Title: Jesus Entered the Synagogue
Content: Jesus entered the synagogue
Bible Text: Luke 4 records the incident where Jesus entered the synagogue of Nazareth following the incident where Jesus was tempted by the devil in the wilderness. So, relying solely on the Gospel of Luke makes it easy to think that these two events are connected. However, these two events are not connected, but between the early Galilean ministry and the Jewish ministry of John 1:35-4:44 (the event of choosing disciples, the making of water into wine in Cana, and the first Passover, when he went up to Jerusalem and went up to the temple ) should be inserted. It can be inferred from the fact that what the people of your hometown in the synagogue wanted from Jesus was, “What we have heard you did in Capernaum, do here in your hometown as well” (verse 23). After returning to Galilee, Jesus taught in several synagogues and finally arrived in his hometown of Nazareth. Let's take a look at some of the lessons we can learn from this text.
First, attending worship should become the norm (verse 16).
There is no mention of a synagogue in the Old Testament. Biblical scholars believe that the original form was formed during the Babylonian captivity based on various circumstances. The Jews who were taken captive to Babylon were no longer allowed to offer sacrifices in the temple in Jerusalem. However, when it comes to the appointed feast days, I feel lonely and frustrated, and I naturally prayed to God instead of offering sacrifices. Therefore, it is likely that there is a localized place for them to gather in one place. It is considered Ezra's merit to be able to read the Bible regularly in the synagogue. He gathered the returning Jews to Jerusalem and read and interpreted the words of the law to understand its meaning (Nehemiah 8:1-8). Since the first synagogues were built separately from the temple in Jerusalem, synagogues were built wherever Jews settled. While the priests who served in the temple handled only a few ceremonies, the rabbis in the synagogue became influential people in the social life of the local Jews. In the days of Jesus, there were synagogues everywhere. According to the Talmud, there were about 480 in Jerusalem alone.
In the synagogue, the Law was read every Monday, Thursday, and on the Sabbath. For the Sabbath, I divided the Mosaic Book of Moses into 50 parts, each with 7 lessons, and read them in order every week, so I could read the entire Law in one year. Between reading each lesson, the preacher delivered a short message.
Second, we must show respect for the words of the Bible (verse 16).
Since Jesus had already gained the reputation of a rabbi among the people, he could easily get an opportunity to teach the Word in the synagogue. Jesus stood up as he was about to read the Bible. This was the ordinance of that time, and its primary purpose was to show respect for the Word of God. Jesus did the same because it is a good way to show respect for the Word of God for those who read the Bible to stand up and read, and for those who read it to stand up and listen to it (Nehemiah 8:5).
In the United States, the president places his hand on the bible when taking the oath of office, and so does the wedding vow. It is a sign of respect for the Word of God and that we will act according to the Word of God. However, care must be taken that the words of the Bible do not become ornaments.
Third, we must not commit the mistake of choosing the Word (verse 28).
The people of Nazareth were graciously received by Jesus as he read and preached the words of Isaiah 61:1-2 (verse 22). Those words were good to hear, even if they were just words of freedom, healing, and grace. However, their attitude changed when they turned into words of rebuke for their unbelief. They were so angry that they even tried to kill Jesus. It is recorded in 1 Kings 17 that the prophet Elijah met the needs of a widow in the village of Sarepta (Zarphath) in the land of Sidon when a severe drought was heard for three and a half years as a result of God's calamity. It is recorded in 2 Kings 5 that the prophet Elisha healed the Syrian (Aramaic) general Naaman from leprosy. Those are the words of God that they boast and respect. However, when the Word rebuked them, their hearts became hardened, they rationalized themselves, and they began to hate the preacher. As a result, the Lord did not do anything great in that town.
We must learn to listen to reproof.
"If our hearts have anything against us, how much more is it that God is greater than our hearts and knows all things" (1 John 3:20).
“The rebuke of the prudent is an adornment of gold and gold in the ear that listens” (Proverbs 25:12).