Inspirational Leadership is Achievable by You

Mk: 6: 1-6

Mark 6 BSB (biblehub.com)

The Rejection at Nazareth

We cannot please all of the people all of the time. This is an oft-quoted phrase that most of us will have heard repeatedly since childhood. It certainly applies to my experience in life, and I am sure that anyone reading this will identify with that.

This was the experience of Jesus in this passage. Indeed, he expresses his very human frustration with it. Here, He visits His home town of Nazareth and began teaching the people at the synagogue as the Sabbath day was approaching. The local people respond negatively, questioning to each other "where did the man get all this?" and asking where his family is. Jesus is exasperated by their lack of faith, stating to his followers that "A prophet is despised only in his own country, among his own relations and in his own house".

How many of us, especially in leadership positions, have experienced a similar lack of faith in us. Those that are closest to us do not expect to be overawed by genius, excellence or inspiration. To them, extraordinary feats are the preserve of "the other", from different worlds or only achievable by people we see on television or are famous beyond their dreams.

However, true inspiration is often dwelling amongst us. The role-models that matter most in our society are the ordinary people in our everyday lives. Exceptional leadership in any form is the preserve of those amongst us. That is the message from our Lord in this passage.

Inspiration is achieved by those amongst us. Not elsewhere.

It is achievable by you.