God’s Word Fulfilled!
He began to tell them, “Today, this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” Luke 4:21
Jesus spoke these words while he was leading the Sabbath worship in the synagogue of Nazareth. The Jews followed a “Church Year Calendar” like many of our churches do today. On this particular Sabbath, the appointed reading was from Isaiah. We know it as chapter 61 verses 1 and 2. It is part of a prophecy of the Messiah. I’m sure that Jesus spoke more words than this in his sermon. The Holy Spirit just had Luke record his theme. But what an important message that was for the people of Nazareth, “Today, this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”
The prophet promised that the Messiah would “preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed, and to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Luke 4:18-19) Jesus’ hearers would have been aware these verses were speaking about the Messiah. Jesus was making a bold claim. Luke records that many in Nazareth thought they knew who Jesus was. They didn’t believe him. But the Bible declares that Jesus wasn’t exaggerating. He is who he claimed to be.
What an important message it is for us today. Jesus did accomplish what the Old Testament predicted. He still is fulfilling what the prophets declared. He is seated at the right hand of the Father. He is ruling all things for the good of his Church, his kingdom. He will come again. The Gospel of John calls Jesus the Word. Yes, he is the Word. Jesus’ word is being fulfilled now, “Today, this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”
Lord Jesus, as the Word you carried out God’s will and are still fulfilling your mission. Thank you for fulfilling your Word in my heart. Amen.