Mark 6:5
And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them.
Mark 6:5
Because of the lack of faith in his hometown, Jesus “could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them.” This verse ties directly to the previous couple of verses about the lack of honor and the resulting limitation on Jesus’ activity. It demonstrates that divine power is not a given in humanly resistant environments; faith is a necessary conduit for God’s healing and miracles. The limitation is not about Jesus’ power but about the receptivity of the people. The phrase “mighty work” contrasts with the miracles already described and shows that fewer miracles occur where there is skepticism and unbelief.
This verse reinforces the principle that faith is the conduit for God’s power. It also shows Jesus’ willingness to work in the presence of faith, even if limited, and his freedom to choose how to exercise power. It’s a sober reminder that unbelief can impede divine activity; divine sovereignty operates within the context of human response. The passage invites readers to examine their own faith posture as a determining factor in whether God can act in their lives.
If you feel “stuck” and see limited outcomes in your life, ask whether unbelief or hesitation might be blocking God’s work. Practical steps: reflect on areas where you’re resiliently skeptical or fearful and invite trusted friends to pray with you for courage and faith. Seek environments—church, small groups, service projects—where faith can surface and be honored. Practice actively encouraging and believing in others when they step forward in faith, even if you’re not yet sure how it will unfold. The verse invites a posture of persistent faith that seeks healing and transformation while trusting God’s timing.
Cross-References: Matthew 13:58; Luke 8:25; John 5:6-9; Hebrews 11:6