The Death of John the Baptist (Mark 6:14-29)

 

The Death of John the Baptist (Mark 6:14-29)

How we live and how we die are both important questions. Death is a scary thing, but it is not the end. This world is not everything; the kingdom of heaven is the essence. Jesus comforted His disciples by saying, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).

In Mark 6:14-29, John the Baptist was beheaded by King Herod for no justifiable reason. Herod was immoral and violent, constantly showing off and boasting, and in the midst of his inner turmoil, he killed the righteous John.

John the Baptist Has Risen from the Dead

14 King Herod heard about this, for Jesus’ name had become well known. Some were saying, “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead, and that is why miraculous powers are at work in him.” 15 Others said, “He is Elijah.” And still others claimed, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of long ago.” 16 But when Herod heard this, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised from the dead!” (Mark 6:14-16)

The name of Jesus became known throughout Judea and Galilee. Wherever Jesus went, large crowds came to Him seeking healing. Jesus saw that the crowds were like sheep without a shepherd and had compassion on them (Mark 6:34).

Jesus healed a man with a shriveled hand, paralytics, the blind, the deaf, lepers, the demon-possessed, and a woman with a bleeding disorder; He even raised the dead. He performed signs and wonders, calming the wind and waves and walking on water.

Naturally, rumors about Jesus of Nazareth spread throughout the whole country. When King Herod heard about Him, he said that John the Baptist, whom he had beheaded, had risen from the dead. Other people said Jesus was Elijah or one of the prophets of old. They did not know exactly who Jesus Christ was.

John the Baptist, the Forerunner of Jesus

At that time, Zechariah, one of the priests, had no children even though he was old. However, while he was performing his priestly duties in the temple according to his division, he received a sudden visit from an angel. The angel announced that his wife, Elizabeth, would give birth to a son (Luke 1:13). The son born from this was John the Baptist.

14 "He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, 15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born. 16 He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. 17 And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord" (Luke 1:14-17).

John the Baptist carried out his ministry in the wilderness. This signifies that the hearts of the people were dry and thirsty like a desert. He preached a powerful message of repentance to all the people. It was a message that was uncomfortable and bothersome for the people to hear—calling them to confess their sins and urging repentance (Mark 1:4).

7 John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8 Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham" (Luke 3:7-8).

John the Baptist’s voice calling out in the wilderness shook people's hearts. The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him, confessed their sins, and were baptized by him in the Jordan River (Mark 1:5). As the prophet Isaiah predicted, he was the forerunner preparing the way for the coming of Jesus Christ, the Son of God (Mark 1:2).

Salvation from sin comes only through faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God. It does not come through blood or flesh (John 1:12). Even being a descendant of Abraham or being born into a believing family cannot do it. Salvation is solely accepting Jesus Christ—who died by shedding His blood on the cross, was buried, and rose again—as Lord.

This is because human sin cannot be forgiven by anything else; only the blood of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, can break the power of sin and death and save us. The blood of Jesus Christ is a gift of God’s holy love, mercy, and grace, shed to forgive the sins of this world.

John the Baptist’s preaching of a baptism for repentance was a voice inviting people to the salvation that comes from heaven. Tax collectors also came to him, confessed their sins, and were baptized; soldiers also came to him and confessed their sins (Luke 3:12, 14). The people even began to wonder in their hearts if he might possibly be the Messiah (Luke 3:15).

However, John the Baptist said he was the voice of one calling in the wilderness, just as the prophet Isaiah had predicted (Luke 3:4; Isaiah 40:3). As the forerunner of Jesus Christ, he prepared people's hearts to welcome the Lord who comes as the Son of God. Confessing sins is the way to welcome Christ into the heart.

Why do we confess our sins? It is because this world is under sin. To be under sin means that the relationship with God is severed, preventing one from entering into His love and grace. Ultimately, one faces God's judgment and eternal punishment.

