+DEV+ Rejected by His Own People

Date: October 8, 2012 9:01 PM
Topic: +DEV+  Rejected by His Own People

Rejected by His Own People

"All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips. 'Isn't this Joseph's son?' they asked."  (LUKE 4:22)
Scripture Focus: Luke 4:14-30

It was no coincidence that on the day Jesus returned to the synagogue in His home town, the Scripture reading was from Isaiah 61, about the year of the Lord's favor. There were set daily readings throughout the year in the Jewish calendar. Recently filled with the Holy Spirit's power, Jesus would be in Nazareth on God's appointed day.

At first the congregation responded well to the message of release for the captives, sight for the blind, freedom from oppression and the time of the Lord's kindness. Great sermon topics, right? When Jesus announced that He was the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy, Luke records that they spoke well of Him, but were puzzled at His claim. After all, this was His home town, and they knew He was just Jesus, the carpenter's son.

Soon the crowd turned on Him, their anger provoked when Jesus confirmed that a prophet is indeed treated without honor in His own town. And so began Jesus' ministry of restoration that ultimately led Him to the cross for us three years later.

Insight: The Gospel Is Clearly Good News; However, It Is Also Controversial And Confrontational And Demands A Response.