Luke 4:14-21

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(Nov0910)

• Reading the Text:
  • NRSV (with link to Anglicized NRSV) at Oremus Bible Browser.
  • Greek Interlinear Bible, ScrTR, ScrTR t, Strong, Parsing, CGTS, CGES id, AV.
  • The Bible Gateway: NIV, NASB, CEV, The Message, KJV, etc.
  • The Blue Letter Bible. KJV, alternate versions, Greek text with concordance, commentaries.
  • The World Wide Study Bible includes commentary & sermons.
• Historical References, Commentary and Comparative Texts:
  • The Five Gospels Parallels, John W. Marshall, University of Toronto.
  • "Liberation," Comparative World Scriptures from United Communities of Spirit.
  • "Kingdom and Repentance," The Jesus Database, an online annotated inventory of the traditions concerning the life and teachings of Jesus. Dr. Gregory C. Jenks, FaithFutures Foundation.
  • Stephen Carlson's color-coded Greek Synoptic Parallels: 4:14-15, 4:16-30.

  • IV.XXIII.1, Adversus Haereses, Irenaeus of Lyons. (c. 180)  

  • Chapter XII, Adversus Judaeos, Tertullian (c. 198) 

  • IV.8, IV.21, Against Marcion, Tertullian (c. 210) 

  • Chapter XI, Against Praxeas,  Tertullian (c. 213)

