DIFFICULT TO INTERPRET - This portion of the story is difficult to interpret.
On one hand we have the inspiring famous kid comes home motif. But what of their question,
"is this not Joseph’s son?" Does that mean approval or skepticism? (Who
would have thought that little Joshua would grow up to be a prophet! or Isn’t that
Joey’s son? Does he really think that we’re going to believe him to be a
prophet?) Luke leaves us with ambiguity.
STORY WITHIN A STORY - This story-taken in its entirety-is a microcosm of the themes
that will unfold in Luke’s story of Jesus. His words will be powerfully heard and
received, his actions will fulfill the scriptures; he will minister to outcasts of all
kinds; conversely, his presence will invite increasing confrontation and resistance. But
the story also reminds us that God’s gracious action toward us is "never subject
to the limitations and boundaries of any nation, church, group, or race. Those who would
exclude others thereby exclude themselves . . . the paradox of the gospel, therefore,
is that the unlimited grace that it offers so scandalizes us that we are unable to receive
it. Jesus could not do more for his hometown because they were not open to him. How much
more might God be able to do with us if we were ready to transcend the boundaries of
community and limits of love that we ourselves have erected?"
ERASMUS [ 16TH c] - If it is possible to train elephants to dance, lions to play,
and leopards to hunt, it should be possible to teach preachers to preach.
Picture Jesus in the hometown
synagogue he attended . . . listen as Jesus stands up to read the words of Isaiah (61:1-2)
. . . notice how the people become angry when Jesus suggests God’s love for Gentiles.
Go along as the outraged people drive him out of town and try to hurl him from a cliff.
Picture yourself in a conflict in which you take and unpopular stand on someone’s
behalf. Enjoy the sense of security you feel as you imagine Jesus walking with you in the
midst of a crowd of irate people. What is Jesus saying to you?
Please refer to a homily on this
passage in the DPS archives entitled, Homeboy.