Luke 4:21-30
21 Then he began to say to them, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” 22 All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They said, “Is this not Joseph’s son?” … 28When they heard this, all in the synagogue were filled with rage. 29 They got up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they might hurl him off the cliff. 30 But he passed through the midst of them and went on his way.


When Jesus visited his hometown of Nazareth, news of his preaching had already circulated throughout the greater area of Galilee. He was already gathering a following. The residents of his hometown, however, just couldn’t stomach his pronouncement that he was the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. Wasn’t that a bit “over the top” from the kid who grew up down the street?  He was either crazy or too full of himself. Either way, the people of Nazareth wanted rid of him! 

Standing up for truth isn’t always easy, especially when it comes to those we know best. We all want to fit in – to feel a sense of belonging within our families and among friends.  Saying something that goes against the flow of the group makes us squirm. Speaking up takes courage, and sometimes the risk of being ostracized or “kicked out”.  

In our Youth Bible Study, we looked at the life of Ignaz Semmelweis. He was a Hungarian doctor who realized that hand washing led to fewer infections from patients and caregivers in his hospital. Realizing he was onto something, he spoke up to other doctors about the importance of cleanliness. In 1850 little was understood about the spread of germs, so the medical community called him crazy and put him in an insane asylum. Today doctors wash their hands between patient visits thanks to the outspoken advice of Dr. Semmelweis. The cost for him was truly high, but his words to us were truth!

In our scripture reading today, we see Jesus on a mission to spread truth to all. He knew who he was – and what he needed to say. Let us draw close to God in our daily faith walk, asking him for the courage to speak up when we’d rather just squirm in silence. And, above all, may we speak out in love. Words and tone of voice matter!

Blessings to all this week!
Diana