At that time, Jesus came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up; and he went to the synagogue, as his custom was, on the Sabbath day.

And he stood up to read; and there was given to him the book of the prophet Isaiah. Jesus opened the book and found the place where it was written, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor and to heal the broken hearted. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.”

And Jesus closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant, and sat down; and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him.

And he began to say to them, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” And all spoke well of him, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth.

What is special about the town where this Gospel story took place? Why do you think this story happened there? (Was the place important for the message?)

Which prophet’s writings did Jesus read aloud? What did the prophet say the Spirit of the Lord sent him to do?

Do you think it’s important that all eyes in the synagogue were fixed on Jesus? Why or why not?

What did Jesus mean when He said, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing?” What examples can you give?

Who spoke well of Jesus? How did they feel about what He had to say?

What about you? When you were chrismated, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of God. He wants you, too, to help the poor, the broken hearted, the prisoners, those with blindness (or other illnesses), and the oppressed. He needs you to tell and show others that God is with them! How do you do these things?

Talk with your priest, your parents, or your godparents about ways that you can help to continue Christ’s work in fulfilling this Scripture! What ideas do you have?