“And all spoke well of Him and marveled at the gracious words that were coming from His mouth. And they said, ‘Is not this Joseph’s son?’” (Luke 4:22)
After Jesus read from the book of the prophet Isaiah, He rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the servant and sat down. All eyes were on Him. Then He said to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”
The people in the synagogue were amazed at the words of grace He had spoken. They heartily agreed. These words were so different from what they usually heard. Many times they had heard readings from the law, but now they heard words of comfort and grace.
But… was Jesus saying all this about Himself? Surely that could not be true! This was Jesus, the son of Joseph the carpenter. They had known Him since He was a little boy playing in the marketplace.
The words He spoke, so full of grace, had impressed them. Yet His words did not transform their hearts. Because of their unbelief, they were blind to Who He was. Jesus, the long-awaited Messiah stood in their midst. And they did not recognize Him.
What do Jesus’ words do to you? Who do you think He is?