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Jesus’ Mission and Reception • 03.08.26
Jesus’ Mission and Reception
Luke 4:16-44
Why did Jesus come and how was he received?
Manuscript:
Good morning, church family! Introduce self + welcome guests + introduce sermon series
Dismiss 4th + 5th graders
Ushers + Bibles (Luke 4; page 1021)
What do you believe about Jesus? C.S. Lewis is known for popularizing the argument that Jesus is either liar, lunatic, legend, or Lord. He argues, convincingly, that Jesus is most certainly not a liar, lunatic, or legend, therefore he must be Lord. But is that what you believe? Is Jesus Lord – the ruler over all, the authority to whom we all answer? Your beliefs about Jesus are of the utmost importance for this life and what follows it.
Last week, in Luke 3:21-4:15, we witnessed the public reveal of Jesus as the hope for all people. Through Luke’s account of Jesus’ baptism, genealogy, and face-off with the devil, we were reminded that Jesus is the Son of God, fully divine, yet also that he is the Son of Adam, fully human, and that he is the faithful one who perfectly fulfills God’s grand redemption plan. He was prepared, qualified, and committed to carrying out God’s plan. We were given a window through which to watch his defeat of the devil in the wilderness. And he didn’t defeat the enemy through a display of physical strength or sheer willpower, but by being satisfied in God and holding fast to the truth of God’s written Word. These were powerful examples for us in our own battles against temptation and sin! When we closed out our study last week we were left wondering – “what will he do next?!”
We actually had the start to an answer for this question in our final two verses from last week. But we didn’t look closely at them. They were simply left hanging there. Let’s return to them this morning.
Luke 4:14–15 (ESV)
14 And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and a report about him went out through all the surrounding country. 15 And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all.
Luke captures a significant transition in two short verses. Jesus had overcome the devil and is now beginning his public ministry in the power of God the Holy Spirit in the region of Galilee. (Map) This region is going to be the emphasis of Jesus’ ministry from Luke 4:14-9:50, at which point he will set his face to go to Jerusalem to fulfill God’s plan in his death, burial, and resurrection.
Pay attention to the location of two cities on this map - Nazareth and Capernaum. These are going to be two of the primary locations where Jesus is ministering in our passages for today. Nazareth was his hometown, where Joseph and Mary raised him, while Capernaum was where Jesus operated out of as an adult during his public ministry.
At the start of his public ministry, we hear that the people of Galilee are taking note of Jesus’ ministry. There is excitement surrounding this new teacher! Word spreads about him as he teaches in their synagogues. It seems as if Jesus’ reception is going to be a positive one.
But it doesn’t last. As Jesus’ mission and message become clear to the people, their reactions begin to change. As we read the next segment of Luke today, you are going to see and hear of a variety of reactions to Jesus, from both humans and, surprisingly, from demons. Let’s turn our attention to the reading of God’s Word.
Luke 4:16–44 (ESV)
16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. And as was his custom, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and he stood up to read. 17 And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written,
18“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives
and recovering of sight to the blind,
to set at liberty those who are oppressed,
19to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
20 And he rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. 21 And he began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” 22 And all spoke well of him and marveled at the gracious words that were coming from his mouth. And they said, “Is not this Joseph’s son?” 23 And he said to them, “Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb, ‘ “Physician, heal yourself.” What we have heard you did at Capernaum, do here in your hometown as well.’ ” 24 And he said, “Truly, I say to you, no prophet is acceptable in his hometown. 25 But in truth, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heavens were shut up three years and six months, and a great famine came over all the land, 26 and Elijah was sent to none of them but only to Zarephath, in the land of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow. 27 And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.” 28 When they heard these things, all in the synagogue were filled with wrath. 29 And they rose up and drove him out of the town and brought him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they could throw him down the cliff. 30 But passing through their midst, he went away.
31 And he went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee. And he was teaching them on the Sabbath, 32 and they were astonished at his teaching, for his word possessed authority. 33 And in the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice, 34 “Ha! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.” 35 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent and come out of him!” And when the demon had thrown him down in their midst, he came out of him, having done him no harm. 36 And they were all amazed and said to one another, “What is this word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out!” 37 And reports about him went out into every place in the surrounding region.
38 And he arose and left the synagogue and entered Simon’s house. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was ill with a high fever, and they appealed to him on her behalf. 39 And he stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her, and immediately she rose and began to serve them.
40 Now when the sun was setting, all those who had any who were sick with various diseases brought them to him, and he laid his hands on every one of them and healed them. 41 And demons also came out of many, crying, “You are the Son of God!” But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew that he was the Christ.
42 And when it was day, he departed and went into a desolate place. And the people sought him and came to him, and would have kept him from leaving them, 43 but he said to them, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose.” 44 And he was preaching in the synagogues of Judea.
I ask you again - What do you believe about Jesus? This account for us by Luke reveals incredible details about the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. You have just heard Jesus articulate his mission and demonstrate the manner in which he will carry it out. And, as you saw, there were a variety of responses to him!
Now, our aim today is to answer two questions -
Why did Jesus come and how was he received?
But beyond just answering these questions for intellectual understanding, I hope our study will help you carefully evaluate your own response to Jesus.
So, let’s consider what is revealed to us about why Jesus came. It doesn’t get any better than Jesus himself giving an answer in verses 17-21. Look at these with me again.
