David Bahn – Reflections

Colleague and friend, Pastor Doyle Theimer (Christ the King Lutheran Church in Kingwood, Texas) posted this today. It’s a thoughtful and touching prayer honoring Christ and seeking his mercy for the people torn by war.

“The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.” (2 Corinthians 10:4)

God, you appointed your Son, Jesus, to be the rightful King (Christ/Messiah) of Israel and Supreme Ruler of all peoples. As the overseer of human governments, He supports their divinely established purposes of justice and protection. As the head of the Church, he rules in individual hearts through mercy, forgiveness and embodied love. His purpose is to redeem our human affairs and convert them to an eternal, supernatural kingdom from which evil will have been eliminated.

Therefore, my first prayer is for the Gospel of his Kingdom to be a source of hope and comfort for all who witness Putin’s invasion, and especially the victims.

May the established churches of Ukraine, Russia, and surrounding countries “seek first the Kingdom of God.” May they renounce false values and subordinate their nationalistic loyalties to the Kingdom of God. May they get a fresh awakening of faith and a renewal of hope and the inspiration to love as they read the Bible in their services. Pour out upon them the fullness of your Holy Spirit. May they resonate with the Lord’s commands to love their enemies, to disciple the nations, and to preach the forgiveness of sins to the ends of the earth.

I pray for the refugees, the pinned down, the wounded, the grieving. May their immediate needs be met—physical, relational, and spiritual. May they receive compassionate personal attention and support from relief agencies and volunteers. Enable the oppressed to come together in human solidarity. May they turn to Christ in repentance and faith.

I pray against the invaders.

May the militant heads of state, their war council, and their military commanders experience mental confusion, miscommunication, internecine conflict, breakdowns of discipline and increasing hatred of the situation for which they are responsible. May they turn to Christ in repentance and faith.

May the rank-and-file Russian forces become disillusioned with their leaders. May they contemplate the humanity of the citizens whose country they are invading. May they experience grief and regret about the killing they engage in and the dying they witness. May they experience despair and hopelessness with regard to fulfilling their orders. May they resent this unprovoked invasion and desire to surrender. May they turn to Christ in repentance and faith.

May the citizens of Russia resolve to live in peace. May they elect leaders who protect and preserve the dignity of all of their people. May they turn to Christ in repentance and faith.

I pray for the defenders of Ukraine.

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And he went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee. And he was teaching them on the Sabbath, ³² and they were astonished at his teaching, for his word possessed authority. ³³ And in the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice, ³⁴ “Ha! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.” ³⁵ But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent and come out of him!” And when the demon had thrown him down in their midst, he came out of him, having done him no harm. ³⁶ And they were all amazed and said to one another, “What is this word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out!” ³⁷ And reports about him went out into every place in the surrounding region.

³⁸ And he arose and left the synagogue and entered Simon’s house. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was ill with a high fever, and they appealed to him on her behalf. ³⁹ And he stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her, and immediately she rose and began to serve them.

⁴⁰ Now when the sun was setting, all those who had any who were sick with various diseases brought them to him, and he laid his hands on every one of them and healed them. ⁴¹ And demons also came out of many, crying, “You are the Son of God!” But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew that he was the Christ.

⁴² And when it was day, he departed and went into a desolate place. And the people sought him and came to him, and would have kept him from leaving them, ⁴³ but he said to them, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose.” ⁴⁴ And he was preaching in the synagogues of Judea. – Luke 4:31-44 [ESV]

I’m reading two novels now; both in the mystery genre. It’s so interesting to see how the authors are weaving together disparate characters and story lines. I know somehow they will all come together. The flight attendant will either be found to be the culprit or not, and the other mysterious woman the same. The police chief’s wife will help save an unsuspecting man from impending danger or not. And somehow these may all come together at the end of each story line. Somehow there be a denouement.  

There is little hint of the path toward resolution in these initial encounters of Jesus with demons and disease. Demons are being cast out. Disease is being healed. The kingdom of God is being revealed. But where will this go? What is the ultimate outcome of this drama that begins here near Jesus’ home town? 

The hint is twofold. First that the demons are cast out, rebuked, and silenced, but not destroyed should help us realize that there will be more battles between Satan and Jesus. The devil will not strike out on the first pitch. He who is being silenced now will have a voice in the time to come. Jesus will again face him. Jesus clearly has power and authority over the demons here and now. He will not relinquish that power. But there are many demons. Satan has his claws in many people’s souls and in many places. We’re not done yet. There are more chapters to be written.