Confessing sins is painful and stinging because it is an admission of shame and disgrace. No one wants to do it. However, because of this very shame and sin, our Lord Jesus Christ hung on the cross and received the shame, disgrace, and pain we were supposed to receive (Hebrews 12:2). Now, following the example of Jesus Christ, we walk the way of the cross, acknowledging the disgrace and shame of our sins.

Even though confessing the sins of shame and humiliation may seem harder than dying, God opens the gates of heaven and pours out blessings on those who confess their sins. God does not rebuke anyone who confesses their sins and comes to the Lord; He forgives their sins and purifies them from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). Therefore, we come to stand boldly before the throne of God's grace (Romans 5:1-2).

John the Baptist Rebukes Herod’s Sin of Immorality

17 For Herod himself had given orders to have John arrested, and he had him bound and put in prison. He did this because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, whom he had married. 18 For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” 19 So Herodias nursed a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But she was not able to, 20 because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man. When Herod heard John, he was greatly puzzled; yet he liked to listen to him (Mark 6:17-20).

Herod was a king, but he was trapped in a swamp of darkness and ignorance. He committed the immoral and violent act of taking his brother’s wife. John the Baptist rebuked his unrighteousness. Instead of repenting, Herod arrested John and put him in prison. Herodias, who had become Herod’s wife, watched for every opportunity to kill John.

However, Herod regarded John as a righteous and holy man and was greatly troubled when he heard his words. Yet, he did not listen to the voice of his conscience and did not repent of his violent and immoral deeds. There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil (Romans 2:9). On the other hand, there will be glory, honor, and peace for everyone who does good (Romans 2:10).

In this world, it seems that those who boast, show off, and rule with their own ability and power succeed (Psalm 73:3-4). It seems that those who ignore others and seek only their own benefit gain the wealth of this world and advance (Psalm 73:8-9, 13). That is not the case. Their path is a shortcut that falls suddenly into ruin and destruction (Psalm 73:18-19). They are caught in a great delusion and fantasy (Psalm 73:20).

However, those who fear God and act according to His Word may suffer in this world, but they inherit the kingdom of heaven (Romans 8:17). Though they are not recognized by the world and face persecution, they do not become slaves to complaints and dissatisfaction; rather, they conquer and rule because of the hope of the kingdom of heaven.

John the Baptist Beheaded (Matt. 14:1-12; Luke 9:7-9)

21 Finally the opportune time came. On his birthday Herod gave a banquet for his high officials and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee. 22 When the daughter of Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his dinner guests. The king said to the girl, "Ask me for anything you want, and I’ll give it to you." 23 And he promised her with an oath, "Whatever you ask I will give you, up to half my kingdom." 24 She went out and said to her mother, "What shall I ask for?" "The head of John the Baptist," she answered. 25 At once the girl hurried in to the king with the request: "I want you to give me right now the head of John the Baptist on a platter."

26 The king was greatly distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he did not want to refuse her. 27 So he immediately sent an executioner with orders to bring John’s head. The man went, beheaded John in the prison, 28 and brought back his head on a platter. He presented it to the girl, and she gave it to her mother. 29 On hearing of this, John’s disciples came and took his body and laid it in a tomb. (Mark 6:21-29).

Herod, who had a prick of conscience but did not repent, eventually followed the way of Cain (Gen. 4:8). While indulging in self-display and boasting, he fell into his own trap and beheaded John the Baptist. He killed a righteous man for no reason.

On the surface, it seems Herod wore royal robes and enjoyed wealth and glory, but he cannot escape the judgment of God's wrath. It appears that John the Baptist died and Herod is alive, but in reality, it is the opposite. Herod is still breathing, but because he rejects God’s holy love, he cannot escape the agony of death—ceaseless anguish and distress.

Death is not the end. Jesus died and was buried, but rose again after three days. Death is not the end of everything, but rather the beginning. However, for those who fear and obey God, He gives eternal life, but for those who do not, God’s wrath remains on them (John 3:36).

Everyone will be resurrected. However, there is a difference as vast as heaven and earth between those who welcome God's love and keep their faith through repentance within His grace, and those who reject and refuse the Lord's love.

"Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out—those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned" (John 5:28-29).

The death of John the Baptist seems like a tragedy, but it is not. Jesus referred to John the Baptist as the greatest among those born of women (Matt. 11:11). Yet, Jesus said that the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

Therefore, the important thing is to live by faith. To fear God and, amidst that awe, to look toward the hope of heaven and follow the way of the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ is truly the way of life. That way is to love and forgive one another, and to forgive and love again. Loving the unlovable and forgiving the unforgivable is the love of Christ, the Son of God.

Amen!

March 8, 2026

Buffalo Livingstone Church ©2026, David Lee Ministries ©2026 – All Rights Reserved.

Scripture quotes are from the NIV.

 

Calling the Twelve and Sending Them Out Two by Two (Mark 6:7-13)

 

Calling the Twelve and Sending Them Out Two by Two (Mark 6:7-13)

No one welcomes sickness or weakness. No one wants to be trapped under the bondage of demons. On the contrary, people want to be healthy, active, and not deceived. This is the image of subduing and ruling over all creation that God intended from the beginning.

In Mark 6:7-13, Jesus sent the disciples on a missionary journey, giving them authority to drive out impure spirits and the power to heal diseases and weaknesses. The disciples preached the gospel of repentance, drove out many demons, and healed the sick.

Calling the Twelve Disciples

7 Calling the Twelve to him, he began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over impure spirits. 8 These were his instructions: “Take nothing for the journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in your belts. 9 Wear sandals but not an extra tunic.” (Mark 6:7-9)

In the beginning, God created man as male and female and commanded them to rule over and subdue all creation. God created man in his own image and in his likeness (Genesis 1:26). God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living being (Genesis 2:7).

From the start, God clothed man with the authority and power to rule and subdue. Therefore, because man is above all things, it is not only wrong to worship creation as an idol, but it is something God detests. Among these things, money easily becomes a temptation and an idol to people above all else.

Called to Be With Him

The reason Jesus called the disciples was to have them be with him and also to send them out to preach (Mark 3:14). The work of Jesus and the work of the disciples are not separate; they are the same. This is also the work that God does. Jesus was perfectly united as one with God and accomplished the Father’s work from beginning to end (John 5:19).

Just as Jesus became one with God the Father, those who believe in and follow Christ are united as one with the Lord (John 17:21). Just as Jesus Christ, who came as the Son of God, perfectly fulfilled the Father's will, the disciple of Christ fulfills the Lord's will.

Furthermore, just as Jesus is always with God the Father, the disciple of Christ is also always with the Lord (Matthew 28:20). This is because, through the blood of the Lord, they have been set free from sin and evil and have been united as one with the Lord.

Called to Preach

Additionally, Jesus called the disciples to also preach. Preaching is delivering the gospel of salvation to those who do not believe. Those who do not believe face eternal judgment and destruction. This work of salvation is what God has been doing from the beginning. God first sought out Adam, who was hiding from the Lord’s face, and led him to the way of salvation (Genesis 3:9).

Jesus incarnated to fulfill the will of God the Father—namely, to save this world—and offered his body as a sacrificial offering on the cross. Jesus told his disciples to deny themselves daily, take up their cross, and follow him (Mark 8:34). This is the Father's will that the Lord has given to us.

Jesus gave the disciples authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness (Matthew 10:1). The power by which Jesus healed the sick and drove out demons on this earth was manifested by the Heavenly Father through His Son (John 5:19).

The disciples do not possess the authority and power to control demons or heal diseases in themselves. However, Jesus delegated the power and authority of God the Father to them. Since witnessing the gospel is God’s work, it is done not by human experience or education, but only by the power of the Lord.

Witnessing the gospel corrects what is wrong and leads to salvation. What is wrong here is sin. All people have fallen into sin in Adam and are trapped in the bondage of darkness and death. God’s gospel is the power and authority that saves people who are fallen in sin.

Therefore, Jesus commanded the disciples to take nothing with them, to wear only sandals, and not to take an extra tunic. What the disciples needed was to believe in the power Jesus gave them to control demons and heal the sick.