  • Commentary on a Harmony of the Evangelists, John Calvin, 1558:
    • Matthew 4:12, 17/Mark 1:14-15, Luke 3:19-20/Luke 4:14-15
    • Luke 4:16-22.
  • From the Geneva Notes.
    • "Who Christ is and for what reason he came he shows from the prophet Isaiah."
  • From Matthew Henry's Commentary (c. 1700).
    • "By Christ, sinners may be loosed from the bonds of guilt, and by his Spirit and grace from the bondage of corruption."
  • From Wesley's Notes. John Wesley (1703-1791).
    • "It was the Jewish custom to read standing, but to preach sitting."
  • From the Commentary on the Whole Bible (Jamieson, Fausset and Brown, 1871).
    • "Others besides rabbins were allowed to address the congregation."
  • From The People's New Testament, B.W. Johnson, 1891.
    • "The man brought up among them was about to address them for the first time. The report from other places preceded this visit; the passage was remarkable, and doubtless there was something in the appearance of our Lord, especially under these circumstances, which would command unusual attention--Schaff. His mother, brethren and sisters were probably present."
• Contemporary Commentary, Studies, and Exegesis:
  • Commentary, Luke 4:14-21, Roy Harrisville, at WorkingPreacher.org, Luther Seminary, 2010.
    • "A change in condition always accompanies an encounter with the divine. Radical change is what Jesus proclaims and will perform. Jesus does not merely affirm the condition of his children. He is about the reversal of fortunes that results not just in change in one's environmental state, but in the person itself."
  • "Good News, Good Ways," study by Kate Huey, SAMUEL at ucc.org: lectionary citations, weekly theme, lectionary texts, commentary and bulletin back page.
    • "The poor, then and now, represent not only those in economic poverty but those who live on the margins or the outside of our communities, physically or spiritually. Jesus' ministry, as its intentions are laid out in this passage, would reach out to exactly those who have been rejected, for one reason or another."
  • Comments (commentary) and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study), Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.
  • "First Thoughts on Year C Gospel Passages in the Lectionary," Epiphany 3, William Loader, Murdoch University, Uniting Church in Australia.
    • "Luke necessarily turns the focus here to individuals who need freedom and salvation because such was the focus of many anecdotes about Jesus and this remains valid and real for all of us, but the broader vision is not lost, including Israel’s restoration (see Acts 1:5). Such good news, such peace, such liberating work of the Spirit, remains the core activity of the Christ (anointed) community."
  • "Exegetical Considerations: 3rd & 4th Sunday after Epiphany," Richard Carlson, Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, Using Greek for Sunday Text Preparations.
    • "What is the literary context of this text? How does that context provide an interpretive framework for this passage?"
  • Exegetical Notes by Brian Stoffregen at CrossMarks Christian Resources.
    • "Being "spiritual" does not mean escaping the world, but a radical engagement with the poor and oppressed of the world."
  • Exegesis, Ronald J. Allen, Lectionary Homiletics sample, 2010.
    • "The crowd responds with the same religious awe that they later feel in response to the miracles (Lk 4:20). If Jesus had ended at this point, the service in the synagogue would have ended on a high and joyous note. However, the crowd becomes unruly when the Lukan Jesus draws out the fuller implications of the coming of the Realm of God."
  • Lectionary Blogging, John Petty, Progressive Involvement, 2010.
    • "Hearing is an intimate thing.  The words literally come all the way inside one's body where they are then 'processed' and understood through ones neural connections.  Hearing Jesus' words, connecting them with the fulfillment of scripture, seeing Jesus' ministry of 'release' on behalf of the poor--all this is apprehended intimately, right now, today."
  • Holy Textures, Understanding the Bible in its own time and in ours, Luke 4:14-21, David Ewart, 2010.
    • "Jesus gets anointed for the mission, but it turns out that it is only in our hearing of it - in our internalizing of it - in our realizing of it - in our living of it - that this God-sized mission will be fulfilled / completed / accomplished."
  • "Finite Bearing the Infinite," Mary Hinkle, Pilgrim Preaching: Keeping Company with Biblical Texts and the People Who Hear and Preach Them.
    • "What are we missing because it is too familiar?"
  • "The Voice in the Wilderness," Sea Raven, Liberal Christian Commentary, 2010.
    • "As John Dominic Crossan puts it, John the Baptist was a sole proprietor, but Jesus started a franchise.  The question for today is, what kind of franchise, and is it still worth signing up for, given the work and the end result?"
  • "Transformations, evolution and the Kingdom of God," Jeremiah Bartram, Gospel for Gays, 2010.
    • "Just for context:  in Luke’s account the mood of Jesus’ hearers shifts rapidly, from being initially impressed at Jesus’ performance to outrage:  by verse 29 they are taking hold of him and leading him to a cliff, meaning to kill him."
  • "Scripture Opened," Cathy Lessmann, Sabbatheology, The Crossings Community, 2010.
    • "Jesus was anointed with the Spirit (the active presence of God) at his baptism ultimately for the benefit of the poor, the oppressed, the blind, the captives (vv. 14, 18, 19); so we who are Jesus-trusters, at our baptisms are likewise imbued with that Spirit for the sake of the poor, oppressed, and captives."
  • "Fully-Filled Epiphany," Peter Woods, I Am Listening, 2010.
