To begin His public ministry, Jesus returns to His hometown of Nazareth and preaches in the synagogue. His homecoming message is so controversial, the townspeople—the people He had known since He was a child—“drove him out of town, and brought him to the edge of the hill… intending to hurl him over the cliff” (Luke 4:29).
The crowd is with Him for the first part of His message, when He quotes the prophet Isaiah, saying He had come to preach the good news and to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor (vv.18–19). But when He mentions the widow in Sidon whom the prophet Elijah helped, and Naaman, the Syrian whom Elisha healed, the crowd gets upset. These are stories of Gentiles who were shown favor above Israelites.
The crowd would have been familiar with these stories, and they would have known their meaning. This good news Jesus was preaching was for everyone, not just the Israelites but the Gentiles also—not a popular opinion among God’s chosen people, as we can see from their response.
Now, I’ve had some difficult homecomings. I’ve had disagreements with friends and family from time to time, but none of them has ever been so displeased with me that they attempted to hurl me off a cliff.
In this passage and elsewhere in Scripture, we see a common response to Jesus: People wanted His miracles, but not His message.
The crowd is amazed when He casts out a demon in Capernaum. They bring their sick to Him to be healed. They follow Him around, hoping to see Him perform other miracles. But when Jesus preaches the truth in the synagogue? They want to kill Him.
Jesus’s miracles were amazing, yes, but His message was convicting. People like to be amazed. They don’t like to feel convicted.
I know, in my own privilege, I often prefer the turns-water-into-wine Jesus over the seeks-justice-for-all Jesus. If Jesus is just a miracle worker, I can sit back and enjoy the show. But if Jesus is first and foremost a justice-seeker, I have to get in the ring and be about His work.
Jesus’s message in the synagogue proves His priority was not to amaze us with His power, but to redeem us—Jews and Gentiles alike—with His blood.
I can see myself in the Galilean crowd that tried to keep Jesus from leaving so they could witness more healings. I need the reminder Jesus turned and gave them: “It is necessary for me to proclaim the good news about the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because I was sent for this purpose” (v.43).
This is our purpose too. May we seek after Christ because we want to do as He did, not watch from the stands. May we remember that Jesus is our Redeemer, not a performer. And while we can stand in awe of His power to heal and cast out demons, may we be most amazed by His power to save.
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82 thoughts on "Jesus’s Early Ministry"
I wonder how often I am like the people in the synagogue? When I don’t like the message given to me??? Do I accept the truth or want to “kill” the messenger?!? Lord have mercy on me during those moments. Help me to always seek your truths!!!
Jesus must be about His Father’s business! We want what He can do for us, but don’t want to be obedient.
Loving this study
I am in LOVE with this day! I was so convicted and took a moment to repent because I wanted “Miracle Jesus” but not “Let me change your heart” Jesus! ABBA, May we all know the biggest miracle you can perform… A changed life!
I love the reminder about miracles and the message. Such a powerful and succinct comparison of the “versions” of Jesus that some find comfort with. I was particularly moved by Jesus going right to the synagogue. He didn’t shy away from telling even the leaders hard truths. Yet the verses also speak to how pleasant it was to listen to him. I think that’s a beautiful balance. Speaking truth instead of ranting and raving, and being bold and brave enough to speak it to those who may not yet have ears to hear.
I don’t know the Bible too well yet, but can anyone shed some light on the Deuteronomy verses that go with this scripture? I loved the devotional message for this day!
This scripture specifically reminds us of the many times Gods people failed after they were rescued from Egypt. Even after he saved them, with many miracles, they were rebellious people. I think this passage is reminder that our salvation is not from anything we have done or deserved but because God abounds in love, grave and mercy.
Hi Christina! Amen to what Cassandra said! I did a little context research for you, so maybe this can help too :)
Basically, this is right before the Israelites are going to cross over the Jordan River into the promised land after waiting in the wilderness for 40 years. So, it was a big moment for them, but Moses made sure they weren’t prideful about it by reminding them of their sin that got them into their mess in the first place.
