Remember, Jesus knew his family’s opinion of him, but he still went home to talk to them about his kingdom. You should go too, no matter what your family or close friends may think of you. Just be honest about your weaknesses, tell them you have been forgiven for your wrongs and that this is what Jesus is all about. Don’t try to hide your sins or weaknesses. Don’t become angry if they are pointed out. Instead, just admit them and keep talking. Don’t let the probability of rejection keep you from trying.
Second, Jesus was rejected, and you can expect rejection too. Talk to those closest to you with this in mind. Remember, you get what Jesus got. If they didn’t believe him, they will likely not believe you either. It may take someone from the outside to come and share Jesus with them before they will believe.
Third, don’t give up hope. Jesus’ family eventually all came to believe in and follow him. Yours may too. Your heart may be broken for a time at the unbelief of your loved ones, but given time they may come around. So don’t give up hope and keep praying for them.
Fourth, don’t be offended because your family doesn’t see you as God’s man or woman. Instead, be like Jesus who was more concerned with their unbelief then their rejection of him personally. Remember, it is God they are rejecting even more than you. See it in this light and don’t play the old childhood tapes that tell you that you were never accepted and never will be.
Last, don’t linger too long trying to convince family members to follow Jesus. Jesus was only in Nazareth a short time and then he moved on (See Mark 6:6). Sometimes we must move on too. We can’t spend all our time and energy trying to convince one or two people to follow Jesus when there is a whole world of lost souls out there waiting to hear our message. Move on. Share Jesus and move on. Let the Holy Spirit do his job which is convicting their hearts to follow God. You are not the Holy Spirit. Your job is to share not convict. So share and move on. Don’t let your whole life get bogged down with a few people only. Remember, God loves them as much as you do and is committed to doing all he can to win their hearts.
So trust him and move on.