The sabbath gathering at the Nazareth synagogue is buzzing. Jesus had returned to town and came to the synagogue. Jesus has read from Isaiah 61 and announces that the prophecy has been fulfilled, and everyone there was amazed. Jesus has pointed listeners to look toward captives, the blind and the oppressed. Then, in the midst of the amazement, someone makes note of Jesus’ family. “Is not this Joseph’s son?” someone asks. Rather than considering the message, the crowd considers family and background. Jesus reminds them that the words of a prophet are not accepted by the people who know them. He reminds them that God’s love extends to those outside their community, such as to Phoenicians and Syrians. They become enraged and try to kill Jesus for proclaiming that God’s love is an inclusive love that isn’t restricted to a single community or by the walls of a synagogue or temple.
Do we miss the heart of a message because we are distracted by the messenger? Do our expectations and assumptions about the person sharing a lesson stifle the effectiveness of the lesson? Does it mute the prophets and teachers among us?
Lord, your unconditional love is for all. May I always proclaim that love through my words and actions. Amen. —