A Quiet Beginning

Scripture – Luke 4:14-16: 14Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. 15He taught in their synagogues, and everyone praised him. 16He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read.

Reflection: Jesus returned from the desert stronger than when He went in. There’s something exhilarating about facing a temptation and resisting it – even overcoming it. With the power and presence of Christ in me, I can do that consistently. I’ve learned my own will power is simply too unreliable to trust.

The word about Jesus began to spread. At this point in Luke’s story, all He’s doing is teaching. There’s been no mention of miracles. Still, “everyone praised him.” That’s good to see. I don’t have to do “eye-catching” things. Authentic teaching based in God’s word is a powerful ministry in itself.

It’s also interesting to me that He began His teaching ministry in the synagogues. That’s sort of like saying He went to local churches. He didn’t start a new church or choose a “non-religious” venue – at least not at first.

On this particular day He’s come to His home town – to His home church. As He stood up to read, what do you think the people were thinking?