Mark 6:1-13

International Children’s Bible

Jesus Goes to His Hometown

6 Jesus left there and went back to his hometown. His followers went with him. ² On the Sabbath day he taught in the synagogue. Many people heard him and were amazed. They said, “Where did this man get these teachings? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? And where did he get the power to work miracles? ³ He is only the carpenter. His mother is Mary. He is the brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon. And his sisters are here with us.” The people did not accept Jesus.

⁴ Jesus said to them, “Other people give honor to a prophet. But in his own town with his own people and in his own home, a prophet does not receive honor.” ⁵ Jesus was not able to work many miracles there. The only miracles he did were to heal some sick people by putting his hands on them. ⁶ Jesus was amazed that they had no faith.

Then Jesus went to other villages in that area and taught. ⁷ He called the 12 followers together and sent them out in groups of 2. He gave them authority over evil spirits. ⁸ This is what Jesus told them: “Take nothing for your trip except a walking stick. Take no bread, no bag, and no money in your pockets. ⁹ Wear sandals, and take only the clothes you are wearing. ¹⁰ When you enter a house, stay there until you leave that place. ¹¹ If any town refuses to accept you or its people refuse to listen to you, then leave that town. Shake its dust off your feet.^[a] This will be a warning to them.”^[b]

¹² The followers went out and preached to the people to change their hearts and lives. ¹³ The followers forced many demons out and poured olive oil on many sick people and healed them.