And that sin occurred right after God has delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and they’d crossed the Red Sea. It’s in Exodus 32-34. Moses went up on the mountain to talk to God, where He received the Ten Commandments. While he was there, the Israelites got tired of waiting and forgetful and, led by Aaron their priest who had helped Moses lead them out of Egypt, created a golden calf to worship (so crazy!)
So God was super angry with them and no longer wanted to bring them forward to the promised land, but Moses pleaded on their behalf and God relented from His wrath. And God told them that only their children would cross into the promised land, which is why they had to wait 40 years. This part is really hard for me, to be honest! But we just have to trust that God is still good and faithful, even when we can’t understand why He almost turned from His people. If anything, it just shows that we really needed to be saved because our sin was so incompatible with God. Exodus 34:1-9 helps explain God’s heart through all of that.
SheReadsTruth actually has a whole study on Exodus that they recommend doing before Easter! I did it last year and it really helped me understand that part of the Bible so much more! :)
“Man does not live by bread alone…” (Deut 8:3) This reference would have first reminded the Israelites of the stories from Exodus, when their ancestors were in the desert with nothing to eat, and the Lord provided manna for them every day, as a visual representation that the Lord provides for their every need. And then in Deuteronomy, the message that Moses later gave that same generation of Israelites was that physical food is not enough. We need the spiritual food of God’s Word. It feeds the soul and without it we may have full bellies but starving spirits.
Jesus has been working in me the thought that in our culture today we are all about what HE can do for us, many times praising Him for all the great things He has done. But this is easily shaken in times when God seems still or quiet. HE has been challenging me instead to praise Him for who he is, because those attributes never change!
Love how the thoughts today align with that!
Whoooowie – wanting the miracle but not the message…that sunk a little deep today. Thankful that God gives grace time and time again.
“Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation” (Ps 91:14-16). Oh Father. You redeemed me. Saved me. You promise to protect me. Listen to me. Answer me. Be with me in trouble. Rescue me. Satisfy me. Because of who YOU are. Not because I earned it somehow! But all because in your love you reached me when I was hopeless and helpless. Thank you!!
I’m a couple of days behind but I NEEDED this in my life today! In our sermon today in church, the lesson was based on some of Jesus’ healings and how some people have to accept the healing and not doubt Christ. I felt convicted because I have suffered from Crohn’s for almost a decade and felt like God was placing it on my heart that I need to stop doubting and believing in everything He has promised me.
Similarly with this reading, we all expect these miracles. Always! Yet sometimes we forget His messages. I know that I have gotten downtrodden and in pain and doubted God’s healing powers and have demanded them with no reprieve from my actions. I get wrapped up in that “I’m not healed” from Crohn’s. I forget that there is more to Christ than His healing hand and miraculous works sometimes. I know I need to be focused more on the Word of the Lord than the Works of the Lord.
This was a great reminder that I always need to stay humble. While Jesus performed amazing miracles in His short time on earth, His message of love and salvation for the entire world is what resonates with me. For His love endures forever.
what i love about this study so far is the beginning messages are all written by andrea lucado❤️. she has a way of getting to the soul of the gospel❤️. today’s is especially amazing❤️.
I absolutely love She Reads Truth. I love starting out with a Bible Passage from OT and NT and a great thought provoking word to follow. So good. Thank you!!
Wow! This speaks to my heart, even today people are so interested in ministers with gifts of the spirit to see and watch miracles more than hearing and receiving the message of the Kingdom of God! Lord help me to share your message to the lost and receive your Word with diligence
The scripture in Deuteronomy is about Jesus right? But who is writing it? Who is saying it?
Nope! She Reads Truth says it was written by Moses (it’s OT so Jesus isn’t there yet)
Nope! Moses!
I relate with Jesus so much it makes me want to weep! My husband and I have chosen to live away from home for the sake of the Gospel. And my family just thinks Im the craziest person. I don’t think they’d go so far as to throw me off a cliff. But sometimes I think they might throw my husband! Haha. But this gives me hope knowing Jesus knows our suffering and knowing it is not in vain. So good.
Wonderful message!
