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The first sermon of Jesus at Nazareth, a standard for the minister of the gospel at the beginning of His work. The narrative imparts to the minister of the gospel pregnant suggestions.

I. In reference to the POINT OF VIEW from which he is to consider his work.

1. Origin.

2. Matter.

3. Object of preaching.

II. In relation to the MANNER in which he must perform his work. His preaching must be, as here —

1. Grounded on Scripture.

2. Accommodated to the necessity of the hearers.

3. Presented in an attractive manner.

III. In relation to the FRUIT upon which he can reckon in this labour. Nazareth shows us —

1. That blossoms are as yet no certain signs of fruit.

2. That this fruit may be blasted by the most unhappy causes.

3. That the harvest may turn out yet better than at the beginning it appears (there in the synagogue were Mary, and also the "Lord's brethren," who afterwards believed; and if the Saviour did not work many miracles at Nazareth, He yet wrought some) (Matthew 13:58).

IV. In relation to the TEMPER in which he is to begin a new work.

1. With thankful recollections of the past.

2. With holy spiritual might for the present.

3. With joyful hope for the future.Happy the teacher who is permitted to begin his preaching under more favourable presages than Jesus began His in the city where He was brought up.

(J. J. Van Oosterzee, D. D.)

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KJV: And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.

WEB: He came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. He entered, as was his custom, into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read.