Luke and II Kings

The daily readings from Luke have many allusions to the books of I and II Kings, particularly to the prophets Elijah and Elisha. References to Elijah are easy to see (1:17; 4:25,26; 9:8,19,30,54) and there is one obvious reference to Elisha where Jesus makes a point that starts a riot.

The synagogue in Nazareth

In the course of the first Galilean tour, Jesus came to Nazareth. For several months, he had been elsewhere in Galilee where his teaching was well received (Lk. 4:14,15). As his custom was, Jesus attended the synagogue service on the sabbath day. After selecting a prophetical passage that confirmed God was behind his teaching (Isa. 61), Jesus exhorted his audience, “This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears” (4:21).

The initial reaction to Jesus’ reading from Isaiah seemed positive and Luke says that they “wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth” (Lk. 4:22). Yet being only familiar with Jesus as Joseph’s son and not the Son of God, they rejected his claim to be the prophet. Perhaps if Jesus had been notable in another way, they would have cheered for their native son. Evidently doing God’s will was about as popular in Nazareth then as it is in our society today.

Great agitation

Jesus’ next words, “Ye will surely say unto me this proverb, Physician, heal thyself” (4:23), suggests the people of Nazareth were thinking Jesus was the one who really needed help. Elsewhere we read even Jesus’ relatives thought he was beside himself (Mk. 3:21). It is much easier to think our brother is off base than think our own outlook is at fault.

In this situation, Jesus reads men’s thoughts. Luke records many instances where Jesus does this (Lk. 5:22; 6:8; 9:46; 11:17); Elisha showed a similar ability on occasion (II Kgs. 5:26; 6:12).

Continuing, Jesus sought to remind them of the works of Elijah and Elisha. Did not both these prophets do miraculous works to other than their own people? Jesus comments: “And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus (Elisha) the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian” (Lk. 4:27).

The implication was clear: those who knew Elisha well were not as respectful of the power of God in him as was this Gentile. Therefore it was a Gentile leper rather than an Israelite who was healed. This was not what the audience wanted to hear. Instead of reflecting on the implication of these words, the listeners became enraged and sought to kill Jesus.

Rejecting information presented to us for our well being is a sure way to speed our end. Yet unwanted words of correction often invoke in us the same response as they did in the men of Nazareth.

He left all and followed

An echo of Elisha is found in the response of the disciples. When those who became his apostles were called to full-time service, they left all and followed the Lord (Lk. 5:9-11,27). Elisha had done the same. Note his calling: As Elisha was plowing with a yoke of oxen, Elijah cast his mantle upon him (I Kgs. 19:19). He accepted his commission, slew the oxen, boiled their flesh and gave a feast and then bid his parents goodbye.

As the apostles followed Jesus until he departed from them, so Elisha followed and served Elijah for many years. When his master was taken up from him, Elisha carried on the work (II Kgs. 2:13). In this same tradition, the apostles carried on the work of preaching the gospel after Jesus was taken up from them. Like Elisha and the disciples, our calling is to continue the work of our master even though he is not physically present with us (Lk. 24:47; II Tim. 4:2).

The miracles

Elisha was a caring prophet during a long lifetime that extended through the reigns of Ahab, Ahaziah, Jehoram, Jehu, Jehoahaz and Jehoash. He was deeply concerned for the welfare of people, whether they were poor or rich. This can be seen in his miracles, many of which were performed to meet the needs of the common people.

Elisha performed 16 recorded miracles (II Kings 2:14,21,24; 3:20; 4:6,16,35,41,43; 5:10,27; 6:6,17,18,20; 13:21). Like Jesus, Elisha provided for those in need; he healed lepers, gave sight to the blind and even raised the dead.

There is also a noted similarity in the first miracles performed by Elisha and Jesus. Elisha purified a spring of water by casting in salt. The miracle demonstrated the healing power of God by which the barren might be made fruitful (II Kgs. 2:21). In like manner, Jesus turned water into wine (Jn. 2:9). Water (baptism) began his ministry of healing and wine (crucifixion) ended it; further, water and blood are the two great cleansing agents under the law. Jesus’ first miracle thus heralded the great work that lay before him, a saving work which makes it possible for us to be purified and become fruitful to God.

Later, when Elisha was given 20 loaves of barley and full ears of corn, he gave unto the people that they might eat (II Kgs. 4:42). Although this amount was of itself insufficient for an hundred men, Elisha knew with God’s blessing, it would be more than enough. Again we are reminded of Jesus who fed 5,000 with five loaves and two fishes (Lk. 9:16). May we be like his disciples and have the faith to set before the people that which Jesus has given to us — his word.

Healing the Gentiles

Elisha’s concern extended beyond Israel to men of foreign nations. We have already noted this point in the healing provided to Naaman, a servant of the king of Syria. Jesus healed the servant of the centurion which heralded the gospel to the Gentiles (Lk. 7:1). In both cases, the much greater work of the apostles was indicated. Peter came to appreciate this when he was called to baptize the centurion, Cornelius. “Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: but in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him” (Acts 10:34,35).

Most of us readily understand God’s gracious concern for Gentiles, for without this provision, we would be without hope. In return, let us show our concern for others in bringing them the saving message of the gospel.