Knowing The Word in Luke 4:14-20, Jesus Begins His Ministry and Goes to Nazareth

After his time of temptation, Jesus goes back to his home turf in the power of the Spirit, which is noticeable to all. He goes on a preaching tour and is well received as people begin to take notice of the deity of Christ.

Eventually Jesus returns to his hometown and goes to the synagogue for service. He respectfully stands up to read the Word of God. The scroll of Isaiah is given him, meaning he did not select it. He then looks for a specific passage to preach on that prophesies the Messiah’s ministry to people in distress: the poor, captives, blind, and oppressed. Jesus has come to bring an era of salvation, the year of the Lord’s favor.

14 And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and a report about him went out through all the surrounding country. 15 And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all.

16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. And as was his custom, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and he stood up to read. 17 And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written,

18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.”

20 And he rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him.

Prayer: O God, you have made us for yourself, and against your longing there is no defense. Mark us with your love, and release in us a passion for your justice in our disfigured world; that we may turn from our guilt and face you, our heart’s desire.

Janet Morley