Expected

Re:Verse passage – Luke 4:14-30 (day four)

This is such an interesting text for Jesus to site at the beginning of his ministry. It is no soft introduction to who the Son of Man truly is. He deliberately states, in front of the community he grew up in, that he is the fulfillment of the prophets. He’s not only a great and respected man, but he is the One whom the my have waited for. As we move towards Epiphany, this is the reality that we celebrate – Jesus is more than anyone thought he was, he is the Son of God.

Not only is he boldly stating his identity as the fulfillment of the prophets, he’s reminding them exactly who the prophets said would come – one who declares deliverance to the destitute. This claim responds to what his mother stated in her song during her pregnancy,

“He has brought down rulers from their thrones, And has exalted those who were humble. He has filled the hungry with good things; And sent away the rich empty-handed.” Luke 1:52-53

This is a message of profound hope for some, and a bitter, countercultural pill to swallow for others. This Messiah is long-expected, yet nothing like what many expected. Who are you expecting?