It may seem that everything we’ve read since Jesus’ birth is just background material leading up to the launching of Jesus public ministry in chapter four; but still waters run deep!
In Luke two the angels told the shepherds the Messiah had been born. At Jesus’ dedication we were introduced to Simeon, who we were told was eagerly waiting for the Messiah. In chapter three Luke writes that everyone was expecting the Messiah to come soon. Our reading today tells us three things about the Messiah.
The inclusion of Jesus’ ancestry all the way back to Adam reveals that the Messiah is coming for the entire human race, not just Israel.
John the Baptist’s preaching reveals the dual mission of the Messiah. The Messiah will judge the oppressors and set free the oppressed. God’s justice will work into the world through the lives of the followers of the Messiah.
God message to Jesus, the Messiah, at his baptism is both endearing and chilling: “You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.” The endearing part is obvious.
The chilling part is in the similarity of the words to the witness of two other Biblical passages: Isaiah 42:1, “Look at my servant, whom I strengthen. He is my chosen one, who pleases me.” Isaiah 42 reveals the Messiah of God as the suffering servant; and Genesis 20:2, “Take your son, your only son—yes, Isaac, whom you love so much . . .” This is God’s call for Abraham to sacrifice his only son. Ultimately Abraham did not sacrifice Isaac; instead, God sacrificed his only son.
God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son to save the world. When God’s son was baptized God spoke to him saying, “You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.”
When a person is reconciled to God through faith in the Messiah Jesus, God speaks into the life of the believer, ““You are my dearly loved son/daughter, and you bring me great joy.” Could it be that God expects all of his children to live sacrificial lives that proclaim God’s saving grace in the Messiah; and sacrificial lives that work God’s justice into the world?
What word or phrase in these verses
attracts your attention?
Reflect on that word or phrase.
What insights come to you?
How does this passage touch your life today?
30-Dec-11 Luke 4:1-13
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