Faith that Moves the Heart of God
By Ben Spalink
“Jesus said to them, ‘Only in his hometown, among his relatives and in his own house is a prophet without honor.’ He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. And he was amazed at their lack of faith.” Mark 6:4-6
When reading the Gospels we must pay attention to the words. It doesn’t say, “he would not,” but that “he could not do any miracles there.” Instead of joyfully welcoming Jesus, the people threw shade on the hometown prophet, holding him in contempt. They didn’t have faith in Jesus. As strange as it seems to say, Jesus was effectively thwarted in his hometown. It seems their lack of faith actually blocked (at least partially) his effectiveness in that region. The text tells us Jesus was amazed, emphasizing his humanity and surprise.
On the other hand, just a little while later in chapter 7, Jesus was not inclined to help the Syrophonecian woman because she was not Jewish. Jesus’ earthly ministry was for the lost sheep of Israel, though he, of course, expected that his disciples would take the good news to all nations. He came, John says, to those who were his own (John 1:11). Nevertheless, the outsider had great faith. Jesus found it irresistible! She would not take “no” for an answer. She was there to get help for her daughter and believed Jesus could save her whether she was Jewish or not. Jesus obliged and the woman’s daughter was healed. Matthew tells us Jesus was amazed at her great faith in him (Matthew 15:28).
Based on this text, we must consider that lack of faith in Jesus can block us from experiencing his power in our lives while faith and obedience invite the supernatural and miraculous: first salvation itself, but then also healing, breakthroughs, rescue from demons, open doors, answers to other prayers and more. We must have faith! Faith moves God’s heart and creates a context for him to move in power. It almost seems like it draws him in while unbelief effectively shuts him out of our lives. If you want to see great things happen, you have to expect the unlikely and believe Jesus can and will come through for you.
My only note of caution is this: some Christians believe that if you didn’t receive an answer to prayer, it’s your fault for “not having truly believed.” I disagree. You can believe, but that doesn’t mean you’ll always get exactly what you’re asking for. And secondly, the quality or degree of your faith is not as important as having some faith, even if it’s just a tiny amount, like, say, a mustard seed. It’s not the strength of your faith but the object of your faith that works miracles. The point I think the Gospel author is making is simply this - faith in Jesus moves the heart of God to act in power in our lives. Hardness of heart closes the door to experiencing his powerful grace.