This is the second hint: Jesus clearly says that he has good news to preach in other towns “as well.” That is why he was sent. And he does so in the synagogues of the area. The good news is about the reign and rule of God. That is the denouement toward which all of Jesus’ mission and ministry marches. 

That will begin some three years later – after what appears to be the irredeemable loss of Jesus’ death on the cross. But then comes Jesus’ resurrection, and ascension. His Great Commission to his disciples. His promised return at the end of all time. What starts here will be fully and eternally expressed for all who believe in Jesus. This will end when the final battle with Satan is consummated and he is thrown into the pit of hell prepared for him and all his angels (cf. Matthew 25:41). This will resolve in the full and unfettered reign of health, freedom from oppression, life, release from captivity, and the favor of God. It is a reign of hope, joy, purpose, and comfort. It is a place of God’s presence in an atmosphere of glorious grace. 

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And Jesus went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee. And he was teaching them on the Sabbath, ³² and they were astonished at his teaching, for his word possessed authority. ³³ And in the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice, ³⁴ “Ha! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.” ³⁵ But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent and come out of him!” And when the demon had thrown him down in their midst, he came out of him, having done him no harm. ³⁶ And they were all amazed and said to one another, “What is this word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out!” ³⁷ And reports about him went out into every place in the surrounding region. 

And when it was day, he departed and went into a desolate place. And the people sought him and came to him, and would have kept him from leaving them, ⁴³ but he said to them, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose.” ⁴⁴ And he was preaching in the synagogues of Judea. – Luke 4:31-37, 42-44 [ESV]

I’m pretty good at asking questions. That was true even back in my college days…before I got serious about studying and applying myself. I was actually considering a pre-med major and taking zoology. I had a good professor, but I just couldn’t remember all the terms, modalities, and manner in which certain characteristics show up in certain orders, classes, or families of animal life. As I was talking with my professor he allowed, “You ask good questions.” It still didn’t get me a good grade. But I ask good questions!

My question today is this: What does the reign and rule of God look like? Hint, hint. We see it here. It looks like Jesus in charge. It looks like evil stopped in its tracks. It looks like diseases rebuked and vanquished. It looks like demons put in their place. It looks like proper acknowledgement of Jesus’ true identity (no mockery here!). It looks awe-inspiring and truly astounding. It also looks like a place to which all kinds of people have been invited.

Jesus is obviously in charge here. He was obviously in charge when he rose from the dead. He was obviously in charge when he ascended into heaven. And when he returns he will be obviously in charge. Every knee will bow. Every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord to the glory of the Father. Every eye will see him – even those who put him to death (cf. Revelation 1:7). The rule and reign of God will be an experience of Jesus’ ultimate and uncompromised reign over all – together with the Father and the Holy Spirit. 

Jesus heals diseases on this occasion. All kinds of diseases. What good news it is to know that all disease will be banished in the reign and rule of God! No covid. No cancer. No congenital defects. No Alzheimers. No ALS. No leukemia. No disease. Health. Perfected bodies. Physical wellness writ large.

People are amazed at Jesus’ teaching and healing. In the coming kingdom we will be continually amazed at the grace of God. We will rejoice in his glory. We will revel in his goodness. We will delight in his majesty. We will worship with our whole being. Without restraint. With fullness of joy. Relishing God’s love for us and all people.

And we will not be alone. Jesus will not just stay here in Capernaum and tend to these people here. He must go to other places so that more may hear of his reign and rule of grace. And just as he went on from there, ever since Jesus’ ascension, people have gone to far away places to tell them of Jesus’ grace and truth. People have gone to the highways and byways, and compelled others to come in. And just so we don’t miss it, in the very last book of the Bible, the very last chapter, and near the end of that chapter the invitation continues:

The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price. – Revelation 22:17

Jesus’ reign and rule is a glorious, inspiring, delightful place of grace, blessing, joy, and love. And you and I’ve been invited. Come, Lord Jesus! Bring me into the fullness of your reign and rule!

