Nazareth: Part 2

Luke 4: 16b-19, 21

“16b He stood up to read, 17 and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written: 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,19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” …21 Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”

Scholars tell us that there were no professional clergy in Jewish synagogues back then. Apparently, the leader of the synagogue had the authority to invite a competent worshiper or guest to read and comment on the Scriptures.

Jesus stood to read and by chance or by God’s providence, He was handed the scroll of the prophet Isaiah.  He read what is referenced in our Bibles today as Isaiah 61:1-2a.  

Christ’s message that day was not really what he had read, but the fact that He was the fulfillment of what he had read.  

Through Him, the good news of salvation and eternal life would be brought to the world.

Through Him, all who were bound and oppressed by sin would be set free; 

Through Him, all who were blind to God’s presence in the world would see God.

The people did not know it, but the hope of the world stood before them that Sabbath day in Nazareth.

May the love of Christ be with you,

Rev. Eric Lanier (Retired)