Passage Summary and Reflection:
This passage that we read today comes directly on the heels of Jesus’ baptism and his retreat into the wilderness where he is tempted by the devil. This is the beginning of his public ministry. And he begins it in a bold way, announcing the theme of his entire ministry by unrolling and reading from a scroll of the Old Testament prophet Isaiah. As he reads, Jesus recalls the year of Jubilee. The year of Jubilee is a year of release. Every 50 years, God’s people are to observe a Sabbath of Sabbaths where liberty is proclaimed throughout the land to all its inhabitants. The law of Jubilee is designed to transform society and undo the damage that human greed has caused: it frees people who have been enslaved because of debt, and it returns land to its original owners so that every member of God’s people has a way of earning a living. During the year of Jubilee all the people return to their property and their families. Both land and people rest, and the people live off what the land produces by itself.
Jesus is preaching freedom and transformation. And this message was well received by folks in Galilee; but then, Jesus heads to his hometown, to Nazareth. Nazareth, a place of familiarity and acceptance – home for Jesus. He is initially welcomed; but, his message of hope and freedom doesn’t sit well with these Nazarene people because Jesus’ words and message challenges them, pushes their preconceived notions and confronts their comfort zones. They don’t want to change their thinking, their view of outsiders; so, they reject Jesus and his teachings. They push him away.
Sometimes, familiarity and proximity blinds us from the truth.
Personal Reflection: Consider, reflect, journal, talk about the following questions as a way to personally examine and own the scripture:
· Where do you find purpose/develop your personal life mission? What informs it? Is it scripture, the world, your family – what?
· Are you open to hearing and accepting new truths, even if they challenge your current understanding? Or, do you tend to dismiss them based on familiarity or preconceived notions?
· How can you be more open to truths that may challenge your current perspective?
· How does Jesus’ mission statement (good news for poor, freedom for prisoners & oppressed and sight for the blind) from this passage challenge us to live out our faith?
Pray: Almighty God, may Jesus’ words challenge me; may I not become so comfortable and familiar that I am closed to what you have to show and teach me. Thank you for the voice of your Son Jesus…may I hear it. Amen
