Home Again: Read Luke 4:14-31
Contemplation
We are back in Jesus’ hometown. In the synagogue, where everyone meets on Saturday for prayer, he reads Isaiah’s words speaking of one who brings freedom and healing. Then, suddenly, he says “That’s why I’m here!”. Suddenly, the atmosphere changes. This is not what people had been expecting! There’s a big to-do. Everyone is astonished.
They only know him as the handyman’s son. Where does all this come from? Jesus says that prophets are never accepted in their hometown. That makes no sense to people – if he’s going to be a holy man, surely he’s OUR holy man? Jesus reminds them that other prophets were sent way beyond their homes, even to foreign countries. Now they are angry! We feel the pushing and shoving and hear the shouting as they try to attack Jesus. But…where is he? Suddenly, he’s gone!
Join the people in the synagogue. Talk to them and to Jesus.
How does Jesus feel and how do the crowd feel?
Have I ever felt that I want to control or keep hold of someone good?