Introduction
Luke 4:31–44: Today’s reading includes episodes that reflect Jesus carrying out his mission as outlined in his sermon in Nazareth (4:16–19 from yesterday’s reading). He heals a man with an evil spirit, heals Simon’s mother-in-law and many others, casts out demons, and preaches in the synagogues.
Today’s Key Verse: Luke 4:43
[Jesus said:] “I must preach the Good News about the Kingdom of God in other towns also, because that is what God sent me to do.”
Reading
31 Then Jesus went to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, where he taught the people on the Sabbath. 32 They were all amazed at the way he taught, because he spoke with authority. 33 In the synagogue was a man who had the spirit of an evil demon in him; he screamed out in a loud voice, 34 “Ah! What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Are you here to destroy us? I know who you are: you are God’s holy messenger!”
35 Jesus ordered the spirit, “Be quiet and come out of the man!” The demon threw the man down in front of them and went out of him without doing him any harm.
36 The people were all amazed and said to one another, “What kind of words are these? With authority and power this man gives orders to the evil spirits, and they come out!” 37 And the report about Jesus spread everywhere in that region.
38 Jesus left the synagogue and went to Simon’s home. Simon’s mother-in-law was sick with a high fever, and they spoke to Jesus about her. 39 He went and stood at her bedside and ordered the fever to leave her. The fever left her, and she got up at once and began to wait on them.
40 After sunset all who had friends who were sick with various diseases brought them to Jesus; he placed his hands on every one of them and healed them all. 41 Demons also went out from many people, screaming, “You are the Son of God!”
Jesus gave the demons an order and would not let them speak, because they knew he was the Messiah.
42 At daybreak Jesus left the town and went off to a lonely place. The people started looking for him, and when they found him, they tried to keep him from leaving. 43 But he said to them, “I must preach the Good News about the Kingdom of God in other towns also, because that is what God sent me to do.”
44 So he preached in the synagogues throughout the country.
Reflect
Today’s reading includes Luke’s first recording of Jesus referring to the Kingdom of God (verse 43). The Kingdom of God is present wherever God’s people do what God wants them to do, like serving others and telling the Good News. In what ways can you proclaim “the Good News about the Kingdom of God”?
Pray
Almighty God, I thank and praise you for the Good News that Jesus proclaims about your Kingdom. Bless and comfort with the healing power of your love all who are sick this day. Your kingdom come, O Lord. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Luke 5:1–11: Jesus calls his first disciples.