Daily Bible Reading—January 2025, God’s Strengthening Word: Celebrating Unity in Christ Jesus预览

Introduction

Luke 4:16–30: Jesus goes to his hometown of Nazareth. In the synagogue there, he reads from the book of the prophet Isaiah and tells the congregation that the prophecy has come true. The people are at first amazed but then become angry at his concluding words. They drag Jesus out of town, intending to kill him by throwing him over a cliff.

Today’s Key Verse: Luke 4:18a

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has chosen me to bring good news to the poor.”

Reflect

Today’s reading is sometimes described as Jesus’s inaugural sermon. Jesus quotes from Isaiah 58:6 and 61:1–2 to frame his messianic mission. His references to the widow of Zarephath (verse 26, referring to 1 Kings 17:8–24) and to Naaman the Syrian (verse 27, referring to 2 Kings 5:1–14) show that his ministry will embrace marginalized persons and Gentiles. What does Jesus announce? How does the congregation react to his words? What angers them? Why? What do Jesus’s words in verses 18–19 mean to you?

Pray

Lord Jesus, you came announcing good news to the poor and that the time had come when you would save your people. Thank you for your liberating word and for your message of hope and salvation. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Luke 4:31–44: Jesus goes to Capernaum and heals and preaches.