Luke : Day 10

Read Luke 4: 14-44

The fans of a well-known English football club like to say that their club is ‘hated, adored, but never ignored.’ As Jesus began his ministry (his work of teaching and doing good), that sums up the reaction of his countryfolk.

In Nazareth, Jesus’ hometown, the people were amazed to see the carpenter’s son teaching in the synagogue. They spoke well of Him (verse 22) – until Jesus reminded them of two prophets from Israel’s history (Elijah and Elisha) through whom God helped Gentile (non-Jewish) people. Suddenly, they were trying to kill Him!

But others welcomed Jesus, and many were healed of illnesses and released from the influence of evil spirits. We might roll our eyes at the mention of demons or spirits today. But the Bible not only insists on the existence of God and His angels, but also the devil and the spirits who follow him. 

Many people today are convinced that there are supernatural forces at work in our world. They experiment with things like trying to contact the dead, or fortune telling. But we should be careful of these things, remembering that there is spiritual good and evil, just as there is good and evil in the physical world we can see.

It is clear that Jesus wanted what was good for people. He cared about them. But while Jesus is still adored by many, there are many more who hate the idea of the rescuing Son of God. How would you describe your attitude towards Jesus?

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.”

Luke 4:18