It’s easy to overlook the temptation Jesus faced on Earth (Luke 4:13). We don’t have all the accounts of how he had to fight off temptation daily, but we do know he experienced it as we do and overcame it. The voice of His Father was stronger than the voice of the world and even his own desires. He used the scripture as his stronghold. There is power in the word of God and in the name of Jesus! Let us as a community not be afraid to step into the ring and proclaim the truth!
What a powerful statement from Andrea Lucado, “People want His miracles, but not His message.” I am so glad that I learned of She Reads Truth, this is my first study.
Praying for your sweet neighbor Mae, that God’s healing would be upon him. No matter the outcome of his injury, he is in the shelter of God’s mighty hand.
I was struck by the people of Nazareth being upset (to the point of wanting to kill Jesus) because he referenced miracles for Gentiles. At first I thought how terrible it was that they would react that way, but then I stopped and thought about it.
I wonder if I am sometimes upset to see someone helped who in my humble opinion doesn’t deserve it? My sense of justice would deem them unworthy. It stopped me cold. Jesus came for ALL, not only people who are like me.
I pray every day to have my Father’s eyes and to see everyone the way He sees them. To see needs and hurts that go unexpressed, but are oh so real. To help those in need regardless of their circumstances.
I loved learning the explanation of why the crowd was so upset through Jesus’ teaching. I didn’t understand it until the context Andrea provided. What an incredible reminder that Jesus didn’t come to perform, He came to redeem. He wants a relationship with us. One that can only be created through genuine love. I LOVE Psalm 91:14-16 “Because he loves me,’ says the Lord, ‘I will rescue him…” It’s out of our love and faithfulness to the Lord that He provides. His love isn’t earned through performance, it’s freely given through His grace. Thank you, Jesus, for your kindness & your unconditional love.
Lord, move me to action by your messages. Amen.
Great reminder today; Jesus was not sent to perform tricks, He came to show us how to be God’s kingdom on earth
Jesus in the wilderness and His encounter with Satan shows us that the enemy is just enthralled in the word of God as we are. That in studying the word we must also stand on guard of our hearts and minds, asking for discernment to know who it is that is speaking to and thru us.
Moreover, Jesus was sent to fulfill a promise and purpose! The fact that everyone was so amazed by his works, demonstrates just how distracted we get by what we see, that we block out the message that we should be receiving. Especially now in our daily lives with social media postings and by the power of being connected by the internet. We get caught up in whats “popular” and forget that we carry a purpose and message that is greater than ourselves.
Here’s our reminder of this!
Jesus in the wilderness and His encounter with Satan shows us that the enemy is just enthralled in the word of God as we are. That in studying the word we must also stand on guard of our hearts and minds, asking for discernment to know who it is that is speaking to and thru us.
Moreover, Jesus was sent to fulfill a promise and purpose! The fact that everyone was so amazed by his works, demonstrates just how distracted we get by what we see, that we block out the message that we should be receiving. Especially now in our daily lives with social media postings and by the power of being connected by the internet. We get caught up in whats “popular” and forget that we carry a purpose and message that is greater than ourselves.
“People wanted His miracles, not His message..” wow. The word is quick and powerful..
So much truth here about wanting the miracle but not the message as I go about my own life.
Prayers please for a dear neighbor, a kind kind man who fell today, suffering a terrible head injury and unless a miracle occurs , we must let him go. He dearly loved his immediate and extended large family, his friends and neighbors, his dairy farm, his heritage, and Jesus. How life can change in the blink of an eye.
Praying!
I’m so sorry to hear this. I hope for a miracle for all of you.
Praying for your neighbor! My mom suffered a traumatic brain injury three years ago. Three brain bleeds, in a coma for a month, and life completely gone from her. But God! Though different today, she is walking, talking, eating/drinking and independent again! Miracles happen and I’m praying y’all witness them first hand through your dear neighbor!!!
So much truth! We want to be amazed, not convicted. The more I follow these studies, the more convicted I am.
Jesus, I pray that I would be satisfied with your Word and teachings. May your miracles be an encouragement, but not THE encouragement. Your Word is true always, and I pray that I would first turn to you.
