Luke 4:14-30
Jesus returned to his hometown of Nazareth to teach in the synagogue, as was his custom. Look at that again, “as was his custom.” Today so many people will declare they don’t need to gather with others to worship, that they can worship God at home. Note this truth, it was Jesus’ custom to gather with other spiritual people. They were flawed. They were judgmental. There were hypocrites there, yet it was his custom to meet with them on the Sabbath day.
Before these people, Jesus stood to speak. Though initially impressed by his words, the people soon turned against him. Jesus continued preaching the challenging truth foretold by Isaiah – that God’s grace is for all people, even foreigners and outcasts. His message of radical inclusion sparked anger and rejection. The people dragged him to the edge of a cliff, intent on killing him. But Jesus passed through the crowd and escaped unharmed by God’s protection.
From this story, notice three more brief lessons:
#1. We must have the courage to speak difficult truths, even at personal risk. Anyone can tell the truth when it is popular. Jesus declared God’s message of unconditional love, even when it wasn’t popular,
#2, Standing firm in our convictions may require weathering dislike or condemnation. Without regard for others’ approval, Jesus boldly delivered a message that provoked outrage. Change often meets fierce resistance. We must have the courage to be disliked when necessary.
#3. God’s care shields us when danger looms.
Jesus ventured to the cliff’s edge yet emerged unscathed. I want God to save me long before I have to look down the cliff. I want to be delivered from the cliff, not in the cliff. Jesus was willing to look down the cliff. That is courage.
Lonnie Davis