3rd. Sunday after Epiphany: Jesus - The Word Fulfilled!

This week's Gospel, Luke 4:14-21, holds a very exciting note that we might easily miss! Imagine being in the synagogue when Jesus himself was teaching- what a moment, to be able to hear the words of Isaiah spoken by the Son of God himself! The text tells us that all who were present had their eyes 'fastened on him.' Jesus clearly had a presence. How do you think you might have felt, when he finished reading about the good things God's Spirit would bring to the world? Imagine your surprise as a man you knew as a neighbour and teacher went on to announce that this Word was fulfilled in your hearing! How many questions might this have raised in your mind- isn't this Mary's son? Don't we know him as a simple carpenter? I wonder if we could have understood all that Jesus meant in that moment. We are truly blessed to know all that followed this day- Jesus' travels, teaching, healing, death and resurrection. May we not be taken by surprise at his announcement today, but instead cultivate wonder in our hearts at the tremendous gift of faith we have received. 
Today's message was written and presented by Pr. Harvard Osland of the Norweigan Lutheran Church Sydney.