I’m stubborn. I can admit it, even if it is difficult. My stubbornness, although, helps me when it comes to the art of argumentation, but also makes it hard for me to acknowledge when I am wrong. There have been times in my life when someone has proven me wrong, and I still can’t accept it. I tend to always think that a way exists for me to be right. That’s what you might call irrational unbelief, and we all deal with it at some point.
In Mark 6:1-6 We read about Jesus dealing with some irrational unbelief. His ministry has led him to his hometown of Nazareth. Mark writes:
And on the Sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue and many who heard him were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things? What is the wisdom given to him? How are such mighty works done by his hands? Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him (vv. 2-3, ESV).
When the people in Nazareth heard what Jesus had to say, they “took offense at him.” What an amazing statement. I have heard people say before, “if I could see and hear Jesus for myself, then I would believe.” These people heard Jesus, saw Jesus, experienced Jesus, and still they did not believe. Then verse 6 says, “And he marveled because of their unbelief.” They had such an irrational unbelief that it amazed even Christ.
I am tempted at this point to marvel at the people’s unbelief myself. I know, however, that at times I possess this same irrational unbelief. I don’t struggle with the existence of God or the facts of the gospel. But at times I do have a hard time believing that I can trust God, and that he has a good and right plan for my life. I don’t consciously doubt God, but my actions display my true fears. Worrying about unpaid bills, or trying to control every aspect of my life, both reveal a heart that struggles to believe. My challenge to all of us is to cry out with the man in Mark 9, “I believe; help my unbelief (v. 24),” and may it never be said of us that Jesus marveled