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And Jesus went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee. And he was teaching them on the Sabbath, ³² and they were astonished at his teaching, for his word possessed authority. ³³ And in the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice, ³⁴ “Ha! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.” ³⁵ But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent and come out of him!” And when the demon had thrown him down in their midst, he came out of him, having done him no harm. ³⁶ And they were all amazed and said to one another, “What is this word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out!” ³⁷ And reports about him went out into every place in the surrounding region. – Luke 4:31-37 [ESV]

“Shock and Awe.” That was the term Norman Schwarzkopf used to describe the manner in which United States forces were going to engage enemy troops in the first Persian Gulf War. War is an ugly business. I’m not in favor of it, but if you are going to go to war, you must go to win. And as far as the military battles were concerned Coalition forces totally owned that war. This is not an endorsement of war, but a comment on the nature of overwhelming an enemy and winning a battle. 

Jesus shows the surpassing power and complete dominance over his enemy in these few verses. It’s as though Jesus is showing up in a shock and awe manner to overwhelm and subjugate the devil and his evil angels. He is making a statement here. Establishing his complete dominance over the forces of evil, sickness, and the powers of darkness. Letting Satan know he was moving into the neighborhood and claiming that which was rightfully his. Reclaiming those who had been stolen from him. Bringing back life, health, and faith. This is like a western movie when the new sheriff shows up and kicks out the bad guys. 

Except it’s not. 

Jesus doesn’t use guns, bombs, tanks, or any implement of war. He uses simply his word. I love this. Jesus rebukes the demons and they flee. Jesus speaks and they’re history. He exercises authority and they obey. He commands the fever to leave and the patient suddenly recovers. 

I’ve experienced that one time in my life. I was very ill. I felt miserable. I had fever and chills. I had an upper respiratory infection. Sneezing, coughing, and congestion defined my existence. I asked Diane to pray for me. She did. Ten minutes later the fever broke. It was a delightful relief! She didn’t rebuke the fever. But you would have to say that she went to war for me. And I’m thankful for it!

Jesus lived this every day. And for now as he makes his presence known he is large and in charge. But this is not for his sake. And although it is a great blessing for those he heals, it’s not even just for them. He is doing these things as testimony against Satan and his reign of terror, and as a public display of what God’s reign and rule looks like (more on that tomorrow).

But there will come a time when God’s reign and rule looks very much different. The King of kings will be enthroned on a cross. He will be hailed by mockery. He will triumph by dying. It will look nothing like Jesus’ glorious moments of power and authority does here. But that is the secret of Jesus’ true power. His outward success doesn’t establish it. Jesus’ true power is the power of faith. His unwavering commitment to God’s ways no matter what gave him the moral authority to triumph over the demons.

That same commitment would lead him to the cross three years later. But it won’t stop there. It will go from the cross to the grave and from the grave to the glory and splendor of majesty at God’s right hand once again. And just as we have to believe that Jesus was reigning when he was being crucified, we must now believe he is reigning in the face of war, violence, injustice, disease, and even death. His is a word of life and grace for which I am deeply thankful. It’s very obvious when fever is lifted and evil is vanquished. I must remember that also in the dark times. How about you?

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Jesus rebuked the demon, saying, “Be silent and come out of him!” And when the demon had thrown him down in their midst, he came out of him, having done him no harm. ³⁶ And they were all amazed and said to one another, “What is this word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out!” ³⁷ And reports about him went out into every place in the surrounding region.

³⁸ And he arose and left the synagogue and entered Simon’s house. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was ill with a high fever, and they appealed to him on her behalf. ³⁹ And he stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her, and immediately she rose and began to serve them.

⁴⁰ Now when the sun was setting, all those who had any who were sick with various diseases brought them to him, and he laid his hands on every one of them and healed them. ⁴¹ And demons also came out of many, crying, “You are the Son of God!” But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew that he was the Christ. – Luke 4:35-41 [ESV]

He came into my office and told me to my face, “I’m leaving my wife. I know it’s wrong, but I’m leaving and moving to Dallas.” That would have been a good time for a rebuke. But I’m not a rebuker. I’m not proud of that. I should have spoken up more strongly than I did. I’m sure I did to some extent. But It was not the “May your money perish with you!” kind of rebuke (cf. Acts 8:20). 

I think also these days about the situation in Ukraine. Thankfully there are those who are loudly rebuking Putin in his latest quest. 

Jesus was not afraid to rebuke evil when he saw it. He was unafraid of the demons. He was unafraid of the religious power brokers of his day. He spoke straight and clear. But such talk is not for the faint of heart. He had the authority and power to speak thus. He was spiritually, emotionally, and morally uncompromised. No one could rightly accuse him of manipulating people. He was not some carnival barker or even a religious huckster. He spoke with uncommon authority – unlike any others in his day…or ours to be honest. 