To set the scene: Jesus is in the synagogue, the Jews’ place of public worship, on the Sabbath, their day of worship, and he is given the opportunity to read from the book of Isaiah. In the synagogue service, the reading and teaching of Scripture was open to the congregation, it was not restricted to a specific person. It is possible that the person overseeing the service, known as “the ruler of the synagogue”, may have invited Jesus to read and teach given his growing public stature. Or Jesus may have simply volunteered when the appropriate time came in the service. Either way, by God’s sovereign plan, the scroll of Isaiah was given to him, and Jesus specifically found the text he wanted to read and speak on. Isaiah 61:1-2 with a quote from 58:6 as well.
Now what does this passage speak about? For those who were with us last year when we studied the book of Isaiah, you know that this is speaking about the Servant of the Lord whom God would send to set his people free! This entire chapter of Isaiah depicts a beautiful future for God’s people wherein God’s anointed Servant would bring about God’s plan of spiritual and physical liberation! It was a message of great hope, and the people of Israel had long been awaiting its fulfillment. For 700 years, as many other nations conquered and oppressed them, they had been waiting for Isaiah’s prophecy to come true. And, as we just heard, Jesus is now publicly proclaiming, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”
So, why did Jesus come? In part, our answer must be…
Jesus is the anointed Servant of God. He has the Spirit of God upon him. And he has come to rescue and redeem his people!
But rescue and redeem them from what? That’s the rub, isn’t it? This text in Isaiah that Jesus applies to himself inherently means that the people need rescue and redemption. They are not “ok” on their own.
Jesus doesn’t immediately elaborate upon the answer in this text. But if we were to venture one chapter further in Luke’s gospel, it would be abundantly clear:
Luke 5:20 (ESV)
20 And when he saw their faith, he said, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.”
Luke 5:31–32 (ESV)
31 And Jesus answered them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 32 I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.”
Jesus has come to rescue and redeem us from the curse of sin! This is the underlying problem for humanity throughout the Biblical narrative. From Genesis 3 through Revelation 20 the Scriptures address a world and human race broken and corrupted by sin and in need of rescue and redemption. Sin is our biggest problem, because it has separated us from our Holy Creator God. And it is also our biggest problem because we cannot resolve it in our own strength or ability! That is why Jesus’ arrival is such good news – he is the liberator of men and women from their spiritual bondage! He has the authority and power to set us free from sin and death. That is what we see him demonstrating throughout this narrative. Power and authority, over both the physical and spiritual realm.
Not only does Jesus rescue and redeem us from the curse of sin, but he also rescues and redeems us from the effects of sin! When Jesus went to Simon’s house, he encountered Simon’s mother-in-law sick with a high fever. A significant illness that had left her bedridden. And what does Jesus do? He speaks a word of rebuke to the fever, and it leaves her! Her healing is so thorough and immediate that she can stand up and show hospitality to them. All because of the authority and power of Jesus!
Yet the evidence of his mission does not stop there. As soon as the sun goes down and the Sabbath is ended, the people of that region brought their sick to Jesus. And we are told in verse 40 that he laid his hands on EVERY ONE of them and healed them. Word about Jesus’ authority and power had spread far and wide and many came to see and benefit from it. As I was reading this passage throughout the week, I was just struck by the incredible kindness and mercy of Jesus to SO MANY! He didn’t just claim with his words to be the fulfillment of Isaiah 61; he demonstrated it by his subsequent actions and mission!
And, for our friends in the room who may currently be in the skeptical camp, what do you do with the increasing number of people who experienced Jesus’ power and authority? I assume you would agree that if you want to try to pass someone off as a fake, you’re going to keep the circle of people who are able to access him as limited as possible! After all that’s what the fake healers and so-called prophets of our day do – men like Benny Hinn limit access and require extensive help to keep their deception going. But Jesus welcomed the crowds and showed kindness and mercy to many! He put himself in the public eye repeatedly, so public were his miraculous signs that the religious leaders could not deny them but would eventually conspire to kill him. There is a lot of evidence to consider! *pause*
Jesus did not stop at rescuing and redeeming from the curse and effects of sin, he also rescued and redeemed from the agents of the enemy! In this text, we saw and heard of multiple instances where Jesus delivered demon-possessed people. This is a topic that does not sit easy with us in our modern, Western culture that is highly materialistic and reduces the spiritual realm to religious superstition. But, as we heard last week, there is a real enemy of God and humanity, the devil, and he and his fellow fallen angels (aka demons) do all that they can to deny God glory by tempting and enticing or even enslaving men and women.
This realization ought to serve as a wakeup call for us! Do not believe the lies of our humanistic, materialistic day and age that the spiritual realm is nonexistent or something to be treated lightly or even manipulated, as with many New Age or occult practices. The reality is that there is a physical realm, which we live in and observe all around us, yet there is also a spiritual realm, which we do not see yet still has a tangible influence on us. This passage does not provide any kind of explanation on the demonic possession of these people, other than to highlight that Jesus is the one with authority and power to set such captives free! The demons have no power in comparison to the Son of God. With his words, he sends them out and sets these people free.
All this to say, Jesus was sent by the Father to rescue and redeem. He came to address our greatest needs! He came showing incredible kindness and mercy to so many! How awesome is Jesus!! He is worthy of your faith and worship. No one else could do what he has done. There is no other answer for the curse of sin or the effects of sin on our bodies. The spiritual and physical brokenness that we endure in this lifetime has one answer – Jesus Christ. He alone can restore the soul to a proper relationship with God, and he alone can provide physical healing, whether he chooses to do so in this life or in the next with the provision of a new, resurrection body.
