“And all spoke well of him and marveled at the gracious words that were coming from his mouth” (Luke 4:22)
Can you imagine hearing Jesus read and preach the Scriptures? It would be a sight to behold: the Word incarnate proclaiming the written Word–which proclaims him!
One day a small synagogue audience experienced this firsthand. Jesus went to his hometown, Nazareth, and according to the custom, he opened up the scroll and began reading the Word of God. The text was Isaiah 61, concerning the promise of God’s coming Deliverer who will bring salvation for the suffering people of God (Luke 4:18–19). Then he told the audience that the passage is fulfilled in him. He is that Savior!
Those hearing his words couldn’t deny the attractiveness and power of his words. They marveled at the words flowing out of his mouth. And it seems like, for a moment, they were going to worship him. But instead, they shake loose from their marvel and reason to themselves, “Is not this Joseph’s son?” He’s nothing special. He’s just like us.
Their response is not unlike many today who hear the good news of the gospel. For a moment, the waterfall of grace captures their heart’s gaze. They marvel. They listen. They hope. But then they stop listening to the Word and start talking themselves out of it. They can’t buy it.
The humanity of Christ is not meant to repel but draw us. He came to dwell and identify with us. He also came to save us. Hear again the gracious Words flowing from his mouth. He is the One sent to give sight to the blind, liberty to the oppressed. He is proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. Receive, rest, and reflect upon his gracious words.