Extraordinary Teaching for Ordinary People

We join Luke again as he lead us to see Jesus in the Sermon on the Plain (Lk 6).

Crowds of people in need, hopeful, hurting, expecting, but what? healing, glory,
Remember how amazing Jesus’ teaching is in this sermon: love of enemies, rejection of possessiveness; generosity without expectation, etc.

But these words are for ordinary people of all kinds. Jesus knows well that his hearers, even apostles, are sinful – “blind.” But still he sees them as growing, learning as disciples, coming to full formation so that they are like Jesus himself.

Traveling with Jesus: Jordan, Wilderness, Nazareth, Capernaum

Luke is leading us into the heart of Jesus’ ministry, pointing out distinct scenes that give us tools to understand what’s to come. It’s no ordinary biography because Lk knows Jes’ living identity in his own life, in communities of believers, & world. We hear words of Gabriel, Mary, Elizabeth, Simeon, et al, even Jesus – who he is.

Jesus is baptized in the Jordan: God’s affirmation: “My beloved Son.” (3:21-22) Then, testing by Accuser in the wilderness: “if you’re son of God…” “Worship me.” (4:1-13)

The Accuser departs. Jesus goes home to Nazareth with the Spirit. (4:14-30). In the synagogue he reads Isaiah’s words to express his identity and mission: Anointed, Spirit, Good News, Poor, Sent, Release for Captives & Oppressed, Sight for Blind….

Release from Powers that Blind, Capture, and Oppress Us

Each word has multiple facets that the Gospel illuminates. Each facet is contested. Jesus will heal the blind, but the people in Nazareth are blinded & can’t see Jesus. They certainly can’t see welcoming outsiders, Gentiles like Naaman. Who are the captives/oppressed? Yes, all oppressed by Rome. Many enslaved in war/piracy.

Jesus goes to Capernaum. (Cana & Magdala on the way.) Synagogue, teaching, authority. Lk points us to events one Sabbath (like Mark). The Accuser departed but not beings & structures of power (daimonion) that seize human life. But the being tells facts: Jesus is God’s Holy One! Why silence? He knows but without trust. Blindness. Will Jesus destroy an enslaving power? Yes. But he gives release/ forgiveness to man. Oppression, exile result from human wrongs that enslave. God proclaims new release.

People look on with astonishment. They talk: Message (logos), authority, power together, actually removing corrupting spirits. Noise, not understanding, spreads all around.

Jesus goes to Simon’s house (future Peter). His wife’s mother is held/oppressed with fever. We learn that Jesus had treated the daimonion like he treats any disease. He has the power of the creator to release and renew. He gives the man (or Mary Mag.) back his life & identity. He releases Simon’s mother-in-law. She responds in service.

Jesus healed on the Sabbath, but in evening people feel free to come. And they bring every disease & enslavement. We hear cries of truth: “Son of God,” “Anointed King,” but people have no way of grasping that yet. Paradox of a reality-breaking message. Lk helps us see what blind crowds couldn’t. They want help. Jesus touches each one.

Announcing the Healing Kingdom of God

Lk also wants us to see how amazement & need become demanding. Jesus goes to the wilderness. Crowds try to keep him (captive) from leaving them (reverse Naz).

Jesus refuses. He returns to the words of Isaiah. Good News for poor/everyone is God’s Kingdom. Not kingdoms; not to Herod in Tiberias! He goes to villages, people. The healings are signs toward that deep reality of God’s healing, forgiveness, release that will heal human brokenness & death beyond imagination. Can we see?

Jesus is sent with a purpose that must unfold. Everything we expected will be remade!