Are you thankful for the rescue and redemption that Jesus has provided? Christian brother or sister, we have such incredible hope in Jesus Christ! Though we were once dead in our sin, now, through Christ, we have new life and the hope of the forgiveness of our sins.
Which brings me to the next reason why Jesus came…
If you didn’t notice, both the start and end of our text for today was Jesus preaching! Preaching in the synagogue of Nazareth and the synagogues of Judea. His ministry, as he self-attests, was one of verbal proclamation!
Well, what was the content of his message? He described it as “the good news of the kingdom of God”. Let’s take that piece by piece to seek to understand just what he came to proclaim.
εὐαγγελίζω (euangelizō) – this is one Greek word that is translated “preach the good news”. It means to proclaim the message of divine salvation.
This message of divine salvation encapsulates a lot of what we developed in our first point today. Jesus is the Savior – the One who rescues and redeems those who believe in him.
But this good news is also “of the kingdom of God”. Meaning the message of divine salvation is inseparably linked with the rule and reign of God. To put it another way - the source of divine salvation is God’s authority and power realized in our lives and in our world.
It is good news that Jesus has brought God’s kingdom to bear on our present reality in a way unlike it had been before. You might think of it as heaven breaking in on earth. The beauty of God’s holiness and the freedom from sin and its curse and effects are seen as Jesus brings God’s kingdom to bear on the brokenness of our lives and world. The liberty that Jesus fulfilled from Isaiah 61 was not simply for the nation of Israel, but for all who would repent and believe in him. This is what Luke is aiming to drive home to Theophilus and readers like us. Jesus came to rescue and redeem the lost, which includes people from every tribe and tongue and nation on earth.
Which is an incredible promise to consider this morning. God has made a way for people enslaved by sin to be freed from sin’s rule and consequences! Instead, they can have the hope of righteousness and eternal life. This is a message that the Apostle Paul would later repeat to the church at Rome:
Romans 6:1–14 (ESV)
What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? 3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6 We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. 7 For one who has died has been set free from sin.
8 Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9 We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. 10 For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. 11 So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.
12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. 13 Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. 14 For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.
This reality of new life in God is what Jesus brought with him when he came. The good news of the kingdom of God is that sinners can be set free from sin and death through faith in Jesus. Rather than continuing to live as rebels against a Holy God, we can be forgiven and at peace. Rather than having to live as slaves to sin and unrighteousness, we can present our bodies to God as instruments for righteousness! God’s grace at work in and through us enables us to live godly lives that do good to others and bring God glory!
What we are witnessing is Luke 4 is just the beginning of God’s kingdom being brought to bear through Jesus Christ. But as we journey alongside him in the Gospel of Luke, we will see how his life and ministry, culminating in the crucifixion on the cross, are what God uses to demonstrate his rule and reign in increasingly amazing ways.
You must understand, the Bible captures the grand narrative of Creation. God has made all things, and though man’s rebellion in the Garden plunged the world into the darkness of sin, God has always had a plan to make all things new. He has always had a plan to address the devastating effects of sin on us and creation. From eternity past, the Father knew he would send the Son in the power of the Spirit to accomplish their grand redemption plan. The scope of this plan affects everyone, everywhere.
However, your response matters. As we have heard in our original passage today…
There is no question - Jesus’ teaching is polarizing… It reveals the hearts of men/women. When Jesus finished his preaching at the synagogue in Nazareth the response should have been deep conviction and repentance that led to faith in him... But instead, they had the wrong response of hard-heartedness and wrath against the one who was there to save them! When they heard Jesus explain to them that God’s pattern had been to work with the Gentiles after being rejected by the Jews, they were furious! They went from speaking well of him and marveling at his gracious words to forming an angry mob intent on killing him! Why? Because they were not interested in Jesus’ mission and message. They were interested in their own version of what they believed Messiah’s mission and message ought to be! They were self-focused and intent on things going well solely for the Jews. When it was revealed that God’s plan was much different and required death to their plan and selfish ambitions, they responded in the same way they had already been operating – selfishness. “Kill him!” Or, as the crowds will shout a couple of years later, “Crucify him!” Throughout Jesus’ life and ministry many rejected him and even sought to kill him because they would rather have life their way than submit to God’s will and ways.
There are still many people in our world today, perhaps even in this room, who are in this category of responders. You have no interest in submitting to God’s will and ways. You’d rather call the shots and believe you know better than God. You are effectively sitting in judgment on the Creator, and you would, whether you are willing to admit it or not, add your voice to the crowd shouting, “Crucify him!” This is an untenable position to remain in. It will not end well for such people. There is no possible outcome where it goes well for you when you rebel against the Supreme Authority. If you realize that this is your position, I am pleading with you to recognize the danger you are in. I do not want you to stand before your Creator and Judge without hope. Ask God to humble your heart and give you the ability to see clearly and understand the truth before it is too late.
Let’s turn our attention to another set of reactions we see to Jesus. The demons recognize Jesus and unwillingly submit to his authority. This is quite telling. These spiritual beings have the intellectual knowledge of who Jesus is. They call him “the Holy One of God” and “the Son of God”. They know more than the humans in these interactions. Yet their knowledge does them no good as they are unwilling to believe.
