Luke 4:14-15 (ESV)
And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and a report about him went out through all the surrounding country. [15] And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all.
And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee. I don’t think this is a report about a miraculous manner of returning home, such as when Philip is caught up in the spirit in Acts. But more that when Jesus returned he still had the Spirit with him, the Spirit animated his preaching in such a manner as to call all the people to hear and listen to him. Of course, not all believed him. Many did, but there were others who resisted. Jesus taught in the synagogues first. Luke makes a point about this. I guess that is what I find funny about society today. Today people seem to think they can follow Jesus without going to that New Testament institution replacing the synagogue called church. Jesus calls us to be part of a community, a community called the church, and when we reject that we reject Jesus and his teaching. Sure it can be hard to find a church that actually teaches what Jesus taught, a church that remains true. And I can sympathize with those who have been burned out trying over the years. Yet, Jesus went to the synagogue and taught even when there were many abuses and false things being taught there. He didn’t give up on the institution, but participated. So it is today. There is no perfect church, not from a human stand point. Churches are full of sinners. And where there are sinners there things aren’t as they should be, but Jesus is there with the sinners working in the power of the Spirit despite the sinners, and those sinners who check their pride enough to be seen worshiping God with other sinners, are blessed by the ministry he continues through sinners.
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