In Your Hometown

Fellowship – Snacks or a Meal (10 minutes with snacks; longer, obviously, if there is a meal).

Gathering Time (5-10 minutes). In pairs or groups of three, have participants answer, "Where is your hometown, and what do you think people who knew you as a child would say about you now?"

Group Dialogue (Approximately 30 minutes). Read Luke 4:21-30.

• What does Jesus declare to the people in the synagogue after reading from Isaiah? What is its significance? [Jesus declares, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing,” meaning he is claiming to be the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy, identifying himself as the Messiah who brings God’s salvation.]
• How do the people initially respond to Jesus’ message, and what questions do they ask? [They are initially amazed at his words but quickly question, "Isn't this Joseph’s son?" showing their struggle to reconcile his authority with his familiar background.]
• Which two Old Testament stories does Jesus reference? Why do these references anger the people in the synagogue? [Jesus mentions Elijah and the widow of Zarephath and Elisha healing Naaman the Syrian to highlight that God’s grace was extended to Gentiles during times when Israel lacked faith, suggesting that God’s favor is not limited to Israel.]
• How do the people of Nazareth respond to Jesus after he challenges their beliefs?

• They are furious, drive him out of the synagogue, and attempt to throw him off a cliff, showing their intense rejection of his message.

• Jesus’ words and actions in Nazareth were both affirming and challenging. In what ways does his message challenge us today? How can we ensure we are open to God’s work, even when it doesn’t align with our expectations or comfort zones?
• Reflect on one way you can step outside your comfort zone this week to share God’s love with someone who might feel like an “outsider.” What action will you commit to that reflects Jesus’ inclusive and challenging message?

Prayer (10 minutes). Share prayer requests and respond appropriately.

Sending Forth (2 minutes). End with the following prayer, a similar prayer, or the Lord’s Prayer:

God of all, as You sent Jesus to speak truth and offer redemption, so You send us to live boldly as Your disciples. When we face resistance, grant us courage; when we encounter need, grant us compassion. Send us into the world as faithful reflections of Your love. Amen.

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This content was created by Discipleship Ministries staff with assistance from AI tools.

Rev. Motoe Yamada Foor, Director of Adult Discipleship, served in local churches for twenty years. She has a wealth of experience at a variety of organizational levels of The United Methodist Church as well as in ecumenical organizations such as the World Council of Churches (WCC). She also enjoys serving as a coach to help people and churches grow.