Luke 4:22-30
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Take a moment to settle into your surroundings and then begin to recognize your breath. As you breathe in, call on the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
Beginning with the last verse from our previous passage, read Luke 4:22-30 noting anything that stands out as you read.
For someone just starting out in ministry, Jesus’ forthrightness with the people of his hometown could seem counterproductive. But Jesus is not concerned with popularity.
We don’t know if the people asked Jesus for a miraculous display or if Jesus was just reading the room, but it does seem like the people of his hometown were pressuring him to perform miracles on their behalf as he had in Capernaum. What they didn’t understand is that Jesus’ miraculous acts of healing and restoration were not done for attention or favor with a certain group of people – Jesus’ healed in response to genuine faith.
And faith was not reserved for the people of Israel. The Old Testament miracles to which Jesus refers were a gift from God to two Gentiles who humbly trusted and obeyed God’s instructions given through God’s emissaries.
Stop for a while and let all your thoughts settle. Focus on the name of Jesus as you breathe deeply. When you feel centered, consider how you approach Jesus when you have a need or a desire. Do you come to Jesus humbly, ready to obey whatever Jesus might tell you to do? Stay with this for a moment.
Read Luke 4:22-30 again.
Recall that initially when Jesus read the Messianic prophecy of Isaiah and expounded on the Scriptures, the people of Nazareth were amazed and recognized the “gracious” nature of his words. But because they let their rational thoughts drown out the voice of God, they missed the fulfillment of God’s promise who was standing right there in front of them. And instead of embracing the blessing of God, they became consumed with murderous rage because Jesus would not do as they expected and demanded.
Take another pause to center yourself in the presence of Jesus.
This passage gives us an example of an extreme reaction to Jesus’ refusal to meet faithless human demands and expectations, but what might Jesus want you to see about your own reactions to him? Contemplate this speaking openly and honestly with Jesus.
Then get still and listen for a while.
What might Jesus want you to do or do differently after this time of reflection?
How do you plan to follow through?
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The Everyday Jesus Follower’s Guide ebook can help you learn how to recognize God's voice, how to read and understand the Bible, how to develop deep spiritual friendships, and how to become the person you were meant to be. Use it alone, with a friend or in a small group.
