In today’s text, Jesus speaks in the synagogue in his hometown of Nazareth and is met with violent rejection. The entire chapter 4 of Luke’s Gospel shows that Jesus’ ministry will swing from clashes with culture to demonstrations of God’s power.

Following Jesus is neither boring nor smooth.

To the contrary, it is exciting, but frequently marked with conflict. It is an opportunity to experience the kingdom of God and its joy and freedom. But this requires repentance and trusting Jesus as Lord. 

In the original Greek, verses 19 and 24 both have the word translated “acceptable.”  The first use is talking about God’s favor on the “acceptable” year of the Lord, which Jesus claimed to be occurring in his presence. The second use is negative, in that no prophet is “acceptable” in his hometown. Luke is presenting the reader or listener with a question: “Will I trust in Jesus and enter into the Lord’s year of favor or reject Jesus as an imposter who imposes his way upon me?” The Nazarenes chose to reject Jesus and as a result he was able to do only a few healings there (see Mark 6:1).

Personally, the teaching of Jesus is such that real, life change is necessary to receive God’s kingdom. Jesus also said he brought a type of new wine that would require new wineskins. 

From a mission perspective, Christians are called to be witnesses to Jesus out in society, but this often means risking rejection. 

Taking It Home:  

Ask the Lord for boldness to be a light in a dark world. Boldly invite someone to the Alpha kickoff this Sunday.