Luke 4:20

Arabic 1978 (APD) (Kitaab al Vahd aj Jadid 1978)

Wa gafal al Kitaab, wa addaahu le_l xaddaam, wa gavad. Wa kullu_n naas al kaanu fi beet ar Rabb kaanu yavaayinu leehu.

What Does This Mean?

In this verse from Luke's Gospel, Jesus finishes reading a passage from the Old Testament and returns the book to the attendant. He then sits down, and everyone in the synagogue is looking at him expectantly. This moment shows how attentively people are awaiting his next words.

Explained for Children

Imagine you're playing hide-and-seek with your friends. You find a great hiding spot, but as soon as you sit down, all eyes turn to you because they know something exciting is about to happen. That's what this verse shows - everyone was waiting for Jesus to say more.

Historical Background

This passage comes from the Gospel of Luke, written around 80 AD by a doctor named Luke who was a companion of Paul. He wrote it primarily for Gentile Christians. The setting is in Nazareth during a typical synagogue service where Jesus had just read from Isaiah's prophecy about the Messiah.

Living It Out Today

Consider when you give a presentation at school or work and everyone is looking to you expectantly. How does that feel? This verse can remind us of those moments when we have an opportunity to share something important with others, much like Jesus did in the synagogue.

Topics

• prophesy
• synagogue practices
• Jesus' ministry
• expectation and anticipation
• public speaking
• religious gatherings

Related Verses

• Isaiah 61:1-2
• Mark 1:38
• John 7:15
• Matthew 4:17
• Acts 10:34

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did everyone look at Jesus after he finished reading?

The people were probably waiting for Jesus to comment on what he had read, especially because his words and actions were significant in their community.

What does it mean that Jesus 'sat down' after reading?

In Jewish tradition, sitting often signifies the beginning of a teaching session. This action by Jesus signals that he is now ready to explain what he just read and apply it to his listeners.

How do we know this took place in Nazareth?

The context from earlier verses (Luke 4:16) tells us that Jesus had come back to the synagogue where he grew up, which was in Nazareth.

What can we learn about Jesus' public ministry from this verse?

This shows Jesus engaging with his community and tradition, using these settings as opportunities to teach and reveal himself as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.