As we begin in Luke again, let us remember where we were in this Gospel. Luke had foretold the births of both John the Baptist and Jesus. We hear their mother’s faith-building stories as they awaited the birth of their firstborn sons. Luke then, in a detailed fashion, tells of the angel-attending birth of Jesus, Simeon’s prophecy at seeing Christ at his circumcision, and Jesus as a boy in the temple.

We also saw a parallel story of John the Baptist as he grew and entered ministry. He clearly told those who came to him for baptism that, “One more powerful than I will come...He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire” (Luke 3:16). In the very next section we see Jesus baptized, the Holy Spirit descending on Him first, and then being called the Beloved Son by a heavenly voice for all to hear. This astounding event is followed by a genealogy. Luke traces Joseph’s lineage through David, and Abraham, and Noah, all the way back to Adam.

As Chapter 4 begins, a New Adam, a Savior, the Promised Seed, a Greater David enters ministry. Jesus overcomes Satan’s initial temptations in the desert and then He returns to Galilee. This is where we pick up the narrative in verse 14. Through the Spirit, Jesus teaches in Galilee. News spreads. Everyone praises Him.

Then Jesus goes to His hometown, Nazareth. Jesus makes an astounding proclamation. Read with me to find out what new thing God intends to do through His Son, a Nazarene.

Luke 4.14-24

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.

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,

o set at liberty those who are oppressed,

19 to 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.

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ How was Jesus equipped to transition from the desert to Galilee? [v. 14]

+ What did Jesus do when he returned? [v. 15]

+ How did the people respond to His teaching? [v. 15]

+ Where does Jesus go next? What does He do there? [v. 16]

+ What does “as was His custom” tell us about Jesus’s pattern as he traveled?

+ What scroll was handed to Jesus? [v. 17]

+ Jesus “found” Isaiah 61.1-2 on the scroll. He chose to read this promise that a Messiah would come to bring freedom. He then sat down. Eyes were fixed. What astounding thing does he say in Verse 21?

+ How do we see Jesus fulfilling the prophetic vision of Isaiah on this side of the cross?

+ How did the people respond in verse 22?

+ What was their question for each other?

+ How does this question lead into Jesus’s comment in verse 23?

+ In Mark Chapters 1 and 2 and in the rest of Luke Chapter 4, it tells of many miracles Jesus accomplishes in Capernaum. Each miracle set the person free from something. How does this physical healing give tangible evidence that Jesus is who He says He is?

+ Why don’t many in Nazareth believe? [vs. 22-24?]

+ Why don’t we believe today?

+ What “new thing” is God now doing in history?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ How has the Spirit moved me in recent days?

+ Am I listening and giving room for the Spirit to direct my path?

+ What are my “customs?” Would others note that I go to God’s House, teach God’s people and/or proclaim God’s Word?

+ Do I have the courage to stand in my “hometown” and proclaim the “Good News” of Christ?

+ How does my fear of “not being acceptable” in my hometown paralyze me?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?

+ Who do you know that needs the “Good News?”

+ Who needs you to point the way to true liberty and freedom through Jesus Christ?

+ Who's watching how you respond to Jesus’s teaching in faith and action? A parent? A spouse? A sibling? A friend? A colleague?

+ Who can you pray for each day this New Year that God would draw them to a new life in Him?