The Loneliness of Home
November 9, 2008
Sunday Adult Bible Class
West Broad Church of Christ
November 9, 2008
Dr. J.L. Nesmith, Jr., Facilitator
Introduction:
For millions of people, the home is not the place of protection, nurturing, and identification it should be. What circumstances contribute to a situation in which home becomes a place of loneliness, and how can we move beyond that loneliness?
I. Considering Mark’s Message
If we’re going to rise above the loneliness of home, we must do what Jesus did. Mark 6 provides useful information toward this end.
• The Homecoming of Jesus
• The Reaction to Jesus. Christ’s neighbors did not encourage him in his abilities; rather, they minimized his abilities. Question: Have you ever experienced such treatment? How did it impact you? How did you feel?
• The Pronouncement of Jesus. The Lord makes a statement in Mark 6:4. Question: Have you seen evidence of this statement in your life? In the life of someone you know? What was the impact?
II. Applying Mark’s Message
Mark’s message may be seen in the lives of many contemporary Christians. It can be seen in . . .
• The loneliness of a wife
• The loneliness of a child
• The loneliness of a church member
III. Growing Beyond Mark’s Message
In examining Mark 6:1-4, two facts move us past the loneliness of home.
(1) Closed minds are difficult to open
(2) Identification precedes application. When we know who we are, we can know and pursue our calling. Question: Why do you think so many of us are locked in the loneliness of home (in both our physical and spiritual houses)?
When his hometown dismissed him, Jesus kept pushing forward. Question: How does Christ’s example speak to your life on this morning? Have you identified your purpose? Are you pursuing it? How do you know?
Conclusion and Challenge
We are all shaped by our environment, but successful living demands that we mold the future by letting go of the past. Despite the fact that he was minimized by those he loved, Jesus went forward.
• An example from history
• A challenge for us
Doing these things will enable us, by God’s grace, to move beyond the loneliness of home and embrace the brightness and promise of a new day.
