The Danger of Dishonour

Discipleship Devotional, April 4th, 2025

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.
— Mark 6:4-5 (NIV)

Familiarity and dishonour are so dangerous that they can rob us of our blessings. While many people from cities across Israel, even Samaritans and Gentiles, were trooping to see Jesus, the people from Jesus’ hometown didn’t receive much from Him because of familiarity and dishonour. In fact, the Bible says Jesus couldn’t do many mighty works in their midst because of their unbelief (caused by their dishonour).

They looked down on Him because they saw Him grow in their midst. They felt like, “Is it not so-and-so person? Who does He think He is? What gives Him the right to behave like He is better than us? Is He not a mere carpenter?” They made all manner of demeaning remarks.

“Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us? And they were offended at Him.”
— Mark 6:3 (KJV)

When we esteem people this way, we may never receive from what God is using them to do. We must never choose to become too familiar with people’s humanity that we miss out on what God is doing with them. If you have a brother, sister, classmate, friend, roommate, etc., whom God is using, don’t allow yourself to despise them simply because you are close. They may be the ones God wants to use to bless you. Don’t let your proximity make you lose sight of God’s hand on them. This is a very important spiritual principle.

If you have a friend, sister, wife, or husband on whom the hand of God is upon, always honour the grace of God on their life, and you will receive the benefit. But if you only see them naturally, you won’t receive the benefit.

“Whoever welcomes a prophet as a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever welcomes a righteous person as a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward.”
— Matthew 10:41 (NIV)

Prayer:

Holy Spirit, help me to discern and honour people. Help me not to lose my blessings because of dishonour and familiarity.