Mark 6:5-6 - And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them. And he marveled because of their unbelief.

Our life in Christ hinges ever and only on faith:

Hebrews 11:6 - without faith it is impossible to please [God]

And, so, Jesus performed few miracles in his hometown where so many were “offended” by him. His only healings were almost assuredly for people who had faith in him.

The signs and wonder of Jesus are rarely intended to produce faith. The miracles are powered by faith.

The power of faith is one reason Satan desires to separate us from faith:

Luke 22:31a - Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat

Satan wanted to rake Simon over the screen of a sieve in order break him apart. Jesus knew what Satan was after - the very thing that could protect Peter:

Luke 22:31b - but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail.

Satan “demanded” to have Peter. It’s how he works, asking God for permission to destroy like he did with Job (Job 1:9-11).

At the end of Job’s trial? What does it produce? God’s greater reality and more faith:

Job 42:5 - I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you

And, here, the difference between those in Jesus’ hometown and many now (some even in churches): people can know about Jesus - he’s a carpenter, Mary’s son, four brothers, and some sisters. But they don’t know him. They’ve not truly seen him.

And, so, “he [can] do no mighty work there.” Some people have no faith, some fall away from faith. These then declare him a myth, they mock him, and are “offended” by him.

Mark 9:23 - And Jesus said, “All things are possible for one who believes.”

May we be given eyes to see. May we have faith to believe. May God help us where we’re weak and have unbelief.