Luke 4.21-30 and Psalm 71.1-14
We continue with our Epiphany Sermons, and this Sunday, the lectionary places before us the continuation of last week’s reading where we find Jesus in the synagogue, in Nazareth. He has read a prophecy from Isaiah, then declares to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” Today’s text picks up the account saying, “All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips.” But the people’s opinion changes radically by the end of this account. There we read, “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 through him down the cliff.” What could have enraged them so? This sermon will explore the answer to this question.