And as they went out to all the towns of Israel to do the work the Lord Jesus performed, they were to give it freely because that power and authority were not theirs (Matthew 10:5, 8). God’s grace of salvation is given without cost to those who believe (Isaiah 55:1).

The Meaning of Driving Out Demons and Healing the Sick

From the beginning, God created man as a being to subdue and rule over the earth and all creation. However, because of sin, man came to be ruled instead. A clear example of this is the constant suffering from anxiety, worry, nervousness, and dissatisfaction. Compare the disciples, who were suffering in agony as if they were drowning, with Jesus, who was sleeping inside the boat while the storm raged violently.

Demons deceive craftily. Sickness and weakness sever daily life. The devil tempted Jesus so that he would not take up the cross. Similarly, Satan incites us so that we cannot love one another, but rather hate and fight. Sickness brings pain and suffering. Thus, it triggers complaints and blaming others. This is the state of being under sin, unable to dominate and rule over all things.

Then, what does it mean to control the devil? We cannot cut out Satan's temptation and seduction by the roots ourselves. This continues until the day God judges the devil with eternal punishment on the Day of the Lord. Jesus was also tempted by the devil, but he drove him away with the Word of God.

Though we may receive trials and temptations, ruling over them means repelling them with God’s Word of truth and driving them away without being deceived by the devil’s crafty lies. It is not falling for the lie that loving your neighbor makes you a loser or brings humiliation; rather, it is repelling that lie and following the way of the cross that the Lord Jesus Christ carried.

38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ 39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. 40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. 41 If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you." (Matthew 5:38-42)

What Heals Sickness and Weakness?

The fact that the disciples received the power to heal the sick does not mean they would never get sick again. According to the Second Law of Thermodynamics, everyone grows old and becomes frail. No one is free from illness.

Yes, we are weak, we get sick, and eventually, we die. However, God’s holy love is hidden within this process. Through this reality, God reminds us that this visible world is not everything, and our true hope lies in the kingdom of heaven. Christ in you, the hope of glory!

Even while we are in pain and suffering due to illness or weakness, we can avoid falling into the pit of complaints and resentment because of the hope for His kingdom that God has promised us. This is what it looks like to rule and conquer life.

18 Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” 19 Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. 20 Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 21 being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. 22 This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.” (Romans 4:18-22)

Shake the Dust Off Your Feet as a Testimony

10 Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave that town. 11 And if any place will not welcome you or listen to you, leave that place and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.” 12 They went out and preached that people should repent. 13 They drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them. (Mark 6:10-13)

Stay in any place where people welcome the disciples and provide food and lodging, but if they neither welcome nor listen, it is entirely their responsibility. That is what shaking the dust off one's feet means.

The disciples were sent out to preach. There is no responsibility on those who deliver the message if the Gospel of God's salvation is rejected and not welcomed. This is because they are rejecting God and His Son, Jesus Christ.

God wants to save those fallen under sin. To fulfill His holy will, He sacrificed Christ Jesus as the Passover Lamb. God loved us so much that He gave up His Son (Romans 5:8). And to anyone who believes, receives, and obeys Jesus Christ, He gives the gift of eternal life (John 3:16).

However, God does not force or coerce faith. Instead, He demonstrated His great love—not even sparing His own Son but giving Him up as a ransom sacrifice—through the cross. This is because God wants those under sin to repent, turn back, and reach salvation.

The disciples were sent out, preached the gospel of repentance, cast out many demons, and healed the sick. They deeply experienced the power of obedience. This is the blessing of conquering and ruling, the reward stored in heaven, and the fruit that God the Father gives to those who believe in Christ Jesus.

Amen!

March 1, 2026

Buffalo Livingstone Church ©2026, David Lee Ministries ©2026 – All Rights Reserved.

Scripture quotes are from the NIV.

