November 26, 2021 | Luke 4
Read Luke 4
Scripture- Luke 4:28-30- All the people in the synagogue were furious when they heard this. They got up, drove him out of the town, and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw him off the cliff. But he walked right through the crowd and went on his way.
Observations- What caused this type of reaction from the people? Jesus was preaching in his hometown and everyone loved it. What changed? Jesus called them out. He knew their hearts and what they were looking for wasn’t a Savior but a healer. His point was that unless they accept him for who he is (the Savior from sin), the grace of God would be given to the Gentiles (non-Jews) instead. The people he grew up with became so angry that they tried to throw him off a cliff. Notice what Jesus does though. He doesn’t destroy them as he could have. Instead, he simply walks through the crowd. He is a patient and loving God.
Application- What’s my expectation of who Jesus is? Do I expect him to be the God who brings me career success, health, and healing? Do I expect him to bring prosperity to my life? If so, then I’ll end up wanting to get rid of Jesus just like these people. Either because he didn’t grant me what I wanted or because he did and I no longer have any use for him at this time. I may not throw him off a cliff, but I’ll end up turning my back and walking away from him. Yet, Jesus is so patient and loving with me. He doesn’t turn his back on me. He lovingly and patiently continues to work on my heart so that I see that he’s the God who makes spiritually poor people spiritually rich. He opens the eyes of the spiritually blind, mine included. He frees me and all people from our slavery to sin. He is the exact Savior I need. As the Word works on my heart, he’s not just the Savior I need but the one I want as well.
Prayer- Dear Jesus, I have a tendency of expecting you to be a Savior that you aren’t. When those expectations aren’t met, I can get frustrated. Thank you for your patience and love in dealing with me. Correct my understanding of who you are so that I may see you and appreciate you for who you are: the Savior of the world from sin. Amen.