“May we seek after Christ because we want to do as He did, not watch from the stands.”
This New Year I’m being forced to find a new church home due to unfortunate circumstances which have caused my church to close. Today’s devotion reminded me of what I need in a church….. a church that is focused on Christ’s purpose.
Tammy Hutchinson I have been there and I am praying for you. Remember “Let God and let go.”
I have a prayer request my sisters in Christ, tomorrow it will two since I had surgery on my hand and I start back to work. Pray that my right hand has the strength and flexibility to do the work I need to do. I have been exercising it.
Andrea your message hit home and I needed it.
❤️
“People wanted His miracles, but not His message.”
Wow… How convicting that statement is, even for me. I’m not that different. Reflecting and praying for my eyes to be opened to more truth and for my head and heart to internalize it and apply it toward change.. The change Christ wants to do in me so I can be a better follower of His. Amen.
Makes me think of the lyrics in Natalie Grant’s song “More than Anything”
“Help me want the healer more than the healing. Help me want the savior more than the saving. Help me want the giver more than the giving”
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=mNkDdXhjFy0
Thank you Andrea. Wonderful
Just downloaded this wonderful app on New Year’s. Deleted FB off my phone and moved Instagram to a far back screen I have to swipe to and gave this app the top left corner of my home screen so I see it each time I unlock my phone. How can I highlight and take notes? I keep holding down my thumb on what I’d like to highlight and nothing happens. I have an Android in case that matters. TIA.
Welcome, welcome, dear sister! I have an iPhone, so it’s possible the app works differently for me. Have you tried just tapping on a verse rather than holding down on it? When I tap a verse, a small menu pops up, for Notes, Share, Highlight, etc. Hope this helps!
So convicting. It’s very true that we often want the miracles only, especially those who are non believers. As humans we want/feel a sense of need for that proof and for it to be constant. But the proof has already been given and we we to seek the savior not the miracle worker
What a beautiful reminder… my refuge and my fortress my God in whom I trust!!
Isn’t it ironic that the very next verse from the passage of scripture that satan used to tempt Jesus in the wilderness reads, “You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent”. The devil knows the scriptures and wants so desperately for them not to be fulfilled because even he knows that he is the serpent that Jesus has trampled, and will trample once and for all. May I be on guard against attacks from the enemy and be ready to rebuke him should he tempt me in any way.
❤️❤️
“May we seek after Christ because we want to do as he did, not watch from the stands.” Lord, help me to focus on your message today, and to be a message-bearer. Thank You!
Love this – “His priority was not to amaze us with His power, but to redeem us…with His blood.”
Thank you x
What an AWESOME God!!
“People like to be amazed. They don’t like to feel convicted.”
Wow, that is so heavy and so good!
I really felt that, too! In times of distress, it’s easy to see why people sometimes cling to “feel-good” Jesus, but it’s His truth that actually offers healing
I agree… they look for the shock and awe instead of the enrichment he truly offers in life.
Reminder to get in the ring and not sit In The stands. Jesus is a justice seeker, convict our hearts to do the same.
Tracy, I feel like the verses from Psalm 91 are especially pertinent to your situation. You can rest in the shadow of the Almighty, knowing that even though your circumstances have changed, he has not. Praying for you and your family, that God would move in a mighty way to provide for you and bring glory to himself!
I once was lost and now am found! Jesus’ message saved me! It was definitely a miracle of epic proportion!
Thank you, God! Thank you, Son! Thank you, Holy Spirit!
Tracy I’m Praying for you right now. Father please provide for Tracy and her family. I pray your mercy, give her peace that you are in control and will take care of this.
I agree with everyone’s comments. Miracles versus message. Convicting lesson. Thank you!
Woah. Convicting. How often do I unknowingly look for His performances? I don’t like the answer. But today is a new day and His mercies are new.
