Early in His ministry, Jesus was almost thrown off a cliff by citizens of his hometown. He had just read this passage from the book of Isaiah: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” With all eyes fixed on Him, Jesus gave the scroll back to the attendant and said, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” At first, everyone was amazed and spoke well of Joseph’s son. But after Jesus made a few comments, the people became furious and drove him out of town. (see Luke 4:14-30)
How could the messenger of good news be treated so poorly? Jesus knew what was going on in the hearts of the people and he told them the truth. “You have heard I’ve done miracles in Capernaum, but you’re not going to accept me here. I tell you, God sometimes bypasses those you would think He favors. Don’t assume that just because you were born in a certain land that you are better than someone else.”
I’ve thought a lot about good news lately, as I’ve been through another barrage of tests. When you have cancer, good news is a cherished prize. The truth is, on this earth, we all have to deal with something far worse than cancer. As descendants of Adam, we’ve all been infected by a disease that separates us from our Father and leaves us without hope. For this reason, God sent His Son and the message of good news. Through His blood, we have forgiveness of sins. Through Jesus, we can be freed from sin. By His grace, we are given a new heart and the blessing of the Holy Spirit. But I wonder if the Nazareth mindset is still around.
Perhaps those who listened to Jesus in the synagogue were not poor or blind or oppressed or imprisoned. Maybe they possessed everything and did not need a Messiah to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. I shared about Jesus in another private school in the city of Atlanta a couple of years ago. This was not a Christian school, but a friend of mine taught a religion class and asked that I be the spokesman for Christianity. I felt privileged to tell these kids from all backgrounds about Jesus, His teaching, and His sacrifice. My friend always reserved time for questions at the end of the class. I’ll never forget what one young man said: “I’ve read about this Jesus you’ve talked about. He was one radical dude. So you guys that call yourselves Christians – why do most of you live out in the suburbs, far away from the problems in the city? I thought Jesus hung out with the poor. How do you justify having so much, when there are so many people in need? Why don’t you guys live the radical life your leader did?” I kind of wanted to take that kid out and throw him off a cliff, but I didn’t. I didn’t even try to defend myself. “I think you’ve asked a good question. In fact, I think Jesus might be asking us the same thing.”
This is the truth: we’re all in need. The “problem worse than cancer” entangles us, blinds us, and puffs us up. I need to be poor in spirit; I need to hunger and thirst; I need to weep. When my pride is knocked back and I see the truth, I’ll dare not judge another. I’ll show mercy and love peace. When, by faith, I receive a new spirit, my heart will be pure and I’ll see God. That’s good news.