Jesus left there and went to his hometown, accompanied by his disciples. 2 When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed.

“Where did this man get these things?” they asked. “What’s this wisdom that has been given him? What are these remarkable miracles he is performing? 3 Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. Mark 6:1-3

Reading this passage one thing I’ve not considered before strikes me: Jesus had a huge earthly family. He had four brothers and at least 2 sisters (passage states plural sisters, so at least 2).

Bethlehem was a rural village. Presumably, everybody knew everybody else. People were in other people’s business. If kids got out of hand, every one knew it.

So, when this man comes through his home town, people noticed. They were unsure about his abilities because, after all, He was from Bethlehem, but He was one of theirs.

His family certainly knew Him and probably most of of the villagers as well, but they couldn’t believe what He said or how He said it.

But the Bible tells us He offended them. Jesus spoke truth no matter who was listening.

The Gospel is offensive to the unbelieving ear. It’s so offensive, in fact, that governments try to stop it and prevent it from spreading at all cost. Men and women are sent to prison because of it.

And let’s be real: Christ was crucified because of it.

If you are teaching and preaching the Gospel, you can expect opposition even from those who have known you since you were small.

The Gospel is just that powerful.