Daily Reading
Reflection
After performing miracles in Capernaum, Jesus returns to Nazareth to explain His mission and, by extension, our own. Using the prophetic words of Isaiah, he lays out the groundwork for what He came to accomplish: release the captives, heal the blind, free the oppressed, and proclaim the coming of God's kingdom. And lest his audience find this just another perfunctory reading of the text, He adds, "Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing." His mission is at hand.
It's all too easy for us to view this in terms of metaphor. There's certainly a place for such an interpretation, and here we can see its value (for example, captives are those slaves to sin, the blind those who don't believe, etc.). However, confining his mission to only this sort of interpretation misses the point. Did not Jesus actually heal the blind and sick? Did he not actually speak on behalf of the oppressed, the outcast? If this is true, then what does His justice mean here on earth, and how does it shape our mission today? Clearly, Jesus sets forth an example. If we truly believe He is our Lord and Savior, the very core of our existence, then we are bound to take up this radical mission—to go forth and help the vulnerable and dispossessed.
But before we start running out to "minister to the world," we must take note of the first words he reads: "The Spirit is upon Me." Today, as we proclaim the good news of God's kingdom, we would do well to do so with a Spirit-filled heart. We need to examine ourselves. Are we truly abiding in Christ, and are we doing mission out of love for Him and the restorative process of His kingdom? As we strive to "let the same mind be in [us] that was in Jesus," (Phil 2:5), we'll find ourselves drawn to His mission. It may not always be easy and comfortable, but it is the mission for us, Christ's followers.
Consider how Christ's mission—to go out and help the poor, the captives, and the oppressed, and to proclaim God's kingdom—can and should transform your life today.
Heavenly Father, may your spirit stir in us a desire to carry out your mission to help the afflicted, spiritually and physically. May you grant us the conviction and strength to show the same mercy and compassion toward others as you've shown to us.
Daily Worship Resources
Daily Office Readings come from the Book of Common Prayer, a schedule of daily Bible reading that accords with the Church year. These readings are great worship resources for personal, family, or group use. Use it along with your City Church Worship Folder as a resource for readings, prayers, and hymns.
Printable Devotion