Contemplative Bible Reading

Luke 4:22 (New Living Translation)

Everyone spoke well of him (Jesus) and was amazed by the gracious words that came from his lips. “How can this be?” they asked. “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?”

Jesus had just begun the time in His life when we went to the local religious schools (synagogues) to teach. That was odd as Jesus was a carpenter, not an educated person. Jesus had probably been to these religious schools as a boy and had memorized large portions of the Torah. That is what good Jewish boys did, and from what we can read, Jesus was part of a good Jewish family.

Jesus knew much of the Torah (the first books of what we have as the Old Testament), but that was not what impressed persons. What marked Jesus was his commentary on these writings. Jesus explained the writings in a new way. He spoke gracious words.

The people were amazed at the gracious words of Jesus. Everyone who heard Jesus spoke well of Him.

Oh how soothing it would be to hear the voice of Jesus. If we had recordings or something, that would change the world. Huh, right?

Well, we have the words of Jesus recorded for us to read. And, oh by the way, the words of Jesus have changed the world. What? Yes, the words of Jesus have changed the world. And yes, we could all “do much better” in how we follow the words of Jesus. Still, please notice the words of Jesus at work in the lives of persons around us. Please notice the Spirit of God alive and at work. God is right in front of us. Thank you, God.