Notice this, their submission to Jesus’ commands is evidence of God’s greater power/authority. They MUST obey God. These exorcisms by Jesus are further evidence of God’s kingdom breaking in. As I mentioned last week, Jesus has bound the strong man (Satan) and is plundering his house by rescuing men and women from the devil’s grasp. What a wonderful realization! The people of Jesus’ day were in awe. They had never seen such authority on display. The spiritual realm bows the knee to King Jesus. *pause*
Unfortunately, even though the crowds came seeking Jesus’ mercy for help and healing, we know that not all believed. John records in his gospel account, that after feeding the 5,000 men + their families, here is what happens the next day:
John 6:24–29 (ESV)
24 So when the crowd saw that Jesus was not there, nor his disciples, they themselves got into the boats and went to Capernaum, seeking Jesus.
Listen to what happens next. Pay attention to Jesus’ words.
25 When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you come here?” 26 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. 27 Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you.
For on him God the Father has set his seal.” 28 Then they said to him, “What must we do, to be doing the works of God?” 29 Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.”
Too many only wanted the physical benefits of Jesus’ mercy without actually believing in him for salvation! This is a foolish response to the Savior of the world. Why would you settle for a full belly when the forgiveness of your sins and peace with God is on the table?
Thankfully, we know that some did believe! Next week, we will have the privilege of hearing about the calling of the first disciples. Here is a sneak peek of how that goes:
Luke 5:8–11 (ESV)
8 But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” 9 For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish that they had taken, 10 and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” 11 And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him.
When confronted with the power and authority of Jesus, these men trembled in recognition of their own sinfulness. But when the Lord extended mercy, they received it and left everything to follow him! This is the right response to your Savior! Receive his mercy and forgiveness. Leave your old way of life behind. Forsake sin and follow Christ!
As we heard earlier, Jesus came to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. This is the time in human history when God stands ready to forgive. A day is coming when he will judge the world in righteousness, but it is not here yet. He has extended his hand to you through Christ; will you receive the salvation you need from your alienation from God?
Thankfully this is the response of many throughout the ages. Many have received his mercy and forgiveness. Many have forsaken sin to follow Christ. And there are yet still others who need to hear and believe!
God, in his infinite wisdom, has chosen to work out his grand plan of redemption through the spreading of the gospel, the good news of the kingdom of God. It was brought first in power and authority by His Son, Jesus Christ, but then it was entrusted to Jesus’ disciples as they formed the church. And it is through the church that God continues to make his gospel known throughout history and around the world. This gospel proclamation and saturation occur as men and women, like yourselves, share the truth that you’ve come to know and love with others. How incredible that God chooses to use people like us as instruments of redemption in His hands!
What is your response to Jesus? I hope each and every one of us will consider that anew this morning. There are many poor responses possible, and one correct response. Believe in and follow him! Receive the forgiveness of your sins and salvation of your soul! Rejoice that you have the certainty of peace with God and eternal life!
Brothers and sisters in Christ, may we never grow tired of being reminded of the Good News of the Kingdom of God. And may we never tire of telling others of it. We must be faithful ambassadors. This is our calling and by it God is brought much glory.
Communion
We are going to close out our services by worshiping the Lord through the celebration of communion or the Lord’s table. Communion is an opportunity for Christians to be unified as we come together to remember all that the Lord has done for us through his death, burial, and resurrection. This is an opportunity for Christians to remember that we have embraced the promised hope of Christ for the forgiveness of our sins and salvation of our souls!
We will celebrate by partaking of both the bread and the cup as a symbol and reminder of Jesus’ body broken in our place and his blood shed for the forgiveness of our sins. Communion is an opportunity to remember how great a price was paid so that we could be saved from our sin. It is a sobering, yet joyful celebration for Christians. Sobering that the Son of God would give himself for us as a ransom. Joyful that he did, and the result is a living hope that cannot be taken from us! Jesus is victorious; therefore, we have the hope of heaven with Him!
At this time, I’d like to invite the ushers forward with the elements.
Before we pass them, I want to share the biblical requirements for joining in this celebration.
This celebration was given by Jesus to his followers. We invite anyone who has trusted in Jesus Christ alone for salvation to join us in this celebration today. If your faith is not in Jesus Christ alone, then we would encourage you to let the elements pass by you and simply consider what you’ve heard so far during the service this morning and reflect on what is keeping you from trusting him.
The second requirement we see in Scripture is a call to examine ourselves. This is the idea of making sure that you’ve confessed any known sins and sought to turn away from it. It would not be wise to partake of the table if you have sin in your life for which you are not repentant. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 11 that taking the table while living in sin is eating and drinking judgment on yourself. I would ask you not to do that, for your sake and the sake of God’s glory. Instead, I would encourage you to use this time to confess that sin and make a plan to address it right away. If you know you need to be reconciled to someone else in this church, please take care of that during this time. The table is time to protect the unity of the church.
The ushers are going to pass the elements now as we have a time of silent reflection and prayer to prepare for the table. Please use this time to reflect on all that we’ve talked about today and to prepare yourself to take communion by confessing and repenting of any known sin. After the elements have been passed, I’ll lead us in prayer and taking communion together.
Ushers pass elements
Silent prayer. Corporate prayer.
1 Corinthians 11:23–26 (ESV)
23 For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”
Take bread.
25 In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
Take cup
Hallelujah, thank you, Jesus!
