Luke 4:14-21 (NRSV)
Read Luke 4:14-21 on biblegateway.com
Verse 14Then Jesus, filled with the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and a report about him spread through all the surrounding country. Verse 15He began to teach in their synagogues and was praised by everyone. Verse 16When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, Verse 17and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written: Verse 18"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, Verse 19to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." Verse 20And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. Verse 21Then he began to say to them, "Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing."
Devotion
Jesus, filled with the power of the Spirit following his baptism and time of testing in the wilderness, returned to Galilee and began teaching in the synagogues. His reputation grew and people praised him.
Imagine everyone’s excitement when they learned he was returning to his hometown to worship! Handed a scroll, Jesus read from the prophet Isaiah. Now picture the hometown boy announcing that Isaiah was talking about him!
Would you have been amazed like the initial reaction of his neighbors or would you be appalled that he had made such a declaration? It’s not easy for me to go home to people who knew me from another time in my life. At my ordination, one relative declared that I was going to hell. More recently, a high school friend, determined to dismiss my insights, told me that I had just a little too much theological education!
Jesus continued the mission for which he was called. To whatever God calls you, pray that you will be given the clarity of purpose and perseverance to live into it.
Prayer
O God, as you gave Jesus a mission to live out, help us to understand that sometimes you call us to do hard things. By your Spirit, strengthen us to live for your purposes. Amen.
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