This week's two separate pericopes combine to paint a poignant picture of Jesus' ministry. Together they demonstrate both the risks and rewards that are a part of Christian discipleship.

Chapter six continues Mark's theme of movement along the way of the Lord (1:2,3) but for Jesus this next stop is filled with disappointment. In Mark's gospel Jesus has just accomplished some of his most amazing miracles stilling the wild storm at sea (4:35-41), healing the frightening man at Gerasene (5:1-20), and restoring Jairus' little daughter to life and health (5:21-43). Now, perhaps in search of some rest and comforting closeness, Jesus journeys back to his own hometown. But what Jesus encounters is hardly a rejuvenating moment in his ministry.

As Jesus enters his home synagogue and begins to teach,…