Three times in these few verses Jesus rebukes evil spirits. Three times he will not let them testify to his identity. He knew they were only mocking him in their supposed confession. He knew their witness would be detrimental to his mission. Evil always has a goal – even if it lurks in orthodox-sounding confessions, or the wrappings of outward piety. Jesus knew that. He also knew and was totally committed to his mission to seek and save the lost. He was perfect in his knowledge of God’s will. He was without waver in his faith. He was wholly dedicated to doing the will of the Father. 

Those three form a powerful coalition. And to the extent we engage our faith, commitment to God’s reign and rule, and understanding of God’s will (think Romans 12:2), we too can be powerful in opposing Satan and his minions. We can even rebuke him. And as to our witness to Jesus’ identity and his reign and rule, we will never be perfect. But we certainly would not wish to discredit Jesus. We would never wish to mock him outright. So speak up! Confess Jesus is Lord. Let the world know who he is and how he has blessed you. 

Paul tells Timothy that God’s word is profitable for reproof (2 Timothy 3:16). This should never be taken lightly or used in a cavalier manner. Thank God that Jesus knew when to rebuke, and did it! I wonder whether I need to be a little more courageous whenever I see evil having its way. God give me courage to do so when the need arises. 

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And he went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee. And he was teaching them on the Sabbath, ³² and they were astonished at his teaching, for his word possessed authority. ³³ And in the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice, ³⁴ “Ha! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.” ³⁵ But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent and come out of him!” And when the demon had thrown him down in their midst, he came out of him, having done him no harm. ³⁶ And they were all amazed and said to one another, “What is this word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out!” ³⁷ And reports about him went out into every place in the surrounding region.

³⁸ And he arose and left the synagogue and entered Simon’s house. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was ill with a high fever, and they appealed to him on her behalf. ³⁹ And he stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her, and immediately she rose and began to serve them.

⁴⁰ Now when the sun was setting, all those who had any who were sick with various diseases brought them to him, and he laid his hands on every one of them and healed them. ⁴¹ And demons also came out of many, crying, “You are the Son of God!” But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew that he was the Christ.

⁴² And when it was day, he departed and went into a desolate place. And the people sought him and came to him, and would have kept him from leaving them, ⁴³ but he said to them, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose.” ⁴⁴ And he was preaching in the synagogues of Judea. – Luke 4:31-44 [ESV]

A delightful little lady (all of 5 feet tall…maybe) introduced herself to me recently at the church I was visiting. I was there to preach and to perform an official duty for the Texas District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Sadly, I do not recall her name. But she confessed to me that she would likely call me Honey. I was not offended. Apparently she calls everyone Honey. At least everyone there at that church. Knowing and using someone’s name leverages our relationship. If I call you by name, and claim to know you, I can claim something from you. To the extent that I am persistent I can hound you for help, or favor.

That’s all well and good, and even in regard to calling on Jesus’ name. When we call on Jesus’ name, we can claim certain things. And to some extent it is because we have Jesus’ name. We know who he is. We know what he has promised. We can even call him out if he doesn’t deliver. But careful now! It’s not like we can order Jesus around. That’s what the demon tries to do when Jesus comes into the synagogue. 

A man who had the spirit of an unclean demon cried out with a loud voice, “Ha! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.” He wanted to call Jesus out and undercut Jesus’ work. Maybe he was being sarcastic, perhaps even defiant. This could have been a challenge to Jesus’ power and authority – as though Jesus really couldn’t do what he was about to do. 

But Jesus will have none of it. He rebuked the demon, saying, “Be silent and come out of him!” He didn’t even call the demon by name. But he had authority and power over this unclean demon, and exercised it. 

But let’s go back to the idea of calling Jesus out on his promises. Using his name to demand that God would act in accord with his will. Moses did this: 

And Moses said to the LORD, “If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here. For how shall it be known that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people? Is it not in your going with us, so that we are distinct, I and your people, from every other people on the face of the earth?” (Exodus 33:15-16)

Others have done it as well. It is still a dangerous thing to do – even if you are certain that you are demanding that God keep his clear word and promise. You don’t put God’s arm up behind his back and perp walk him into submission. But we can rely on Jesus’ word and promise. We can call upon God’s name and expect him to be true to his word.

