To bring glad tidings

The miracles which Jesus did in Capernaum and the surrounding towns have recently become the talk of the town in Nazareth, thus making him its most popular citizen.

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Jesus startles the congregation in the synagogue when he reads a familiar text from Isaiah where the prophet speaks of an anointed sent by God who would declare a time of pardon and freedom to Israel, proclaim Good News to the poor, open the eyes of the blind, and set prisoners free. Jesus’ townmates feel offended when Jesus claims this “messianic text”: “Today this scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing” (v 21). Their overfamiliarity with Jesus whom they have known all their life renders his claim preposterous. The origin of the Messiah, to their mind, is to be shrouded in mystery and could not be as nondescript as Nazareth. The Messiah is supposed to come in a blaze of glory, terrifying many, presenting himself as powerful, strong, and mighty. Jesus does not simply fit in their expectations. Since they have figured out everything about the Messiah, they have closed their minds to the God of surprises. They are further hurt when Jesus recalls to them that God also attends to