Closing Song
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Jesus’ Mission and Reception
Luke 4:16-44
Why did Jesus come and how was he received?
Manuscript:
Good morning, church family! Introduce self + welcome guests + introduce sermon series
Dismiss 4th + 5th graders
Ushers + Bibles (Luke 4; page 1021)
What do you believe about Jesus? C.S. Lewis is known for popularizing the argument that Jesus is either liar, lunatic, legend, or Lord. He argues, convincingly, that Jesus is most certainly not a liar, lunatic, or legend, therefore he must be Lord. But is that what you believe? Is Jesus Lord – the ruler over all, the authority to whom we all answer? Your beliefs about Jesus are of the utmost importance for this life and what follows it.
Last week, in Luke 3:21-4:15, we witnessed the public reveal of Jesus as the hope for all people. Through Luke’s account of Jesus’ baptism, genealogy, and face-off with the devil, we were reminded that Jesus is the Son of God, fully divine, yet also that he is the Son of Adam, fully human, and that he is the faithful one who perfectly fulfills God’s grand redemption plan. He was prepared, qualified, and committed to carrying out God’s plan. We were given a window through which to watch his defeat of the devil in the wilderness. And he didn’t defeat the enemy through a display of physical strength or sheer willpower, but by being satisfied in God and holding fast to the truth of God’s written Word. These were powerful examples for us in our own battles against temptation and sin! When we closed out our study last week we were left wondering – “what will he do next?!”
We actually had the start to an answer for this question in our final two verses from last week. But we didn’t look closely at them. They were simply left hanging there. Let’s return to them this morning.
Luke 4:14–15 (ESV)
14 And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and a report about him went out through all the surrounding country. 15 And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all.
Luke captures a significant transition in two short verses. Jesus had overcome the devil and is now beginning his public ministry in the power of God the Holy Spirit in the region of Galilee. (Map) This region is going to be the emphasis of Jesus’ ministry from Luke 4:14-9:50, at which point he will set his face to go to Jerusalem to fulfill God’s plan in his death, burial, and resurrection.
Pay attention to the location of two cities on this map - Nazareth and Capernaum. These are going to be two of the primary locations where Jesus is ministering in our passages for today. Nazareth was his hometown, where Joseph and Mary raised him, while Capernaum was where Jesus operated out of as an adult during his public ministry.
At the start of his public ministry, we hear that the people of Galilee are taking note of Jesus’ ministry. There is excitement surrounding this new teacher! Word spreads about him as he teaches in their synagogues. It seems as if Jesus’ reception is going to be a positive one.
But it doesn’t last. As Jesus’ mission and message become clear to the people, their reactions begin to change. As we read the next segment of Luke today, you are going to see and hear of a variety of reactions to Jesus, from both humans and, surprisingly, from demons. Let’s turn our attention to the reading of God’s Word.
Luke 4:16–44 (ESV)
16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. And as was his custom, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and he stood up to read. 17 And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written,
18“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives
and recovering of sight to the blind,
to set at liberty those who are oppressed,
19to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
20 And he rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. 21 And he began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” 22 And all spoke well of him and marveled at the gracious words that were coming from his mouth. And they said, “Is not this Joseph’s son?” 23 And he said to them, “Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb, ‘ “Physician, heal yourself.” What we have heard you did at Capernaum, do here in your hometown as well.’ ” 24 And he said, “Truly, I say to you, no prophet is acceptable in his hometown. 25 But in truth, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heavens were shut up three years and six months, and a great famine came over all the land, 26 and Elijah was sent to none of them but only to Zarephath, in the land of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow. 27 And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.” 28 When they heard these things, all in the synagogue were filled with wrath. 29 And they rose up and drove him out of the town and brought him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they could throw him down the cliff. 30 But passing through their midst, he went away.
31 And he went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee. And he was teaching them on the Sabbath, 32 and they were astonished at his teaching, for his word possessed authority. 33 And in the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice, 34 “Ha! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.” 35 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent and come out of him!” And when the demon had thrown him down in their midst, he came out of him, having done him no harm. 36 And they were all amazed and said to one another, “What is this word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out!” 37 And reports about him went out into every place in the surrounding region.
38 And he arose and left the synagogue and entered Simon’s house. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was ill with a high fever, and they appealed to him on her behalf. 39 And he stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her, and immediately she rose and began to serve them.
40 Now when the sun was setting, all those who had any who were sick with various diseases brought them to him, and he laid his hands on every one of them and healed them. 41 And demons also came out of many, crying, “You are the Son of God!” But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew that he was the Christ.
42 And when it was day, he departed and went into a desolate place. And the people sought him and came to him, and would have kept him from leaving them, 43 but he said to them, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose.” 44 And he was preaching in the synagogues of Judea.
I ask you again - What do you believe about Jesus? This account for us by Luke reveals incredible details about the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. You have just heard Jesus articulate his mission and demonstrate the manner in which he will carry it out. And, as you saw, there were a variety of responses to him!
Now, our aim today is to answer two questions -
Why did Jesus come and how was he received?
But beyond just answering these questions for intellectual understanding, I hope our study will help you carefully evaluate your own response to Jesus.
So, let’s consider what is revealed to us about why Jesus came. It doesn’t get any better than Jesus himself giving an answer in verses 17-21. Look at these with me again.