We may have to come as dogs getting the scraps from the master’s table. (Matthew 15:27) We may need to call out, “Lord I believe! Help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24) But we must never be defiant. We dare not use Jesus’ name in vain. We know who he is and what he has done. And we look forward to seeing him again at the end of all days. We know who he is. He is the One who answers our prayers, died for our sins, rose for our justification. He deserves always to have his name used in prayer, praise, thanks, and blessing. 

For your personal meditation and reflection on this Lord’s Day.

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[Jesus] rolled up the scroll, handed it back to the attendant, and sat down. All eyes in the synagogue looked at him intently. ²¹ Then he began to speak to them. “The Scripture you’ve just heard has been fulfilled this very day!”

²² Everyone spoke well of him and was amazed by the gracious words that came from his lips. “How can this be?” they asked. “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?”

²³ Then he said, “You will undoubtedly quote me this proverb: ‘Physician, heal yourself’—meaning, ‘Do miracles here in your hometown like those you did in Capernaum.’ ²⁴ But I tell you the truth, no prophet is accepted in his own hometown.

²⁵ “Certainly there were many needy widows in Israel in Elijah’s time, when the heavens were closed for three and a half years, and a severe famine devastated the land. ²⁶ Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them. He was sent instead to a foreigner—a widow of Zarephath in the land of Sidon. ²⁷ And many in Israel had leprosy in the time of the prophet Elisha, but the only one healed was Naaman, a Syrian.”

²⁸ When they heard this, the people in the synagogue were furious. ²⁹ Jumping up, they mobbed him and forced him to the edge of the hill on which the town was built. They intended to push him over the cliff, ³⁰ but he passed right through the crowd and went on his way. – Luke 4:20-30 [NLT]

We were working on the installation of a new/rebuilt organ. That required renovating the choir loft and designing some things that needed decisions in order to proceed. The man doing the work was not my biggest fan, and yet for some reason had taken it upon himself to do the work. He was rebuilding the risers, and making a way for the organ to be positioned in a new configuration. During that process, he looked at me and asked, in effect, “Who’s in charge of these decisions?” I suppose it was a good question, but it was not unbiased. In fact it was his way of challenging me and some of the decisions that had been made. 

The people in Nazareth did not ask who was in charge on this occasion. They simply took matters into their own hands – or at least tried to – and took Jesus to a nearby cliff in an attempt to throw him off. They were asserting their power and “in-chargeness.” They had decided that Jesus could not be allowed to be in charge of them and their religion. 

As if. As if people could tell God what to do. As if Jesus will let anyone but the Father in heaven determine his moves and manner. As if they had any idea of what they were wishing for. As if Jesus was going to let anyone take his life from him apart from his will. He shows it here when they attempt to throw him off the cliff. And he makes it clear when he speaks of himself as the Good Shepherd later in his ministry: “For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.” (John 10:18) 

It’s not that Jesus is unwilling to die. In fact he will die for the sins of the world. He will give his life willingly – even for his enemies. His death will be far worse and more horrific than a fall from a cliff. But it will be on his terms. It will seem as though the devil and all who wished to end Jesus’ life and influence had won. It will appear to be a remarkable and lamentable defeat. And when Jesus walks through the crowd in defiance of their desire to throw him off the cliff, it looks like a remarkable and glorious win for Jesus and his reign and rule. 

But things are not always as they seem. And that includes also Jesus’ intent in challenging his hometown folks. He isn’t interested in inciting a riot. He doesn’t want merely to make them angry. He wants to point out their need for a different attitude toward God, faith, repentance, and grace. 

Sometimes we live under the illusion that we are in control of all things. In fact we have control over very little. And the sooner we recognize this, and align ourselves with God’s truth and purposes, the sooner we will experience the abundant storehouse of God’s grace. He is not only in charge. He is full of grace and truth and love and faithfulness. I, for one, am glad he’s in charge. 

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And [Jesus] came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up; and as was His custom, He entered the synagogue on the Sabbath, and stood up to read. ¹⁷ And the scroll of Isaiah the prophet was handed to Him. And He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written:

¹⁸ “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me,
Because He anointed Me to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent Me to proclaim release to captives,
And recovery of sight to the blind,
To set free those who are oppressed,
¹⁹ To proclaim the favorable year of the Lord.”

