Luke 4: 16 21 Jesus’ Mission

Target year level: Year Three

Scripture text

Introduction

The Gospel is the first of a two-part work, Luke-Acts. Luke-Acts is sometimes thought of as a novel in two parts. The Gospel gives an account of the life and mission of Jesus and the Acts of the Apostles tells the story of the rapid expansion of the early church. The two books were probably written in the latter decades of the first century.

Even though the works are anonymous, authorship is traditionally attributed to Luke. Today, many scholars accept that the author was an inhabitant of Antioch in Syria and a companion of Paul. Luke was writing for Greek speaking, Gentile (non-Jewish) Christians. Luke’s interpretation of events is influenced by his desire to show how Christianity is compatible with citizenship in the Roman Empire, that is, how one can believe in Jesus and, at the same time, be loyal to (if not worship) the emperor.

The author paints a portrait of Jesus who is the fulfilment of God’s promises to Israel. The promises are fulfilled in unexpected ways, in that they include everyone: Jews and gentiles, men and women, tax collectors and outcasts.

Luke draws Jesus as hospitable and caring for the poor and the marginalised. Mary and a number of women disciples play an important part in the gospel.

For further information, see the Teacher Background information, Who wrote the Gospels and when? and the New American Bible, Revised Edition (NABRE), Introduction to Luke.

World behind the text

Luke lived in Antioch in Syria (now Turkey) which was an important centre in the Roman Empire. Also, Antioch was one of the earliest centres of Christianity and it was there that the followers of Christ were first called Christians. The city had a pluralistic society and the Christians who lived there were both Jews and gentiles. There were tensions between the two groups, who disagreed about how to be faithful followers of Jesus: the Jews believed it essential to follow traditional devotions and practices, including circumcision, Sabbath observance as well as dietary and purity regulations; the gentiles, on the other hand, saw no need for these old ways.

The destruction of the Jerusalem temple by the Romans was a major blow to the confidence of both groups. This catastrophe shook their faith in the God of Israel, who made so many promises to the chosen people and whose Kingdom was proclaimed by Jesus. So, it was important for Luke to write about Jesus in a way that showed that he was the fulfilment of God’s promises.

World of the text

In this passage, Jesus returns to his home town of Nazareth, where he is known as the kid next door – the son of Mary and Joseph – and a regular at Sabbath worship in the synagogue. This time he takes a turn at reading from scripture. He reads from the scroll of the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 61) and it becomes apparent that the prophetic words refer to himself.

The story is meant to be read as theology rather than history. Luke uses the story to mark the very beginning of Jesus’ ministry and to show how Jesus is the fulfilment of Old Testament expectations. The Holy Spirit plays a central role here: Jesus is ‘inspired’ to begin his mission to proclaim and embody the good news. It is typical of Luke that the good news is directed towards the socially disadvantaged: the poor, prisoners, the disabled, and the oppressed.

World in front of the text

Luke’s association of the good news with social justice is a challenge to all of us. Also in this story, worship and the call to act for justice are inextricably interrelated. For us, it is not a stretch to suggest that Sunday worship and outreach to the poor go hand-in-hand, and one without the other is only half the good news.