“The day of the Lord’s favor” was understood by the Jews to be the year of Jubilee when the land would be returned to its original owners. Jesus’ coded words would be good news to those living under Roman occupation. However, the Jews of Jesus’ day understood Jubilee to apply to Jews only. Gentiles were excluded. How did the crowd feel about Jesus’ interpretation of Jubilee?
When have you wanted to limit God’s vision of blessing to only those who deserve it or to those who are part of a certain group? Who are the “undeserving” in your community that are included in the promise of God’s Jubilee blessing? How does Jesus’ words challenge your vision of the future?
Tongue on Fire 