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One final word from the Mark 6 account of Jesus’ visit to Nazareth: and it is just that: a word.

He marveled because of their unbelief. (Mark 6.6, ESV, emphasis mine)

What’s fascinating is that this word marvel is only used twice about Jesus: here and in Matthew 8 (and Luke 7):

When he had entered Capernaum, a centurion came forward to him, appealing to him, “Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, suffering terribly.” And he said to him, “I will come and heal him.” But the centurion replied, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I too am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes, and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” When Jesus heard this, he marveled and said to those who followed him, “Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such faith. (Matthew 8.5 – 10, ESV, emphasis mine)

One story is about a profound lack of faith from people who should have known better, and the other is about unusual faith from someone who was considered an “outsider.”

Which end of the faith/no faith spectrum am I on?

Without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. (Hebrews 11.6, ESV)

“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” (Luke 22.31, 32, ESV)