May 22, 2022: You Can’t Say That Here - Dave Meserve

Jesus grew up in a small town. Very small. Like all small towns, not only did everyone know Jesus, his parents and surely the rumors of scandal around his birth, but they also likely never let him outgrow his roots. He would always be “Joseph’s son.” It is this context when Jesus is in the synagogue and reads the words of Isaiah 61. Initially everyone is delighted at his reading and his short sermon following. But then he pushes the envelope. He begins pointing to the pattern of unbelief among their ancestors recorded in the Sacred Text.

The story we hear in Luke 4.14-30 is filled with so many fascinating details to explore and learn. However, Luke’s account of this varies from the others for one important reason. Jesus provokes those present by contrasting their unbelief to the faithfulness of Gentiles. Again revealing his inclusive vision for the world into which he was sent.