 

He Was Amazed at Their Lack of Faith (Mark 6:1-6)

 

He Was Amazed at Their Lack of Faith (Mark 6:1-6)

Everyone loves receiving a gift. However, the reaction can vary depending on what the gift is. If someone offered a massive sum of money—millions of dollars—you might hesitate. But what if that gift was something so valuable it couldn't even be calculated in numbers?

In Mark 6:1-6, Jesus returned to his hometown and began to teach. But instead of welcoming him, the hometown people rejected and opposed him. They refused to receive the Messiah, the Son of God, whom the Father had sent.

Jesus Teaches in the Synagogue on the Sabbath

1 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?" (Mark 6:1-2).

Jesus went to his hometown, Nazareth, accompanied by his disciples. Since rumors of the signs and wonders he performed had already spread across the country, we could call this a "triumphant return." On the contrary, however, Jesus was met with resentment and hostility instead of a welcome.

When the Sabbath came, Jesus taught in the synagogue. The teachings of Jesus Christ—who created the heavens and the earth with his word—touched people's hearts and reached their very depths. This is because his words are truth; they are holy and whole, revealing the secrets of the kingdom of heaven. The word of God opens the gates of heaven and allows us to obtain the treasures within.

Many were amazed at the Lord's teaching. They wondered how such words of wisdom and such power to perform signs and miracles could come from him. Since they had known Jesus of Nazareth for a long time, they were astonished by the words coming out of his mouth and the power he displayed. However, they did not have a complete knowledge of who Jesus truly was.

They Waited for an Earthly Messianic Kingdom

All Jews had waited for the Messiah for a long time. After Jerusalem fell at the end of the 6th century BC, they were exiled to Babylon for seventy years. From that point on, Israel never had a king again. Because of this, they longed even more for a Messiah with mighty power, like King David, to come.

Thus, their knowledge of the Messiah was limited to an earthly one. They lacked an understanding of the suffering Christ, who would be killed to save this world. Finally, when God's time came and the Christ—prophesied by the Law and the Prophets—stood right before their eyes, they failed to recognize him.

So, Jesus taught the Word of God to his people. This was to open the eyes of their darkened hearts so they would believe in and receive Jesus Christ, who came as the Son of Man sent by God, and thereby come into the light.

The words of Jesus are a lamp capable of searching and revealing even the deepest parts of a person. Jesus knows everyone (John 2:24-25). He knows what we think, what we want, and what we hope for. He also knows what our needs are and how we can reach salvation.

God wants to teach the secrets of the kingdom of heaven to everyone so they may understand and inherit that legacy. To this end, God gave us his Word: the Old Testament given through the Law and the Prophets, and the New Testament given through the Apostles. The Word of God is true food and drink that satisfies human thirst and hunger (John 6:55).

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Therefore, for a person to truly know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, the word of God is indispensable. Even if we added up all the knowledge in this world, we could not fathom God's truth. To know where a person comes from, where they are going, why they live, how they should live, and why there is always pain and suffering, the lamp of God's word must shine upon us.

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. (Hebrews 4:12-13)

The People of His Hometown Reject Jesus

"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 6:3).

Jesus' father, Joseph, was a carpenter and is known to have died early. Jesus followed in his father's footsteps and worked as a carpenter until he began his public ministry at the age of thirty. Furthermore, Jesus had brothers, including James, and sisters.

The townspeople received news that Jesus—who was one of their neighbors, the son of Mary, and a carpenter—was suddenly doing things that surprised the whole country. They also saw and heard for themselves Jesus teaching in the synagogue on the Sabbath.

However, they did not accurately know who Jesus was; they judged him based on their old knowledge of him. That is why they were amazed at his words and power but remained suspicious. At that point, they could have easily asked Jesus about the situation and found the answer.

Instead, they hastily reached a very wrong judgment. By relying on their limited knowledge, they stumbled badly. They refused to accept the new knowledge regarding the good works Jesus performed and the words they heard him speak.

They hit the limit of their own preconceptions and prejudices about Jesus. As a result, they ended up stumbling because of Jesus Christ, who came as the Son of God. However, God reveals himself to anyone who seeks the Lord (Matthew 7:7-8). God delights in making the secrets of his kingdom known to those who believe.

