Jesus Praised…Jesus Opposed

Luke 4:14-30

Isn’t it interesting to find that Jesus experienced the two extremes of gleeful praise to wrathful indignation. Jesus has just returned to Galilee after being tempted by Satan and He preaches and teaches powerfully in the power of the Spirit. News about Him spread throughout the countryside and “everyone praised Him” (v.15) and “all spoke well of Him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from His lips”. (v.22). Now as He continued to teach, He had gone to Nazareth where He had been brought up. Now everyone was enamored with His teaching until He suggests that Gentiles might be in line for God’s favor. Jesus’ remarks filled the people of Nazareth with rage as it was unspeakable that God would choose to reach Gentiles rather than Jews. The attitude of the crowd was one of disdain as they sought to drive Him over a cliff. How quickly attitudes can change when Jesus doesn’t seem to be tracking with us.

Questions for further thought:
1. Describe a time when you ignored a section of Scripture because it hit too close to home.
2. How did that turn out?

Challenge: Help us to receive all the teachings of Scripture in reverence and obedience no matter if we agree with them or not.