Nazareth_Rejection_Comparison
Nazareth Rejection: Mark 6:1–6 and Luke 4:16–30
Side-by-Side Comparison Handout
Both passages describe Jesus' rejection in His hometown synagogue, but with different details, placement, and theological emphasis. Scholars debate whether these are two accounts of the same visit or two separate visits to Nazareth.
| Theme / Element | Mark 6:1–6 | Luke 4:16–30 |
|---|---|---|
| Arrival in hometown | 6:1 – Came to His hometown; disciples followed. | 4:16 – Came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. |
| Synagogue on Sabbath | 6:2a – On the Sabbath He taught in the synagogue. | 4:16 – As His custom, entered synagogue on Sabbath; stood to read. |
| Reading / teaching | 6:2a – Began to teach (no specific text quoted). | 4:17–20 – Read Isaiah 61:1–2; declared it fulfilled 'today'. |
| Crowd's reaction: astonishment | 6:2b – Astonished at His wisdom and mighty works. | 4:22 – Spoke well of Him; marveled at His gracious words. |
| Crowd's reaction: offense | 6:3 – 'Is not this the carpenter, Mary's son?' Took offense. | 4:22b – 'Is not this Joseph's son?' |
| Prophet without honor | 6:4 – 'A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown, among relatives, and in his house.' | 4:24 – 'No prophet is acceptable in his hometown.' |
| Reference to Capernaum / other miracles | None in this passage. | 4:23 – 'Do here what we heard you did at Capernaum.' |
| Elijah and Elisha examples | None. | 4:25–27 – Elijah to Gentile widow; Elisha heals Naaman the Syrian. |
| Crowd's anger and violence | No violence; they are offended, narrative moves on. | 4:28–29 – Filled with wrath; drove Him out; tried to throw Him off a cliff. |
| Jesus' departure and result | 6:5–6 – Could do no mighty work, healed a few sick; marveled at unbelief; went to other villages. | 4:30 – Passed through their midst and went away. |
Key Observations
• Shared core: hometown synagogue, Sabbath, astonishment + offense, 'prophet without honor' saying.
• Mark: shorter, focuses on unbelief limiting miracles; Jesus moves on to other villages.
• Luke: expanded theological program—Isaiah 61, fulfillment 'today,' Gentile examples, violent rejection.
• Placement: Mark (mid-ministry) vs. Luke (beginning of Galilean ministry).
• Debate: same visit with different shaping, or two separate visits to Nazareth?
All Scripture quotations are from the English Standard Version (ESV).