“I must preach the good news...in other towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose.” These are the last words Jesus says in chapter four. Look at the progression through chapter four: Jesus was tempted [v. 1]. He overcame and began a ministry [v. 14]. He was rejected [v. 16]. He persevered and healed one [v. 31]. And healed many [v. 38].

Today we find Jesus in a “desolate” place. As we are to be talmid/disciples who imitate Christ, we can meditate on His path from chapter four, and also on His single-minded focus.

Let’s explore.

Luke 4.42-44

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.

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

+ Why do you think Jesus went to a desolate place?

+ If you read verse 28-30 again, what strikes you about the people’s response in this passage compared to those verses?

+ Jesus uses the term “preach” in verses 43 and 44. One of the definitions of preach is: “To advocate, especially to urge acceptance of or compliance with.” Reread the verses and think of preach in those terms. Do you think Jesus was preaching in these terms?

+ If we are “in Christ” and have “died that He may live”...how can we adopt the heart posture that “we must” preach the good news? We know that we will face trials and rejections. What was Jesus filled with to help him accomplish the mission -- now our mission -- of spreading the good news?

[ 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?

+ The “good news” that Jesus was preaching is that He was going to die. He is our model to follow. Given the fact that He was willing to sacrifice all for our salvation, that He was going to give His life...what precious parts of our lives can we give up for our King -- even and especially when it hurts -- and call it “good news”?

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

+ What is my next step?