Pamela Nobbs, member of CTiH Clergy and Lay Group, reflects on Luke 4: 14 – 21.

We have reached the point in Luke’s gospel account where Jesus starts his public ministry.

His ministry will involve teaching, often using parables – picture stories with a powerful punch – and miraculous healings.

In this passage we have a dramatic endorsement of the identity of Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, the saviour of the world.

His reputation as a teacher was already gaining ground in the Galilee countryside, and at this time he was in Nazareth, his home town, and attending his local synagogue.

Visiting teachers of religion would have the opportunity to read and comment upon a passagefrom the Hebrew Scriptures (our Old Testament) during the service of worship.

Jesus was handed a scroll from the prophet Isaiah, which speaks of the good news of deliverance.

It was written in the first person, and Jesus read: ‘The spirit of the Lord is upon me...he has anointed me … sent me to bring good news … to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.’

Jesus rolled up the scroll, handed it back and sat down.

In that pause ‘the eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him’ and then Jesus announced: “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”

The implications of this statement were momentous.

The book of Isaiah is full of prophecies regarding the coming Messiah and here was Jesus claiming to be their realisation.

A dramatic start to his ministry!