Day 39 – On His way

“Then passing through the midst of them, He went His way.” Luke 4:30

This is a deeply human story. The drama feels so familiar to us—we know this feeling, and we recognize the community dynamics at play. We can all admit that the way this synagogue story unfolds isn’t the happy homecoming we’d hope for the Messiah.

Some theologians become fascinated with Jesus’ 𝘦𝘴𝘤𝘢𝘱𝘦. Was it a miracle, such a display of power, a crafty move to avoid the mob? Luke seems unconcerned with all of that, simply writing that “He passed through the midst of them and went His way.” He didn’t run, nor was He whisked away by angels. He simply turned around and walked right through the middle of them all.

Jesus went 𝘰𝘯 𝘏𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘢𝘺 of bringing good news to the poor, proclaiming release to the captives, healing the sick, embracing the outcast, and eating with sinners. The hometown crowd remained unsatisfied – their “us versus them” mindset etched in stone.  But Jesus still went 𝘰𝘯 𝘏𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘢𝘺 to Jerusalem, before another crowd, up another hill.  He went on his way, the way of the cross.

When God’s light shines on the way of the cross, we are invited to see both the vast stretch of God’s grace and the truth of our own disobedience. Here, so early in Luke’s Gospel, humanity’s self-righteousness and pride are already driving Jesus to the cross. Before the healings, the teachings, and the miraculous catch of fish – before Mary and Martha, the Good Samaritan, the Prodigal Son, Zacchaeus, or the widow’s mite – Jesus was already on His way to the cross.

Pray with me: Father, thank You that we know Jesus was on His way to the cross for us. That even the familiar actions of anger, opinions, rejection, and self-centredness did not stop Him. Thank You, Jesus, for teaching us that our goal is the cross too. Walking through the negative of this world and leading people to Your Grace. Amen. ©

Love, Pastor Iriza