To set the scene: Jesus is in the synagogue, the Jews’ place of public worship, on the Sabbath, their day of worship, and he is given the opportunity to read from the book of Isaiah. In the synagogue service, the reading and teaching of Scripture was open to the congregation, it was not restricted to a specific person. It is possible that the person overseeing the service, known as “the ruler of the synagogue”, may have invited Jesus to read and teach given his growing public stature. Or Jesus may have simply volunteered when the appropriate time came in the service. Either way, by God’s sovereign plan, the scroll of Isaiah was given to him, and Jesus specifically found the text he wanted to read and speak on. Isaiah 61:1-2 with a quote from 58:6 as well.
Now what does this passage speak about? For those who were with us last year when we studied the book of Isaiah, you know that this is speaking about the Servant of the Lord whom God would send to set his people free! This entire chapter of Isaiah depicts a beautiful future for God’s people wherein God’s anointed Servant would bring about God’s plan of spiritual and physical liberation! It was a message of great hope, and the people of Israel had long been awaiting its fulfillment. For 700 years, as many other nations conquered and oppressed them, they had been waiting for Isaiah’s prophecy to come true. And, as we just heard, Jesus is now publicly proclaiming, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”
So, why did Jesus come? In part, our answer must be…
Jesus is the anointed Servant of God. He has the Spirit of God upon him. And he has come to rescue and redeem his people!
But rescue and redeem them from what? That’s the rub, isn’t it? This text in Isaiah that Jesus applies to himself inherently means that the people need rescue and redemption. They are not “ok” on their own.
Jesus doesn’t immediately elaborate upon the answer in this text. But if we were to venture one chapter further in Luke’s gospel, it would be abundantly clear:
Luke 5:20 (ESV)
20 And when he saw their faith, he said, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.”
Luke 5:31–32 (ESV)
31 And Jesus answered them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 32 I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.”
Jesus has come to rescue and redeem us from the curse of sin! This is the underlying problem for humanity throughout the Biblical narrative. From Genesis 3 through Revelation 20 the Scriptures address a world and human race broken and corrupted by sin and in need of rescue and redemption. Sin is our biggest problem, because it has separated us from our Holy Creator God. And it is also our biggest problem because we cannot resolve it in our own strength or ability! That is why Jesus’ arrival is such good news – he is the liberator of men and women from their spiritual bondage! He has the authority and power to set us free from sin and death. That is what we see him demonstrating throughout this narrative. Power and authority, over both the physical and spiritual realm.
Not only does Jesus rescue and redeem us from the curse of sin, but he also rescues and redeems us from the effects of sin! When Jesus went to Simon’s house, he encountered Simon’s mother-in-law sick with a high fever. A significant illness that had left her bedridden. And what does Jesus do? He speaks a word of rebuke to the fever, and it leaves her! Her healing is so thorough and immediate that she can stand up and show hospitality to them. All because of the authority and power of Jesus!
Yet the evidence of his mission does not stop there. As soon as the sun goes down and the Sabbath is ended, the people of that region brought their sick to Jesus. And we are told in verse 40 that he laid his hands on EVERY ONE of them and healed them. Word about Jesus’ authority and power had spread far and wide and many came to see and benefit from it. As I was reading this passage throughout the week, I was just struck by the incredible kindness and mercy of Jesus to SO MANY! He didn’t just claim with his words to be the fulfillment of Isaiah 61; he demonstrated it by his subsequent actions and mission!
And, for our friends in the room who may currently be in the skeptical camp, what do you do with the increasing number of people who experienced Jesus’ power and authority? I assume you would agree that if you want to try to pass someone off as a fake, you’re going to keep the circle of people who are able to access him as limited as possible! After all that’s what the fake healers and so-called prophets of our day do – men like Benny Hinn limit access and require extensive help to keep their deception going. But Jesus welcomed the crowds and showed kindness and mercy to many! He put himself in the public eye repeatedly, so public were his miraculous signs that the religious leaders could not deny them but would eventually conspire to kill him. There is a lot of evidence to consider! *pause*
Jesus did not stop at rescuing and redeeming from the curse and effects of sin, he also rescued and redeemed from the agents of the enemy! In this text, we saw and heard of multiple instances where Jesus delivered demon-possessed people. This is a topic that does not sit easy with us in our modern, Western culture that is highly materialistic and reduces the spiritual realm to religious superstition. But, as we heard last week, there is a real enemy of God and humanity, the devil, and he and his fellow fallen angels (aka demons) do all that they can to deny God glory by tempting and enticing or even enslaving men and women.
This realization ought to serve as a wakeup call for us! Do not believe the lies of our humanistic, materialistic day and age that the spiritual realm is nonexistent or something to be treated lightly or even manipulated, as with many New Age or occult practices. The reality is that there is a physical realm, which we live in and observe all around us, yet there is also a spiritual realm, which we do not see yet still has a tangible influence on us. This passage does not provide any kind of explanation on the demonic possession of these people, other than to highlight that Jesus is the one with authority and power to set such captives free! The demons have no power in comparison to the Son of God. With his words, he sends them out and sets these people free.
All this to say, Jesus was sent by the Father to rescue and redeem. He came to address our greatest needs! He came showing incredible kindness and mercy to so many! How awesome is Jesus!! He is worthy of your faith and worship. No one else could do what he has done. There is no other answer for the curse of sin or the effects of sin on our bodies. The spiritual and physical brokenness that we endure in this lifetime has one answer – Jesus Christ. He alone can restore the soul to a proper relationship with God, and he alone can provide physical healing, whether he chooses to do so in this life or in the next with the provision of a new, resurrection body.
