Power and Mercy in Luke 4.31-44

With 2022 underway we are beginning to see the blessings and challenges before us in our lives. There is certainly much to give thanks for. We give thanks for health where we have it, and the care of others where we need it. We thank God for the bonds of love we know in friendship, family and community. We are thankful for gainful employment and meaningful service that enriches our shared life. We praise God for his generous gifts. Yet we also bring to him our need. Loneliness, weariness, illness, grief, even injustice and anger. As we observe Jesus launch his ministry from his new base at Capernaum in Luke 4 it is his mercy that shines. May we not fear that our need will by overlooked by the merciful One, whatever that need is. In him is the mercy to notice and the power to meet our need.

Reflection Questions

Read Luke 4.31-44

1. List the various kinds of needs that the people of Capernaum brought to Jesus.

2. Can Jesus tell the difference between a need for a mere healing and a need for exorcism? How are mere healings and exorcisms described differently in this passage?

3. After listening to today’s talk (23.1.22 available online) why do you think Jesus chose Capernaum to launch his ministry? How can the church learn from Jesus’ example as we seek the extension of the kingdom today?

4. What one attribute or characteristic of Jesus stands out above the others, in this passage?

Holiness/Power/Righteousness/Mercy/Faithfulness/Goodness/Another?

5. Spend some time praising Jesus for that special attribute.

6. Is there a need in your life that you felt was too big and overwhelming to manage? How might the vision of Jesus in today’s passage connect with your experience?

7. St Luke’s is involved in a number of mercy ministries, responding to human need in Jesus’ name. These include:

Aged-Care pastoral care and Communion services / Ministry in times of grief and loss / Prayer for healing
Care of at risk primary aged children through Kids Hope mentoring
Compassion child sponsorship in Manado, Indonesia

Ask Jesus to lead you to be his heart and hands in response to one of these need areas.