    • "This does not mean no action, but it does mean no cultural imperialism. This does not mean no compassion, but it does mean no whimsical feelings without my being there with and alongside those who are before me (the COM in compassion means “with”)..."
  • Commentary, Luke 4:14-30, Madeline McClenney-Sadler, The African American Lectionary, 2008.
    • "Praise be to God that we have an opportunity to be the hands, feet, and mouths that offer liberation to the captive, friendship to the friendless, and a hand-up to those who are down."
  • "Jesus Rejected at Nazareth," Gospel Analysis, Sermons from Seattle, Pastor Edward F. Markquart, Grace Lutheran Church, Seattle, Washington. Detailed background and exegesis.
  • Laterally Luke, by Brian McGowan, Anglican priest in Western Australia.
  • "Proclaiming the Righteous Reign of Jesus: Luke 4 and the Justice of God," David L. Tiede, Texts in Context, Word & World, Luther Northwestern Theological School, 1987.
    • "The platform of Jesus' mission and the content of his call to discipleship are filled with God's passion for the outcast, the poor, the oppressed, and the lost."
  • "Forgiveness is God's Purpose," study guide for adults, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Forgiveness," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2001.
  • "Good News to the Poor," Rev. Bryan Findlayson, Lectionary Bible Studies and Sermons, Pumpkin Cottage Ministry Resources.
    • "How is the role of the Servant performed by the church today?"
  • Kairos CoMotion Lectionary Discussion, Luke 4:14-21. "A place of conversation regarding Progressive Christianity."
    • "To be praised by everyone is either faint praise or an accumulation of political capital."
  • "Today is God's Day," Ordinary 3, Fr. Gerry Pierse, C.Ss.R., from Sundays Into Silence: Reflections on the Sunday Gospels in the Light of Christian Meditation. Claretian Publications.
    • "Often when we pray we are trying to get God to give us our ideal pain-free world. God, on the other hand wants us to accept the reality of his presence in this pain-ridden world."
  • Expository Essay, Luke 4:14-21, Dr. William R. Long.
    • "Jesus' life in the Spirit makes us long to discover how that kind of life is possible for us today. How does one get to the place where we are led by the Spirit and return to our work in the power of the Spirit?"
  • "The Mission Statement of Jesus, the Christ," Jerry Goebel, One Family Outreach. "Focus on scripture from a justice perspective." Exegesis, study, and teen study and activities.
    • "Can we say; 'The Spirit is obviously upon us because we go to the poor, the captives, the blind and the oppressed.'  Can we say that this is why God has anointed us and thus, we can dare claim to be followers?  Is that the mission of our church or do we say; 'That was Christ’s mission, but we’re still hammering out our own vision statement.'"
  • "What is 'Gospel'?" Larry Broding's Word-Sunday.Com: A Catholic Resource for This Sunday's Gospel. Adult Study, Children's Story, Family Activity, Support Materials.
    • "What news has excited you recently? How has that news changed your daily life? How has it given you hope?"
  • "Reluctant Prophet," Jack Good, The Christian Century, 2004.
    • "Those who speak out must be able to report: 'I cannot refrain from doing this. I am anointed by, pushed by, inspired by One who will not let me express my faithfulness in any other way.'"
  • "Taking the Good News Home," Fredrick Niedner, The Christian Century, 2001.
    • "Choose your words carefully if you preach to the people back home. Those who knew you when remember things that make many messages seem odd. Prophetic moralizing, for example, would sound hypocritical coming from most folks in such circumstances."
  • "The Proclamation," John Stendahl, The Christian Century, 1998.
    • "Do we believe in such a way that we are reknit as a body, members of one another, a commonwealth and not just people for ourselves? Are the words fulfilled in our hearing?"
  • "God is a Visionary (Luke 4:16-21)," John C. Purdy. Chapter 3 of God With a Human Face (1993), republished at Religion Online.
    • "Also, we have begun to wonder: When some deprive others of their liberty, who are the captives? Is not the whole nation somehow captive to a criminal justice system that makes people worse, not better, citizens? Is it only the slave who is enslaved? Those who hold others captive are often themselves captured - like Br’er Rabbit stuck to the Tar Baby."
  • Lectionary Commentary and Preaching Paths (Epiphany C3), by Dennis Bratcher, at The Christian Resource Institute.
    • "In the life of this One who came, we are called to live out that spirituality on a day to day basis as we encounter the poor, captives, the blind, and the oppressed. If we really are in the "today" of the Lord’s favor proclaimed by Jesus, then, indeed, "the eyes of all" are fixed on us. Words will not be enough. And our own strength will not be enough."
• Articles & Background:
  • "Gospel/Good News," "Rejection of Jesus," Luke 4:16-20, Wikipedia.
  • "Nazareth's Rebellious Son: Deviance and Downward Mobility in the Galilean Jesus Movement," Rick F. Talbott, Biblical Theology Bulletin, 2008.
  • "Luke 4:16 - Redemptive Historical or Exemplary?" N.H. Gootjes, in Kerux: The Online Journal of Biblical Theology (Reformed)
• Recommended articles from ATLAS, an online collection of religion and theology journals, are linked below. ATLAS Access options are available for academic institutions, alumni of selected theological schools, and clergy/church offices.
