The lessons for the third Sunday after the Epiphany are taken from Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10; 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a; and Luke 4:16-30.
Nehemiah records how Ezra read God’s Word to the people of Israel after they returned from captivity in Babylon. But like the Israelites who came out of bondage, what holds us captive is neither Egyptians nor Babylonians, but the corruption of Adam in our human nature. The purpose of spiritual leaders called by God—like Ezra the priest, Paul the apostle, and absolutely in Jesus—is to communicate faithfully the Word of God: the law that is the antidote for the corruption in our human nature and grace, which is the power for a regenerate soul.
Paul explains to the Corinthians how the people of the “church” (which means, “called out ones”) are no longer separate or separated from each other but are ONE body, Christ Jesus being the head. There are two kinds of trouble among people. Both have to do with oppression. Some powerful Corinthians despised others who were weak and the weak suffered under their contempt. Paul’s reference to the body is parabolic. This example from real life is as powerful as it is simple: we all need each other and we all depend on God.
Luke records how Jesus came to fulfill all the prophets foretold, demonstrating His redeeming work by example with poor, lame, blind, prisoners, and the brokenhearted. The oppressed within the body of the human family were healed. The powerful oppressors hated Jesus’ kingdom of grace and immediately tried to destroy Him. But they could not. In fact, in crucifying Jesus they only succeeded in fulfilling God’s promises of salvation (see Acts 4:27-28)!