Jesus Goes to His Hometown

6 Jesus left there and went to his hometown, and his followers went with him. ² On the Sabbath day he taught in the synagogue. Many people heard him and were amazed, saying, “Where did this man get these teachings? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? And where did he get the power to do miracles? ³ He is just the carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon. And his sisters are here with us.” So the people were upset with Jesus.

⁴ Jesus said to them, “A prophet is honored everywhere except in his hometown and with his own people and in his own home.” ⁵ So Jesus was not able to work any miracles there except to heal a few sick people by putting his hands on them. ⁶ He was amazed at how many people had no faith.

Then Jesus went to other villages in that area and taught. ⁷ He called his twelve followers together and got ready to send them out two by two and gave them authority over evil spirits. ⁸ This is what Jesus commanded them: “Take nothing for your trip except a walking stick. Take no bread, no bag, and no money in your pockets. ⁹ Wear sandals, but take only the clothes you are wearing. ¹⁰ When you enter a house, stay there until you leave that town. ¹¹ If the people in a certain place refuse to welcome you or listen to you, leave that place. Shake its dust off your feet^[a] as a warning to them.”^[b]

¹² So the followers went out and preached that people should change their hearts and lives. ¹³ They forced many demons out and put olive oil on many sick people and healed them.