Are you thankful for the rescue and redemption that Jesus has provided? Christian brother or sister, we have such incredible hope in Jesus Christ! Though we were once dead in our sin, now, through Christ, we have new life and the hope of the forgiveness of our sins.
Which brings me to the next reason why Jesus came…
If you didn’t notice, both the start and end of our text for today was Jesus preaching! Preaching in the synagogue of Nazareth and the synagogues of Judea. His ministry, as he self-attests, was one of verbal proclamation!
Well, what was the content of his message? He described it as “the good news of the kingdom of God”. Let’s take that piece by piece to seek to understand just what he came to proclaim.
εὐαγγελίζω (euangelizō) – this is one Greek word that is translated “preach the good news”. It means to proclaim the message of divine salvation.
This message of divine salvation encapsulates a lot of what we developed in our first point today. Jesus is the Savior – the One who rescues and redeems those who believe in him.
But this good news is also “of the kingdom of God”. Meaning the message of divine salvation is inseparably linked with the rule and reign of God. To put it another way - the source of divine salvation is God’s authority and power realized in our lives and in our world.
It is good news that Jesus has brought God’s kingdom to bear on our present reality in a way unlike it had been before. You might think of it as heaven breaking in on earth. The beauty of God’s holiness and the freedom from sin and its curse and effects are seen as Jesus brings God’s kingdom to bear on the brokenness of our lives and world. The liberty that Jesus fulfilled from Isaiah 61 was not simply for the nation of Israel, but for all who would repent and believe in him. This is what Luke is aiming to drive home to Theophilus and readers like us. Jesus came to rescue and redeem the lost, which includes people from every tribe and tongue and nation on earth.
Which is an incredible promise to consider this morning. God has made a way for people enslaved by sin to be freed from sin’s rule and consequences! Instead, they can have the hope of righteousness and eternal life. This is a message that the Apostle Paul would later repeat to the church at Rome:
Romans 6:1–14 (ESV)
What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? 3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6 We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. 7 For one who has died has been set free from sin.
8 Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9 We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. 10 For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. 11 So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.
12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. 13 Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. 14 For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.
This reality of new life in God is what Jesus brought with him when he came. The good news of the kingdom of God is that sinners can be set free from sin and death through faith in Jesus. Rather than continuing to live as rebels against a Holy God, we can be forgiven and at peace. Rather than having to live as slaves to sin and unrighteousness, we can present our bodies to God as instruments for righteousness! God’s grace at work in and through us enables us to live godly lives that do good to others and bring God glory!
What we are witnessing is Luke 4 is just the beginning of God’s kingdom being brought to bear through Jesus Christ. But as we journey alongside him in the Gospel of Luke, we will see how his life and ministry, culminating in the crucifixion on the cross, are what God uses to demonstrate his rule and reign in increasingly amazing ways.
You must understand, the Bible captures the grand narrative of Creation. God has made all things, and though man’s rebellion in the Garden plunged the world into the darkness of sin, God has always had a plan to make all things new. He has always had a plan to address the devastating effects of sin on us and creation. From eternity past, the Father knew he would send the Son in the power of the Spirit to accomplish their grand redemption plan. The scope of this plan affects everyone, everywhere.
However, your response matters. As we have heard in our original passage today…
There is no question - Jesus’ teaching is polarizing… It reveals the hearts of men/women. When Jesus finished his preaching at the synagogue in Nazareth the response should have been deep conviction and repentance that led to faith in him... But instead, they had the wrong response of hard-heartedness and wrath against the one who was there to save them! When they heard Jesus explain to them that God’s pattern had been to work with the Gentiles after being rejected by the Jews, they were furious! They went from speaking well of him and marveling at his gracious words to forming an angry mob intent on killing him! Why? Because they were not interested in Jesus’ mission and message. They were interested in their own version of what they believed Messiah’s mission and message ought to be! They were self-focused and intent on things going well solely for the Jews. When it was revealed that God’s plan was much different and required death to their plan and selfish ambitions, they responded in the same way they had already been operating – selfishness. “Kill him!” Or, as the crowds will shout a couple of years later, “Crucify him!” Throughout Jesus’ life and ministry many rejected him and even sought to kill him because they would rather have life their way than submit to God’s will and ways.
There are still many people in our world today, perhaps even in this room, who are in this category of responders. You have no interest in submitting to God’s will and ways. You’d rather call the shots and believe you know better than God. You are effectively sitting in judgment on the Creator, and you would, whether you are willing to admit it or not, add your voice to the crowd shouting, “Crucify him!” This is an untenable position to remain in. It will not end well for such people. There is no possible outcome where it goes well for you when you rebel against the Supreme Authority. If you realize that this is your position, I am pleading with you to recognize the danger you are in. I do not want you to stand before your Creator and Judge without hope. Ask God to humble your heart and give you the ability to see clearly and understand the truth before it is too late.
Let’s turn our attention to another set of reactions we see to Jesus. The demons recognize Jesus and unwillingly submit to his authority. This is quite telling. These spiritual beings have the intellectual knowledge of who Jesus is. They call him “the Holy One of God” and “the Son of God”. They know more than the humans in these interactions. Yet their knowledge does them no good as they are unwilling to believe.
