On the recent Feast of the Baptism of the Lord we noted how this event is one of the very few that is included in all four gospels. The subsequent variety is clearly illustrated by the difference between last week’s reading from John’s gospel (John 2:1-11) and this week’s from Luke (Luke 1:1-4; 4:14-21). In today’s reading we even get the reminder of what Luke wants to achieve in his account: “to set everything in order” (a sentiment that would certainly appeal to a Roman worthy). John jumps into his gospel with “In the beginning” and his path would probably appeal much less to a Roman administrator concerned with good order. He does however conclude with an explanation of his intent: “Jesus did many other signs that are not written in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through this belief you may have life in his name.” The parallel to Luke’s “so that you may realize the certainty of the teachings you have received” is clear.
There is a parallel, but the difference is also apparent. Luke’s emphasis on certainty is carried through in his introduction of Jesus’ ministry. Here we have someone completely sure of who he is, what he is doing, and the significance of his presence. This is very far from the Jesus that John shows us, who has to be pushed into action by his mother, and the big reveal is a very minor miracle at a private event, which is only visible to a few servants and his disciples.
I suspect most people find the certainty of Luke’s presentation more appealing. We want a leader who is clear, determined, and sure of himself. But herein lies a danger: it would be very easy to tip over into the sort of triumphalism that has so often infected the church – we’re right, you’re wrong; do as you’re told; we’re better than you; we should be in control; … But the mission of Jesus, which he declares so clearly, is: to bring glad tidings to the poor; to proclaim liberty to captives; recovery of sight to the blind; to let the oppressed go free. Nothing here about being right or wrong, being on the right side, and making sure others know it. (We might also note that the consequence of Jesus’ self assurance is not his acceptance, but rather the fury of the people who want to throw him off the hilltop.)
In case we should miss the point, the lectionary pairs this reading from Luke’s gospel with the famous passage from Paul’s letter to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 12:12-30) where he uses the analogy of a body to explain the relationships that exist between the followers of Jesus – we are all equally important. And where that equality in diversity is not naturally recognized (“the parts that are less presentable”!) we should consciously compensate for that, recognizing that the body is constructed by God “so as to give greater honor to a part that is without it, so that there may be no division in the body”.
Yes we should be sure of the teachings we have received, but if that certainly leads to division then we’ve lost our way somewhere. We should revisit those teachings and rediscover the Lord who came to bring glad tidings to the poor; to proclaim liberty to captives; recovery of sight to the blind; to let the oppressed go free. Revisiting those teachings is what we do every year as we work through the cycle of our liturgy. In a world where the poor often don’t hear glad tidings, the oppressed do not go free, many are imprisoned, or captive to greed or fear, or are blinded by success or self-importance – in this world, understanding what Luke, and John, and Paul, and so many other saints have told us, that is our constant mission.