In Mark, Jesus’ time at the synagogue is written about far less than in Luke. When Jesus enters the synagogue and begins teaching in Mark, the people there were in disbelief of his abilities and knowledge. “They said, “Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? What deeds of power are being done by his hands! Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him.” (Mark 6:2-4) They were not welcome to Jesus at all “and he could do no deed of power there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them.” (Mark 6:5) Mark’s depiction of Jesus’ time at the synagogue in Nazareth is far different from how it is described in Luke.

When Jesus arrives at the synagogue, he reads part of the scroll of the prophet of Isaiah. After reading this, “all spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth.” (Luke 4:22) Jesus seems to have a much better knowledge of himself in Luke because he immediately walks into the synagogue and amazes people, while in Mark the people shunned him. After a while in the synagogue, the people eventually became angry because of what Jesus said to them. He said that the prophets Elijah and Elisha only helped one individual when they had the opportunity to help many and the people in the synagogue were enraged. They were mad because Jesus basically implied that he was not going to help them at all, he would only help a small few. This is evident, however, of Jesus knowledge and understanding of himself because he knows what his purpose is.