Read Luke 4:14-44
This passage illustrates
the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. We see Jesus standing up in the synagogue and
reading a well-known Messianic prophecy from Isaiah (v 17-19, Isaiah 61:1-2). It
was commonplace for male congregants to read from the Scriptures in the
synagogues of Jesus’ day. However, what happened next was unheard of. Jesus
looked at the people and said “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your
hearing” (v 21). This is the first time Jesus declares Himself to be the
Messiah (all of Luke’s previous allusions to Jesus’ messianic role came from
other people). From that point forward, people were forced to make a choice:
Was this man from Nazareth telling the truth, was he lying or was he a lunatic?
Many chose to take offense at Jesus and harden their hearts to His message of
salvation (v 22-29). Jesus did not let this opposition stop Him. The
introduction to His ministry continues with examples of miracles He performed (v
33-41). These miracles serve as both evidence of Jesus’ authority/power and
examples of Jesus’ compassion for those in need.
Journaling and Prayer
1. Jesus
came to preach good news to the poor, proclaim freedom to the captives, give
sight to the blind and release the prisoner (v 18). Ask God how He wants to do
this in your life.
2. Jesus
is powerful. The miracles we read about in the Gospels are real, historical
accounts. However, our culture teaches us to not believe in miracles. It says
that only what can be seen, touched and scientifically proven is true. Ask God
to search your heart. Do you believe in miracles? Confess to Him any unbelief
and ask for His help to know the truth.
3. Pray
for Israel. It was from the Jewish nation that the Church was born. From the
same nation much of Jesus’ greatest opposition came. Today Israel’s people have
the same choice: love and follow Jesus or harden their hearts to Him. Pray that
many would see that the Jewish Scriptures point to Jesus.
