Rumor Has It

“Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary. . .?” Mark 6:3

Jesus grew up in Nazareth, trained by Joseph, Mary’s husband, in the trade of carpentry. At thirty years old, He left working with His hands and began His Father’s business, working on hearts, while teaching in the synagogues throughout Galilee.

When Jesus first taught in Nazareth, the people were amazed that He, the supposed son of Joseph, a carpenter, could speak such gracious words. They tried to kill Him because His teachings offended them, but He escaped (Luke 4:29–30). Mark records that Jesus later returned to His hometown, and when the people heard Him, they marveled, unable to deny His wisdom and mighty works. But this time, they called Him “Mary’s son.” Don’t miss the jab; their words were very intentional. In those days, you identified a man by calling him the son of his father, not his mother.

We can only imagine the judgments, ridicule, and rumors Joseph and Mary endured before and after they started their home life together. People can be cruel, carefully choosing hearers to pass on their prejudices and accusations, plotting their words so they sting and leave lasting effects. People rarely repeat news or rumors, true or false, exactly; someone usually mishears or intentionally exaggerates the story.

Jesus didn’t miss His listeners’ intent to disparage His name or that of Joseph and Mary. The people of Nazareth were offended by Him and revealed their hearts: they didn’t welcome Jesus in His hometown. But their insults, rumors, and ridicule didn’t deter His mission, although most of them missed blessings and miracles He would have done but didn’t because of their disbelief and rejection of Him.

Rumors and character assaults are hurtful and can rob people of their good name. When someone wants to “share” juicy bits of news about someone or something with you to pass along, offer to pray with them instead and keep doing your Father’s work.