What does Luke 4:17 mean?
In Jewish synagogues, men would stand to read a portion of the Old Testament, then sit to give their interpretation. Jesus is visiting the synagogue in His childhood hometown of Nazareth (Luke 2:39). Other towns in the area received His preaching with enthusiasm (Luke 4:14–15). The experience in Nazareth will not end well (Luke 4:28–30).Jesus reads a portion of Isaiah which predicts the arrival of the Messiah: the Promised One (Isaiah 61:1–2). Very deliberately, Jesus recites the predictions about proclaiming good news and liberation, but stops before reading the portion about God's vengeful judgment. This is consistent with the purpose of Jesus' earthly ministry: to secure salvation, not judgment (John 3:16–18).
After reading, Jesus will declare that the prophecy is being fulfilled—in Him. As the hometown crowd reacts with skepticism, Jesus refers to God taking His message to the Gentiles. This triggers an immediate, angry reaction, and Jesus leaves to preach elsewhere (Luke 4:31).