Introduction
Over the last few years, companies such as Google, Amazon and Facebook have faced criticism over the amount of tax they pay in this country. It has been suggested that companies like the aforementioned use creative ways to avoid paying their fair share of duty.
In difficult economic times, politicians are keen to show that everyone is paying their way, and giving to the ‘treasury what belongs to the treasury’. Chancellor George Osborne was keen to show his tenacity and commitment to getting everyone to pay their way, when he welcomed the news that Google had agreed to pay £130 million in back taxes. Although that he thought would be a good news story has turned rather sour; he is being accused of letting them off the hook financially.
In today’s reading, Jesus outlined his ‘Good News’ to listeners at a Nazareth synagogue. However, soon after outlining his mission statement, his worshippers turn on him, and Jesus’ life is threatened.
Context
- British Chancellor, George Osborne, faces criticism over the Google deal.
- Lottery winner put million pound ticket in the wash.
- British medics warn pregnant women about the Zika virus.
- The Danish Parliament agrees to seize the assets of migrants.
- British tennis player Johanna Konta is aiming for glory at the Australian Open.
Reflection
Legendary American Rock ‘n’ Roll singer, Chuck Berry, had a big hit in the British and US music charts in the early 1960s with the record ‘You never can tell’. It spoke of a strange turn of events affecting the central characters of his song. What can be true on a pop record, can also be true in life; we never really know how a situation or scenario will turn out. There are occasions when our seemingly munificent actions or activities are not appreciated, but instead are treated with contempt, especially by the very people they are meant to benefit.
For instance, UK Chancellor George Osborne believed he had secured a good deal for Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs when Google, the massive internet-based company, agreed a £130 million tax deal. However, ever since the deal was brokered, the Chancellor has faced opprobrium from all quarters, including those in his own party, about the efficacy of the Google arrangements.
We see a further instance of this in today’s reading. Jesus, fresh from his victory over Satan, returns to his boyhood home. Luke has previously told us that ‘Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and the people’ (2.52), which suggests he was probably a popular person in Nazareth. So when he was handed the scroll and chose to read those particular verses from the book of Isaiah, we do not know how he expected his fellow Jewish worshippers to react. What we do know is that what started out well, went pear-shaped pretty quickly. Jesus went from ‘hero to zero’ in record time. So much so, that his erstwhile admirers (v. 22), who took ire at his words, decided to kill him by throwing him off a cliff (v.29).
In some respects, it is easy to see why the worshippers in that Synagogue took umbrage with Jesus. He, the local lad that most people knew, was declaring by way of the sacred Scriptures, that he was the long desired Messiah. One could argue that these detractors were judging Jesus more by his words than his actions. In verse 23 we read ‘Do here also in your hometown the things that we have heard you did at Capernaum’, suggesting that the characteristics of Jesus’ messianic ministry had already begun. Those in the Synagogue allowed him to roll out the scroll, but were unwilling to give him the opportunity to roll out the ministry Isaiah had prophesied. In their anger and impatience they failed to see the sincerity and integrity of Jesus’ words and actions; qualities that would bring about real transformation in their lives.
We know that Jesus miraculously escaped the clutches of his would-be killers, yet his dynamic ministry of healing and teaching would constantly be misunderstood by some, who for various reasons, failed to grasp that he was the Messiah.
Prayer
Gracious Lord,
we praise you that the Good News is for all,
especially the last, the least and the lost.
We thank you that from the outset of your ministry,
you revealed your grace, mercy and loving kindness.
May we know the fullness of these;
and give us the faith and compassion
to share what we have, and what we know,
with others who are in need of your divine touch.
This we ask in your name.
Amen.
Questions
- Do you think the congregation in the Synagogue were right to be initially sceptical of Jesus’ claims?
- How do we feel when our good intentions are either questioned or ridiculed?
Action
Matters concerning large international companies paying the right amount of tax to the treasury loom large in the news, and show little sign of abating. Many congregations encourage their worshippers to take advantage of Gift Aid which allows churches and other charities to reclaim the basic rate of income tax on any donations. As January is usually a time when we are encouraged to review our giving, remind people of this facility.
Young people
If failing will power has resulted in the breaking of all those sincerely made New Year’s resolutions, why not look again at the ways in which you can support those Christian charities working with refugees and asylum seekers, and make some new resolutions.
Richard Reddie is a writer and cultural commentator. His most recent book, ‘Martin Luther King Jr: History Maker’ is published by Lion Hudson. He is a Warden at St James Church, West Streatham, London.
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