Jesus Teaches Nazareth

Stop.

Close your eyes and quiet your mind. Breathe in and say, “God’s authority”. Breathe out and say, “The Spirit’s action”. Repeat as many times as you need.

Listen.

He went down to Capernaum, a city in Galilee, and was teaching them on the sabbath. They were astounded at his teaching, because he spoke with authority. – Luke 4:31-32

Reflect.

Between Sunday’s preaching text (Luke 4:14-30) and next week’s text (Luke 5:1-11) there are a few brief stories of Jesus’ action in the world. As we continue with our worship theme “Meeting Jesus”, we learn more about who Jesus is and what Jesus does in these short texts. 

On Sunday, we heard the story of Jesus returning to Nazareth to teach; it ended with a crowd chasing him out of town. However, that story and this story have an important consistency: both recognize that Jesus teaches powerfully and well. The story earlier in the chapter says that he spoke gracious words that had everyone praising him, while this story names his authority in teaching. We hear that part of what makes Jesus who he is can be found in the strength and quality of his teaching. 

Jesus doesn’t teach so that we can be smarter or brag about how much better we know God. In faith, teaching and learning are not ends in themselves. Jesus does not teach to gain notoriety and respect. We don’t learn from him to claim supremacy or power. Jesus teaches so we can know God and God’s work in our lives. We learn so we can be connected to this call. Jesus teaching shows us what God is up to and how we can be a part of it – and that’s good news.

Pray.

Call me, God. Teach me, Savior. Guide me, Spirit. I will listen for you. Amen.

Carry On.

What’s one thing you’d like to learn more about in faith? Why? How can you make that happen?