And all spoke well of him and marveled at the gracious words that were coming from his mouth. – Luke 4:22a (ESV)
When they heard these things, all in the synagogue were filled with wrath. – Luke 4:28 (ESV)
The crowd's response changes quite a bit from v 22a to v 28. A strong possibility is that in v 22a, they were finally hearing what they had waited for, the long expected Messiah, and they were marveling. But as Jesus clarifies that (1) 'I know won't be liked by you' and (2) His ministry, like the ministry of Elijah, will be going to the Gentiles as well, they are enraged. In their minds, the Messiah is for the Jews and He will crush the Gentiles – not to save the Gentiles. Jesus' plan often offends; His intentions bring about the secrets of our hearts. Oh Lord, give me a steadfast heart that doesn't sway as you reveal Yourself to me.
