Sermons

Rejected by Men

March 13, 2020 Preacher: Gareth Franks Series: The Gospel of Luke

Topic: The Gospel Scripture: Luke 4:14–30

Home Group Study

Sermon Date: 13 March 2020

Text: Luke 4:14-30

Opening Discussion: Before becoming a Christian, what did you really think of the Bible? Was it a mysterious holy book? Did you think it was a book only for priests or scholars? A bunch of myths? Good moral teaching? Just the words of people? The Word of God? Share your story.

Summary:

In this study we are going to see Jesus’ attitude toward the Bible of his day (the Old Testament). We’ll see how he took it as an authoritative witness to himself and gave his audience a much more comprehensive and clearer interpretation of it.

As reported by Luke (4:14-15), our Lord’s ministry in Galilee had been in the power of the Spirit (4:14). We assume that a number of miracles were performed, but they are not mentioned, nor are they emphasized. What is emphasized is the preaching ministry of our Lord in Galilee, and His prominence and popularity which resulted. Reports of our Lord’s ministry reached the people of Nazareth before He did. When He finally arrived, the level of anticipation and excitement was high.

Jesus goes to His own people in the synagogue on the Sabbath day (4:16), and reveals Himself as their promised Messiah, but they reject Him; so the gospel message goes to the Gentiles. The narrative shows us some reasons why religious people often reject Jesus Christ. Religious people reject Christ because they do not want to submit to His lordship and they do not want to admit their sinful, desperate condition. It was the religious crowd in Nazareth that not only reacted against Jesus’ sermon, they went right from their “church” service to try to shove the speaker off a cliff!

Verses 14 and 15 summarize the ministry of our Lord in Galilee, which serves as a backdrop to His appearance at Nazareth. In verses 16-21 Luke has recorded the appearance of our Lord at the synagogue, His reading of a portion from the prophecy of Isaiah, and His astounding claim that this prophecy has been fulfilled in the hearing of His audience. The positive response of the people is described in verse 22, which is immediately challenged by our Lord in verses 23-27. The result is a near riot, where the people have every intention of killing our Lord by forcing Him over a precipice to His death.

Investigation & Interpretation:

  • Read: Luke 4:14-30
  1. What does Jesus’ choice of scripture tell us about his view of his mission? v.18-19 – look also at v.43
  2. What does Jesus claim about himself in verse 21?
  3. What seems to be confusing the people in the town “where He had been brought up”? v.22
  4. What does Jesus realize is going on under the surface? v.23-27
  5. How does the townspeople’s reaction prove his point? v.28-29

Application - How must I change?

  • Is there a Truth to be believed?

The people of Nazareth seem to have expected that they had a right to Jesus’ blessings and miracles because they were from his hometown – because of who they were. But they found themselves watching Jesus’ back as he walked away from them. What sorts of people consider themselves to have a “right” to Jesus’ blessings or help today? Why?

  • Is there an Attitude to be fostered?

A danger in growing up in a Christian home is that one can become too familiar with the Bible and take Christ’s teachings for granted. How can a person from a Christian background avoid over-familiarity and keep fresh with the truths of the faith?

  • Is there a Behavior to be changed?

How does the emphasis on Jesus’ love for sinners, the outcast and the blind apply to you? What does it say about the priorities his people should operate by? Who are the poor, captive, blind or oppressed people living near you? What can your group do to show Jesus’ love to them?

Conclusion:

Jesus, while in the synagogue said that He had come to proclaim good news to the poor. That must mean that there were poor (in the synagogue) that needed good news. He said He had come to proclaim liberty to captives. That must mean that there were people (in the synagogue) that were captive and needed liberation. He said He had come to give sight to the blind. That must mean that there were some folks (in the synagogue) that were spiritually blind. He said He had come to give liberty to those who were oppressed. That must mean that there were those who were under the oppressive bondage of the world, the flesh, and the devil, and they needed to be set free (in the synagogue). But there were a lot of religious people working really hard to believe they were free; when they’re not…very much the same as today.

Jesus said He had come as the Anointed of the Lord to proclaim good news to people who are sinners like this — blind, and poor, and oppressed, captive and sinful. But until we admit who we are, until we admit our need we play the game of denial. We play the game of blame-shifting. Or, if we play the game of appearances, then we miss the gracious hand of Jesus reaching out to us with good news.

In verse 21, Jesus says, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” The phrase, “in your hearing,” points to the availability of the good news. If you’re hearing it, it is being offered to you. The word “today” points to the urgency of the good news. Today is the day of salvation. You may not have tomorrow. Only those who acknowledge themselves to be sinners in the sight of God, justly deserving his displeasure, and without hope, except in his sovereign mercy receive the grace of God.

More in The Gospel of Luke

July 24, 2020

Love So Amazing So Divine

July 17, 2020

How To Respond In Faith.

July 10, 2020

Our Living Hope.