Jesus Returns to Nazareth

Jesus returned to Nazareth, the town where he had grown up. On the Sabbath, he went to the synagogue as he usually did.

He stood to read, and someone gave him the scroll of the prophet Isaiah.

Jesus opened the scroll.

The words told of good news for the poor, freedom, and help for people who were suffering.

Jesus read and then sat down (The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set the oppressed free, and to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor). Everyone watched him. He told them that these words were being fulfilled that day.

At first people wondered at his gracious words. But they also asked whether he was Joseph's son. They had known him as a neighbor and found his message difficult to accept.

Jesus reminded them that God's care had reached people beyond their own country too.

Some listeners became angry. They drove him out of town, but he passed through the crowd and went on his way.

Jesus had brought good news, even when people refused to welcome it.

Knowing someone's family does not mean we know everything God can do through that person. We can listen carefully instead of deciding too quickly.

God's kindness is wide enough to include people we have not yet learned to welcome.