THE INAUGURAL ADDRESS (LK 4:14-21)
Prayer:
O Jesus, send the Spirit of the Father upon me.
Imagination:
Picture Jesus teaching in the synagogue.
Context:
Having overcome Satan’s three temptations, Jesus begins his public ministry. Other gospels record this visit to the synagogue but Luke gives it preeminence. This is Jesus’ inauguration address, highlighting all the themes of Luke’s gospel.
Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)
Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee and his reputation spread throughout the region. He taught in their synagogue and was praised by all.
Jesus came to Nazareth where he had been raised and, entering the synagogue on the sabbath as he was accustomed, he got up to read. The book of the prophet, Isaiah, was given to him and he found the place where it was written, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me. He has anointed me to preach the good news to the poor, to proclaim liberty to the captives, recovery of sight to the blind and the release of prisoners. To preach a year of favor from the Lord.”
Rolling up the scroll, he handed it back to the attendant and sat down. All the eyes of the synagogue were upon him. He said to them, “This day, this reading is fulfilled in your hearing.”
Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder the ones that attract you.)
- Jesus loved to preach in the synagogue where good people, eager for God’s word, gathered.
- Jesus explains the source of his power. The Holy Spirit has come upon him.
- He chooses a text which outlines his call. He will preach and set free.
- Every group (the poor, the captives, the blind) will receive the favors.
- Jesus’ ministry means an extended time of God’s favor for all Israel.
- Because his reputation had spread, all eyes were on him.
Affections. (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)
- Jesus, I know your reputation and I desire your favor.
- O Jesus, the Spirit of the Lord is upon you. Send the Spirit upon me.
- I am poor. Preach your gospel to me. I am a captive. Set me free. I am blind. Help me to see.
- Your time of favor is extensive – all the years of my life.
- The Kingdom has come and has brought all your blessings.
- I will not delay. I will not put off accepting you as my King.
Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)
+ I will be faithful to my reading of Scripture.
+ Today, I will ask Jesus for the Holy Spirit.
Thought for the Day: (To recall your meditation.)
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me. He has anointed me.