  • Abogunrin, Samuel O., "Jesus' Sevenfold Programmatic Declaration at Nazareth: An Exegesis of Luke 4:14-30 from and African Perspective," Black Theology, 2003.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Anderson, "Broadening Horizons: The Rejection at Nazareth Pericope of Luke 4:16-30 in Light of Recent Critical Trends," Interpretation, 1964.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Baawobr, Richard K., "Opening a Narrative Programme: Luke 4:16-30 and the Black Bagr Narrative," Journal for the Study of the New Testament, 2007.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Brown, Rebecca Pugh, "The Reign of God as a Lens," The Living Pulpit, 2006.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Enniss, P.C., "The Christian Citizen, Luke 4:16-21; Philippians 2:5," Journal for Preachers, 2004.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Good, Jack, "Reluctant Prophet," The Christian Century, 2004.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Heen, Erik M., "Radical Patronage in Luke-Acts," Currents in Theology and Mission, 2006.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Hertig, Paul, "The Jubilee Mission of Jesus in the Gospel of Luke: Reversals of Fortunes," Missiology, 1998.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Hill, David, "The Rejection of Jesus at Nazareth (Luke 4:16-30)," Novum Testamentum, 1971.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • "How Do Brethren Interpret a Text? Six Approaches to Luke 4:16-21," Brethren Life and Thought, 1983.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Hug, James E., S.J., "Birthing the Peace of Justice," The Living Pulpit, 1997.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Kimball, Charles A., III, "Jesus' Exposition of Scripture in Luke 4:16-30: An Inquiry in Light of Jewish Hermeneutics," Perspectives in Religious Studies, 1994.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Matthey, Jacques, "Luke 4:16-30 - The Spirit's Mission Manifesto - Jesus' Hermeneutics - and Luke's Editorial," International Review of Mission, 2000.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Meeks, M Douglas and Blair Gilmer Meeks, "Proclaiming the Lord's Favor: Preaching on Economics in an Election Year," Journal for Preachers, 2004.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Miller, Patrick D., Jr., "An Exposition of Luke 4:16-21," Interpretation, 1975.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Niedner, Frederick, "Taking the Good News Home," The Christian Century, 2001.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • O'Day, Gail R., "'Today This Word Is Fulfilled in Your Hearing': A Scriptural Hermeneutic of Biblical Authority," Word & World, 2006.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Poirier, John C., "Jesus as an Elijianic Figure in Luke 4:16-30," Catholic Biblical Quarterly, 2009.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Reymond, Robert L., "The Justification of Theology with a Special Application to Contemporary Christology," Presbyterion, 1986.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Siker, Jeffrey S., "'First to the Gentiles': A Literary Analysis of Luke 4:16-30," Journal of Biblical Literature, 1992.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Tiede, David L., "Proclaiming the Righteous Reign of Jesus: Luke 4 and the Justice of God," Word & World, 1987.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Turner, Max, "The Spirit and the Power of Jesus' Miracles in the Lucan Conception," Novum Testamentum, 1991.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Walker, T. Vaughn, "Luke 4:16-30," Review and Expositor, 1988.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Wangerin, Mark E., 3rd Sunday after the Epiphany, Concordia Journal, 1985.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
• Reviews:
• Sermons:
  • "Nazareth," Jeremy Troxler, Faith and Leadership, 2007.
  • "A Vision for the City," the Rev. Dr. D. Scott Weimer, Day 1, 2009.
  • "With Jesus, Times Have Changed: Have You?" Walter W. Harms, Epiphany 3, 21 January 2007, Göttinger Predigten im Internet: Every Sunday Sermons based on the RCL by a team of Lutheran theologians/ pastors.
  • "Luke: The Gospel for the Poor," Pastor Edward F. Markquart, Grace Lutheran Church, Seattle, Washington.
  • "Today," the Rev. Barbara K. Lundblad, Day 1, 2001.
  • "He's OK: He's Just Like Me!" L. Gregory Bloomquist, Saint Paul University, Ottawa.
  • Father Andrew M. Greeley, "Priest, Author, Sociologist," Commentary and Homily:
    • Ordinary 2, 2010
    • Ordinary 2, 2007
    • Ordinary 2, 2004
• With Children:
• Drama:
  • "The Good News," from A Certain Jesus by Jose Ignacio and Maria Lopez Vigil. Ideal for catechetical and liturgical dramatization of today's gospel. Claretian Publications.
  • "Life Sentence," Nadine Laughlin, dramatix.
• Graphics & Bulletin Materials:
  • Clip Art, Luke 4:20-21, Fr. Richard Lonsdale, Resources for Catholic Educators.
  • Clip Art Images: Luke 4:14-21, Luke 4:14-21 #2, Misioneros Del Sagrado Corazón en el Perú.
  • Luke 4:14-21 at Cerezo Barredo's weekly gospel illustration. Liberation emphasis.
  • Luke 1:1-4; 4:14-21, Liturgical Drawing, Maria d.c. Zamora, Claretian Resources, Philippines. ("Download and use these for free.")
  • Commercial Sites:
    • "Set Free," Luke 4:14-21, graphics/films/worship ideas from Lumicon.
• Hymns and Music:
  • "Sing Out!  Sound the Trumphets!  Proclaim Jubilee!" by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, TO GOD BE THE GLORY, 11.11.11.11 with refrain ("To God be the Glory!"), Bread for the World.
  • Contemporary/Praise Song suggestions, Together to Celebrate, David MacGregor.
  • Hymnal Scripture References, The Lutheran Hymnal, Lutheran Worship.
• Fine Arts Images Linked at The Text This Week's Art Index:
• Movies scenes with the following themes, listed at The Text This Week's Movie Concordance:
  • Call
  • Liberation
• Find Worship Resources & Suggested Other Readings for use with this text:
  • Epiphany 3C
• Study Links and Resources for the Book of Luke