Luke 4:22 reads regarding Jesus, “(They) were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips.” The Jews were so sure they were the chosen people there was no room for others in God’s Kingdom. It was often said the gentiles were born to be fuel for the fires of hell. It was Sabbath and Jesus was in the synagogue in his hometown. The gracious words Jesus spoke were words of grace for the surrounding nations. He spoke of Elijah with the widow in Sidon and Elisha healing Nathan, a Syrian. It was a radical idea that God’s grace might be extended beyond their closed world. It was so foreign they became so angry they tried to hurl Him off a cliff. How could God love anyone but them?
Paul became the apostle to the gentiles. In order for that to happen not only did God have to knock him off his horse but also had to reeducate him at the expense of three years of study in Arabia. It is most difficult to unlearn the myths of our childhood.
It seems that for us to be like Jesus we also need to amaze people with our gracious words. It is easy to be gracious when others around us are also being nice. The challenge is to be gracious when we are not being treated so kindly. To be gracious when others are taking advantage of us is beyond a challenge. At least it is for me. But when we are gracious it is amazing, both to others and probably to us. When Herod was mocking Jesus, dressing Him in an old royal robe and crowning Him with thorns, Jesus never said a word. Amazing.
Written by Roger Bothwell on May 14, 2012
Spring of Life Ministry, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
Rogerbothwell.org