Friday
Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. He taught in their synagogues, and everyone praised him.
He 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. The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written:
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, and he said to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”
(Luke 4:14-21, NIV)
Following his baptism in the River Jordan by John the Baptist and his temptation in the desert, Jesus returns to Galilee to begin his ministry as a 30-year-old man. Luke notes that Jesus is a regular attendee at the synagogue and, on this occasion, is asked to read from the prophet Isaiah’s writings. He unrolls the scroll and begins reading the powerful words of the prophet that describe the coming Messianic servant (Isaiah 61:1-2). Then, to everyone’s amazement, he identifies himself as the one Isaiah is describing.
This bold declaration represents the first description of his ministry by Jesus himself – it is a manifesto, a statement of purpose, and it clearly links Jesus to hundreds of years of Old Testament prophecy. The prophet Isaiah’s words present a graphic picture of the Messiah whose ministry is preaching and healing, a ministry that meets every human need. It is a re-statement of the “peace pictures” of the prophets that promise good health, ample food, freedom from oppression, and security from attack. It is a fulfillment of the promise of peace, of shalom in all its many facets, both spiritual and physical.
Isn’t it fascinating that Jesus uses Isaiah’s words to describe his own ministry, words that give hope to the poor, the imprisoned, the blind, the oppressed? Jesus chooses a passage that refers back to the Year of Jubilee (Leviticus 25:8-55) when slaves were freed, debts were forgiven and land was restored to its original family owners. This is Jesus’ opening “mission statement,” and this is a summary of what his ministry will be – a ministry of shalom.
Prayer
Lord God, we rejoice in the fact that Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of the prophecy of Isaiah. Deepen our commitment, through the enabling power of your Holy Spirit, to Jesus’ manifesto and use us as instruments of your peace. Amen.