I have a prayer request and I’m not sure how to ask without being embarrassed… I know the ladies on here are prayer warriors and that is why I am here. Over the Christmas and new year holiday, my hours were cut in half and as a result, we will not have money to pay our rent or other bills.i am desperate and humbled and scared. Please pray that God will open up a door for us somehow, somewhere…. Thank you in advance ladies.
Praying for you now Tracy and trusting Jesus is standing in the gap for you!
Praying for His provision for your family. He is the Source! And please don’t be embarrassed – we have all experienced need!!
Please Lord, help Tracy and her family. Please provide for them as only You can do. Thank You Lord!
Praying for you, our SRT sister Tracy! We
Praying for you, Tracy.
Tracy, I just prayed for you. I prayed that God would provide during this time. That you and your family would be open to new possibilities, while seeing the hand of our Lord at work.
This really touched me, this is the first time commenting on a reading but I feel this is a good reason to be my first. Dear Lord, I know that we are all sinners, Lord we know that we were born sinners. Lord I thank you for putting this opportunity in Tracy’s life. Lord whatever way you have this planned out we know that’s it is bound to be great. Lord I pray that Tracy can learn that this is not a challenge but an opportunity, this is an opportunity to grow closer to you. She can grow in her faith by asking you how to plan this or should I do this. Lord I pray that Tracy will find a solution in a way that honors you. Lord I thank you for putting this support group out here so that we can make you more famous and to give all of these girls and ladies a place where confessions are accepted and no one will judge you for what you confess. Thank you Lord for this day and for giving us all the opportunity to know about you and to learn about you.
I pray for checks in the mailbox, breakfast on the doorstep, provision from heaven on all sides and within Tracy, JESUS!! Show Yourself strong on her behalf. Delight her with Your ways and plans for her and her family. Proclaim Your own goodness and mercies that never cease!!
Praying for you, Tracy. May God provide above and beyond. You are his beloved child. And may he receive all the honor and glory.
Praying
The Scriptures presented today are a reminder to stay focused on the message and the mission. Jesus rebuked Satan with the truth and power of the Word. I also best combat him using the Bible as my sword. Truth destroys lies and deception. Knowing the Truth keeps me focused. Jesus’ mission was to proclaim the good news about the kingdom of God. I best follow my Lord by living out and speaking about His good news wherever I find myself, at any opportunity, regardless of the situation or the status of those with whom I come in contact. My heart is to be set on His, even as His heart is set on me. This is my privilege: to share His message and share in His mission.
Amen
This reminds me of the Natalie Grant song,
More Than Anything.
The chorus,
Help me want the Healer, more than the healing
Help me want the Savior, more than the saving
Help me want the Giver, more than the giving,
Help me want you Jesus, more than anything.
The Psalm 91 verses I have on my chalkboard wall, enclosed in the softened shadow of the Savior.
I needed that reminder today.
Thank you Lord for your faithfulness.
Lord Jesus forgive us when we want your miracles and not your message….. humbling truth today!
Amen Juli. This line directly spoke to my heart. Humbling indeed!
Yes… perfect word… humbling!
My prayer as well
Yes, that’s how I want to live in awe and in love with Him. This goes with the other devotional I just did. Here is the link. @First5App @Proverbs31org Humans have written books and cracked codes. We have formed universities and built computers. http://www.first5.org/plans/Great%20and%20Hidden%20Things/ff_gaht_44
We wouldn’t be able to stand before God without the sacrifice of our Savior. As said in Isaiah: “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.”
Isaiah 53:5 NIV He died the death we deserve. I don’t always remember that, and think I’m not that bad. But we have all sinned and fall short. I’m also reminded of something I heard Dr. Charles Stanley say. I’m paraphrasing, but he was saying that people will often say they are going to ask or say this or that when they stand before God. He said no you won’t. You won’t be able to say anything. You will fall on your face in thePresence of Holy God. If Isaiah was undone, who are we to think we won’t be too? That image stuck with me. We have eternal life because of Jesus, and I’m not denying that. However, that image of being on our faces stuck with me, because He is Holy. That should make me even more grateful.
Oh my goodness! Ms Andrea you knocked this one out of the ball park! So convicting and eye opening and much needed. Thank you! Xoxo