Revd Sara’s Reflection Sunday 2nd February 2025
Here I am, Lord of all grace,
Here to listen to, learn from and be inspired by your love, your peace, your hope.
Here I am, standing at the beginning of February,
in the quiet and the stillness, holding onto my faith in you.
Will you plant a seed of love in my heart, and plant me where I am meant to be, O Lord?
Cultivator God, as I stand at the beginning of February, with winter a few paces behind us and spring leading the way ahead,
Look upon me as a gardener surveys the land ready to prepare the ground: with love, care and a promise of what is to come.
Come, Lord God, that I may know you closer than my own breath. Amen.
Bible Reading: Luke 4:21-30
This is one of the most iconic Gospel passages in the New Testament – a significant moment at the start of Jesus’ earthly ministry, where Jesus gives what is sometimes referred to as the ‘Nazareth Manifesto’.
We find Jesus in the synagogue of Nazareth, proclaiming the fulfilment of Isaiah’s prophecy in his own ministry. In this passage we find not only the initial marvel at Jesus’ gracious words but also the swift turn to scepticism and rejection by his own townspeople. It offers us an opportunity for reflection on the themes of acceptance, the scope of grace, and the nature of true discipleship.
Jesus begins with a declaration that scripture has been fulfilled in their hearing, directly linking his presence and work with the prophetic traditions of Israel. This moment of revelation is a gift of grace, an invitation for the listeners to see God’s plan unfolding before them.
Why not use this as a chance to reflect on your own experiences of encountering God’s word. How do you react when familiar truths suddenly become intensely personal and relevant? Are there passages that have come alive to you in your journey, profoundly shaping your understanding of who Jesus is and what he has called you to do?
Jesus goes on to talk about the wideness of God’s mercy, citing examples from the Hebrew Scriptures where God’s prophets ministered to non-Israelites. This inclusivity challenges the provincial and exclusive expectations amongst his listeners, and perhaps amongst us, today. As followers of Christ we are called to embrace and extend God’s grace to all, not just to those who are like us or who share our views. Reflect on how you have experienced God’s grace as inclusive and transformative. How does this understanding of grace challenge you to act and think differently about who belongs in the kingdom of God?
Jesus’ words provoke not just disbelief but also hostility, leading to an attempt to drive him out of town. This rejection by him own community underscores a difficult truth about discipleship: following Jesus may lead to misunderstanding, isolation, or even hostility from those who cannot accept the full implications of the Gospel. Consider times when you have felt resistance or rejection because of your commitment to gospel values. What does it mean for you to stand firm in your faith and continue proclaiming truth, even when it is not welcomed?
Despite the hostility He faces, Jesus walks through the midst of His accusers, unharmed and resolute. His example is a powerful testament to the steadfastness we are called to embody as His followers. The grace that empowers and sustains Jesus is the same grace available to us today as we navigate the complexities of living out our faith in a sometimes hostile world. Reflect on how you rely on God’s grace in moments of difficulty or opposition. How does the assurance of divine presence and love give you courage to continue your ourney of discipleship?
As you meditate on this passage from Luke 4, consider how the themes of fulfilment, inclusivity, rejection, and resilience under God’s grace can inspire and challenge you in your walk of discipleship this week.
love and prayers Revd Sara

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