“He replied, ‘Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance; whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them’” (Matthew 13:11-12).

He Could Not Do Any Miracles There

“Jesus said to them, ‘A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.’ He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. He was amazed at their lack of faith. Then Jesus went around from village to village, teaching” (Mark 6:4-6).

Jesus said that no prophet is honored in his own hometown, among his relatives, or in his own house. Throughout history, prophets—including Moses and Elijah—faced labels, accusations, persecution, and even death (Hebrews 11:36-38). Kings and religious leaders hated and refused to listen to the word of God spoken through them because they loved this world more than God.

As a result, Jesus "could not do any miracles there." This doesn't mean Jesus ran out of power. Rather, God reveals His power, authority, and glory only to those who believe. Conversely, those without faith cannot see God’s power or glory.

Faith vs. Unbelief: Historical Examples

The Widow of Zarephath: During the time of the prophet Elijah, a severe famine struck Northern Israel. King Ahab and the people suffered, but the widow of Zarephath experienced the glory and power of God; her jar of flour and jug of oil did not run out throughout the famine (1 Kings 17:8-24).

Noah: Because Noah believed God, he built an ark for 120 years. Consequently, he was kept safe by God’s power during the forty days and nights of the Great Flood. While every living thing that breathed through its nostrils perished, Noah, his family, and the animals inside the ark were unharmed. The faithless world was destroyed.

Jairus and the Suffering Woman: Jesus raised the dead daughter of Jairus, who had come and knelt before Him in faith. He also blessed the woman who had suffered for twelve years with a hemorrhage. Because of her faith, He dried up the source of her bleeding, told her that her faith had healed her, and welcomed her as a daughter of God.

The Disciples vs. Judas: Jesus calmed the wind and waves for His disciples in the middle of a storm, revealing Himself as the Creator God. Seeing His power and glory, the disciples' faith grew. However, Judas Iscariot became a "child of destruction" because he did not believe in Jesus.

Abraham vs. Lot: Abraham did not waver through unbelief regarding God's promise; he became the father of all who believe. His nephew Lot, however, did not live by faith but followed worldly possessions to Sodom. Even when destruction was imminent, Lot hesitated to leave until angels practically forced his family out (Genesis 19:16).

Amazed at Their Lack of Faith

Jesus was "amazed" at their lack of faith. The Greek word used here is θαυμάζω (thaumázō), the same word used to describe Jesus being "amazed" at the centurion's great faith (Matthew 8:10).

These people had the adoption to sonship, the divine glory, the covenants, the receiving of the law, the temple worship, and the patriarchs (Romans 9:4-5). They were chosen from among many peoples to receive the inheritance of the glory of His kingdom as God's adopted children.

Among all people and all nations, they became the covenant people who received the law of God (Exodus 19:5-6). Through the law and temple sacrifices, they could have drawn near to the Lord God of Hosts for a fellowship of love, joy, and peace. Through the spiritual legacy of their ancestors, they could have followed the path to righteousness by faith.

Most importantly, Jesus Christ came to them through the body of Mary in the town of Nazareth. He taught the Gospel of the Kingdom, healed the sick, drove out demons, and provided evidence that He is the Son of God.

The Proclamation in the Synagogue

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus stood in the Nazareth synagogue on the Sabbath and read from the scroll of the prophet Isaiah:

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor” (Luke 4:18-19; Isaiah 61:1-2a).

Jesus stopped there and closed the scroll, intentionally leaving out the latter part of the verse: "and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn" (Isaiah 61:2b), which refers to God's judgment. He then declared, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing" (Luke 4:21).

Despite all these inheritances, evidences, prophecies, and—above all—the words coming directly from the mouth of the Son of God, they still did not believe. This is why Jesus was amazed. They rejected the immeasurable, spiritual blessings of heaven offered freely through faith.

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6)

Amen!

February 22, 2026

Buffalo Livingstone Church ©2026, David Lee Ministries ©2026 – All Rights Reserved.

Scripture quotes are from the NIV.