In our passage this Sunday, we will see Jesus begin his ministry in Galilee.
“And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and a report about him went out through all the surrounding country. And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all.” (Luke 4:14–15)
Then he comes to his hometown and things go very differently. A customary Sabbath day at the synagogue culminates with the entire Nazareth congregation rising up and trying (unsuccessfully) to throw Jesus off a cliff. “But passing through their midst, he went away.” (Luke 4:30)
This incident summarizes the nature of Jesus ministry… this is the first of many such rejections. His response will be to minister to outsiders and eventually his message will be taken to Gentiles. The conflict will be one of life and death. But Jesus will emerge from the conflict.
In one passage Jesus’ ministry is outlined. Every reader faces a choice upon reading this account: to identify with Jesus and his message of hope or to side with those who reject him. Jesus’ safe departure suggests where the decision ought to reside. As Luke will show, people cannot bring Jesus to his death. Rather, Jesus will choose to offer himself up on their behalf. Will the reader accept the offer Jesus makes? Will the reader enter into the Lord’s Jubilee and the acceptable year of the Lord? Or will the reader reject him, as the Nazareans did, with all the risk that entails? Is Jesus the fulfillment a promise or an imposter full of empty words?” (Darrell Bock)
This Sunday, Junior Jamreonvit will be preaching Luke 4:14-30 and Kenny Clark will be leading our sung worship. As you take time to read and reflect on the passage this week, would you pray for each as they prepare?
Join us this Sunday, Grace. Invite a guest, and come hungry!
Song Link of the Week
Jubilee by Maverick City Music
The Spirit of The Lord is upon me
I’m anointed to bring hope
The promise fulfilled in a moment
We’re still watching it unfold
There’s good news for the captive
A proclamation for every soul
This liberty is for the broken
An invitation to be made whole