²⁰ And He rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down; and the eyes of all the people in the synagogue were intently directed at Him. ²¹ Now He began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” – Luke 4:16-20 [NASB]

I believe it’s a two-fold problem. Maybe it’s only my issue. But I know for certain that I’m at least part of the problem. My hearing isn’t what it used to be. It’s very sad. I love beautiful music. I appreciate fine audio equipment. I even have some fancy earbuds that allow me to hear music in a very immersive manner. But my hearing acumen is waning. Get me in a crowd and I struggle to pick out one voice. Let someone speak too softly and I will not understand them. Have someone speak too fast, and I’m at a loss to understand. So when Diane says something under her breath, or doesn’t face me directly, I will either not hear her at all, or possibly worse, misunderstand what she actually does say. I think it’s mostly on me, but once in a while I wish she would speak more clearly…and maybe louder.

Jesus has no problem speaking clearly. Nor do the people of his hometown have a problem hearing him. In fact, clear speaking and acuity of hearing team up to set the table for conflict and a look into people’s hearts in Jesus’ home town. 

Jesus speaks clearly. He chooses the passage to read. He tells them that the prophecy of Isaiah was being fulfilled as he speaks. This is an astounding claim. But it would soon prove to be true. Jesus would heal the blind. He would release the oppressed (think demon-possessed man living among the tombs). He embodied the Lord’s favor. Then he says that the words of Isaiah were fulfilled (literally) “in their ears.”

As Jesus spoke the people were initially impressed. I’m not sure they really understood it, since they attributed him as being Joseph’s son. Then Jesus speaks even more clearly. He reminds them of how God’s love and grace came to gentiles during the days of Elijah and Elisha. He even puts words in their mouths saying that they would surely want him to show his power there as he did in Capernaum. On other occasions Jesus would say that whoever has ears to hear should listen. 

All the while the eyes of the people were on Jesus. Sadly, however, it seems that their eyes were focused on what might disqualify Jesus and unseat his claims. And through it all, hearts are revealed. And, again sadly, their hearts lead them to try to throw Jesus off the nearby cliff. 

My question is what do you focus your eyes on as you think of Jesus? What do you hear him say? Do you listen for his word in humility? Do you seek to see who he really is? And when your heart is revealed to be broken, corrupt, and faithless, do you try to throw him off the cliff? Or does this take you to a place of repentance at the foot of the cross? Do you seek his mercy and rejoice in God’s favor shown in Jesus? And do you let him reveal his true self to you and seek to hear his full counsel?

Sadly we will show our brokenness all too often in the face of Jesus’ teaching and truth. But the fullness of that truth is seen in how Jesus really did fulfill the prophecy of Isaiah. It would cost him incredible pain and suffering, and even his very life. But this was the means of God’s favor coming to us. 

That’s what I want to see and hear. Lord Jesus, open my eyes, ears, and heart by your Holy Spirit so that I may see and hear your grace and truth always! Amen.

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And Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about Him spread through all the surrounding region. ¹⁵ And He began teaching in their synagogues and was praised by all.

¹⁶ And He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up; and as was His custom, He entered the synagogue on the Sabbath, and stood up to read. ¹⁷ And the scroll of Isaiah the prophet was handed to Him. And He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written:

¹⁸ “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me,
Because He anointed Me to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent Me to proclaim release to captives,
And recovery of sight to the blind,
To set free those who are oppressed,
¹⁹ To proclaim the favorable year of the Lord.”

²⁰ And He rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down; and the eyes of all the people in the synagogue were intently directed at Him. ²¹ Now He began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” 

²² And all the people were speaking well of Him, and admiring the gracious words which were coming from His lips; and yet they were saying, “Is this not Joseph’s son?” ²³ And He said to them, “No doubt you will quote this proverb to Me: ‘Physician, heal yourself! All the miracles that we heard were done in Capernaum, do here in your hometown as well.’” ²⁴ But He said, “Truly I say to you, no prophet is welcome in his hometown. ²⁵ But I say to you in truth, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the sky was shut up for three years and six months, when a severe famine came over all the land; ²⁶ and yet Elijah was sent to none of them, but only to Zarephath, in the land of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow. ²⁷ And there were many with leprosy in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.” ²⁸ And all the people in the synagogue were filled with rage as they heard these things; ²⁹ and they got up and drove Him out of the city, and brought Him to the crest of the hill on which their city had been built, so that they could throw Him down from the cliff. ³⁰ But He passed through their midst and went on His way.– Luke 4:14-21 [NASB]