Notice this, their submission to Jesus’ commands is evidence of God’s greater power/authority. They MUST obey God. These exorcisms by Jesus are further evidence of God’s kingdom breaking in. As I mentioned last week, Jesus has bound the strong man (Satan) and is plundering his house by rescuing men and women from the devil’s grasp. What a wonderful realization! The people of Jesus’ day were in awe. They had never seen such authority on display. The spiritual realm bows the knee to King Jesus. *pause*
Unfortunately, even though the crowds came seeking Jesus’ mercy for help and healing, we know that not all believed. John records in his gospel account, that after feeding the 5,000 men + their families, here is what happens the next day:
John 6:24–29 (ESV)
24 So when the crowd saw that Jesus was not there, nor his disciples, they themselves got into the boats and went to Capernaum, seeking Jesus.
Listen to what happens next. Pay attention to Jesus’ words.
25 When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you come here?” 26 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. 27 Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you.
For on him God the Father has set his seal.” 28 Then they said to him, “What must we do, to be doing the works of God?” 29 Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.”
Too many only wanted the physical benefits of Jesus’ mercy without actually believing in him for salvation! This is a foolish response to the Savior of the world. Why would you settle for a full belly when the forgiveness of your sins and peace with God is on the table?
Thankfully, we know that some did believe! Next week, we will have the privilege of hearing about the calling of the first disciples. Here is a sneak peek of how that goes:
Luke 5:8–11 (ESV)
8 But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” 9 For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish that they had taken, 10 and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” 11 And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him.
When confronted with the power and authority of Jesus, these men trembled in recognition of their own sinfulness. But when the Lord extended mercy, they received it and left everything to follow him! This is the right response to your Savior! Receive his mercy and forgiveness. Leave your old way of life behind. Forsake sin and follow Christ!
As we heard earlier, Jesus came to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. This is the time in human history when God stands ready to forgive. A day is coming when he will judge the world in righteousness, but it is not here yet. He has extended his hand to you through Christ; will you receive the salvation you need from your alienation from God?
Thankfully this is the response of many throughout the ages. Many have received his mercy and forgiveness. Many have forsaken sin to follow Christ. And there are yet still others who need to hear and believe!
God, in his infinite wisdom, has chosen to work out his grand plan of redemption through the spreading of the gospel, the good news of the kingdom of God. It was brought first in power and authority by His Son, Jesus Christ, but then it was entrusted to Jesus’ disciples as they formed the church. And it is through the church that God continues to make his gospel known throughout history and around the world. This gospel proclamation and saturation occur as men and women, like yourselves, share the truth that you’ve come to know and love with others. How incredible that God chooses to use people like us as instruments of redemption in His hands!
What is your response to Jesus? I hope each and every one of us will consider that anew this morning. There are many poor responses possible, and one correct response. Believe in and follow him! Receive the forgiveness of your sins and salvation of your soul! Rejoice that you have the certainty of peace with God and eternal life!
Brothers and sisters in Christ, may we never grow tired of being reminded of the Good News of the Kingdom of God. And may we never tire of telling others of it. We must be faithful ambassadors. This is our calling and by it God is brought much glory.
Communion
We are going to close out our services by worshiping the Lord through the celebration of communion or the Lord’s table. Communion is an opportunity for Christians to be unified as we come together to remember all that the Lord has done for us through his death, burial, and resurrection. This is an opportunity for Christians to remember that we have embraced the promised hope of Christ for the forgiveness of our sins and salvation of our souls!
We will celebrate by partaking of both the bread and the cup as a symbol and reminder of Jesus’ body broken in our place and his blood shed for the forgiveness of our sins. Communion is an opportunity to remember how great a price was paid so that we could be saved from our sin. It is a sobering, yet joyful celebration for Christians. Sobering that the Son of God would give himself for us as a ransom. Joyful that he did, and the result is a living hope that cannot be taken from us! Jesus is victorious; therefore, we have the hope of heaven with Him!
At this time, I’d like to invite the ushers forward with the elements.
Before we pass them, I want to share the biblical requirements for joining in this celebration.
This celebration was given by Jesus to his followers. We invite anyone who has trusted in Jesus Christ alone for salvation to join us in this celebration today. If your faith is not in Jesus Christ alone, then we would encourage you to let the elements pass by you and simply consider what you’ve heard so far during the service this morning and reflect on what is keeping you from trusting him.
The second requirement we see in Scripture is a call to examine ourselves. This is the idea of making sure that you’ve confessed any known sins and sought to turn away from it. It would not be wise to partake of the table if you have sin in your life for which you are not repentant. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 11 that taking the table while living in sin is eating and drinking judgment on yourself. I would ask you not to do that, for your sake and the sake of God’s glory. Instead, I would encourage you to use this time to confess that sin and make a plan to address it right away. If you know you need to be reconciled to someone else in this church, please take care of that during this time. The table is time to protect the unity of the church.
The ushers are going to pass the elements now as we have a time of silent reflection and prayer to prepare for the table. Please use this time to reflect on all that we’ve talked about today and to prepare yourself to take communion by confessing and repenting of any known sin. After the elements have been passed, I’ll lead us in prayer and taking communion together.
Ushers pass elements
Silent prayer. Corporate prayer.
1 Corinthians 11:23–26 (ESV)
23 For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”
Take bread.
25 In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
Take cup
Hallelujah, thank you, Jesus!
Closing Song