January 24, 2021
Lessons Learned
Luke 4:16-30
by Wayne Gaeddert
1. “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:24-25
2. Reading of the Word of God should be a part of every gathering to worship.
3. Without the Holy Spirit, no one can positively impact the lives of others through ministry. See John 15:4
4. Anointed by the Spirit - set apart by God for a purpose.
5. The purpose of the ministry of Jesus:
· Preach good news to the poor.
· Preach liberty to the captives.
· Recover the sight of the blind.
· Set at liberty those who are oppressed.
· To proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.
6. Parallel passages of Jesus visiting Nazareth are Matthew 13:53-58 and Mark 6:1-6.
7. None of the gospels record anything about a return visit to Nazareth by Jesus.
8. Matthew 13:58 and Mark 6:6 record that ‘unbelief’ prevented Jesus from doing mighty works (miracles) in Nazareth.
9. After the temptation of Jesus (Matthew 4:1-11, Mark 1:12-13, Luke 4:1-13) Jesus began the Galilean ministry of teaching and healing (Matthew 4:12, Mark 1:14, Luke 4:14-15,23)
10. Note how much Luke emphasizes the Holy Spirit in Chapter 4:
· Led by Holy Spirit in the wilderness 4:1
· Returned in power of Spirit to Galilee 4:14
· Spirit of the Lord is upon me 4:18
11. The people in Nazareth were willing to listen to Jesus tell them all of the good things He said, but they knew Him from a child and questioned his credentials to deliver. They wanted Jesus to perform a miracle for them like He had in other places.
12. The crowd became vicious when Jesus talked about prophets who had been rejected in their homeland, but did miracles for Gentiles. They felt insulted.
13. Unbelief of those in Nazareth is demonstrated by their attempt to throw Him over the cliff.
14. Jesus read from Isaiah 61:1-2a.
15. “...and the day of vengeance of our God.” Isaiah 61:2b is a statement about the second coming of Jesus, therefore Jesus did not read that part of the verse on this occasion.
16. The year of the Lord’s favor extends until the second coming of Jesus.
17. “...Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:2b
18. Synagogue service: F F Bruce
· Started with a series of prayers and blessings (Included repeating the Shema from Deut. 6:4-9)
· Reading from Old Testament prophets and the Law according to a regular lectionary. (A visiting Rabbi was always invited to read.)
· Teaching from scripture that ended with a reference to the Messianic hopes of Israel.
19. Application:
· Do you have any pockets of ‘unbelief’ of which you need to repent? Ask God to examine your heart to reveal anything that is offensive to Him. (Psalm 139:24) (NIV)
· You cannot be an effective servant of the Lord without the Holy Spirit directing you. John uses the picture of the branch abiding in the vine. John 15:4-7
· The gospel will be rejected by some people. (Don’t let that discourage you.)
· Don’t let rejection prevent you from serving somewhere else
