Daily Devotion for July 3, 2024

 

Devotion:

For an audio version of this devotion, click here.

Read Luke 4:14-30 (NRSVUE).

This has been one of my favorite scripture passages through the years and each time I read it, I gain new insights. I have most often described verses 16-20 as the divine purpose of Jesus’ mission and ministry during his time on earth. Within these verses, Jesus is reading from the Old Testament book of Isaiah. He is declaring who he is and who he came to be. I believe he is also calling on the listeners of his day and for us today: “to bring good news to the poor, to proclaim release to the captives, recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free and to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (NRSVUE) 

In this dramatic scene, Jesus goes from being praised to being threatened. In Luke 2:34, Simeon foretells of the people’s rejection of Jesus. Dr. Luke Timothy Johnson in his commentary of The Gospel of Luke writes, “The provocation is given by the comparison of Jesus’ ministry to that of Elijah and Elisha. The stories are bound together only by the fact that in both the prophetic visitation was extended to Gentiles—outside the boundaries of the people of Israel.” Jesus knew that he was sent to bring salvation and healing to the people of all nations. And here he was announcing that! This is believed to be the cause for the strong reaction and fury of the people!

I believe Jesus was calling the people “inside” the temple back to their purpose, too. It will be later in Luke 19:41-46 when Jesus weeps over Jerusalem and drives the merchants from the temple. Jesus quotes the Old Testament book of Isaiah again and says, “It is written, ‘My house will be a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of robbers.’”

Yes, Jesus is the Messiah for all the people. He was sent by God unto the people who felt they had been outcast, forgotten and abandoned by the people on the “inside” of the temple. Jesus calls us to follow in his mission and ministry, too.

Personal Worship Option:

Read the verses of Luke 4:16-20 again. Perhaps you need to hear that God understands everything you are going through during this season of your life and offers hope through Christ. Perhaps these verses speak to you as a calling for a renewal of God’s mission and ministry for you in Christ’s name.