Fulfilled
Fulfilled
December 29, 2002 Luke 4:14-30
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 61:1-3, page 1157, pew Bible
Introduction:
Fulfilled: full + filled
Scandinavian Christmas meal full course – all you could want
Ruth and Veikko Saari – annual Christmas meal
Our Christmas meal this year
What if you said, "I don't want any. I know what all that tastes like."
Your familiarity would not do justice to your continuing need to be fulfilled.
We must continually return to the table.
This is in the divine wisdom of God.
Familiarity: Food – Fred's kids won't eat leftovers
Neighborhood stop signs taken for granted
Jesus' Own Family
“ Jesus’ brothers said to him, "You ought to leave here and go to Judea, so that your disciples may see the miracles you do. No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret. Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world." For even his own brothers did not believe in him.” (John 7:3-5 NIVUS)
“ When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, "He is out of his mind."” (Mark 3:21 NIVUS)
“ I am a stranger to my brothers, an alien to my own mother’s sons;” (Psalms 69:8 NIVUS)
Familiarity can be a bad thing if you take for granted.
Familiarity can be a good thing if you seek to understand.
False familiarity with Christ leads to failure. You say, "I know him, but you don't."
True familiarity with Christ leads to fulfillment. You say, "I need to know him more."
Let us look at Luke 4:14-30 this morning to see what it says about Christ and fulfillment.
The folks Jesus preached to in his hometown of Nazareth had a problem with familiarity and failed to be fulfilled.
Big Question:
What about Scripture is fulfilled in Christ?
I. Cycle One
A. Narrative
“ "The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and recovery of sight for the blind,
to release the oppressed,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor."” (Luke 4:18-19 NIVUS)
A priest preaches the truth of God for the salvation of the people.
B. Implication
Christ fulfills the office of High Priest.
C. Illustration
D. Application
Priest;
Joshua, Zech. 3 (prophecy linked to Christ)
II. Cycle Two
A. Narrative
“ "The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and recovery of sight for the blind,
to release the oppressed,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor."” (Luke 4:18-19 NIVUS)
NOTE: Spirit of the Lord; Zech. 4:6, Is. 61:1
A ruler proclaims the power of God for the release of the people.
B. Implication
Christ fulfills the office of Divine Ruler.
C. Illustration
My grandmother's genealogical research.
D. Application
Jesus' Lineage; Mt. 1:12-13 (written for Jews)
(note the women of Scripture)
(note the beginning with Abraham)
(note the line of Joseph from David and Bathsheba through Solomon)
(this is Jesus' legal claim to the throne of David)
Lk. 3:27 (written for gentile Greeks)
(note the line of Mary from David and Bathsheba through Nathan, 1 Chron. 3:5)
(note the connection back to the entire human race)
(this is Jesus' bloodline claim to the throne of David)
The Unique Connection in Zerubbabel;
Haggai 2:20-23; signet ring
Zerubbabel, son of Shealtiel, found in both genealogies
The Unique Connection of both Priest and King;
Priest; Joshua,
Governor; Zerubbabel
Zech. 4 (prophecy linked to Christ)
“ He of whom these things are said belonged to a different tribe, and no one from that tribe has ever served at the altar. For it is clear that our Lord descended from Judah, and in regard to that tribe Moses said nothing about priests.” (Hebrews 7:13-14 NIVUS)
III. Cycle Three
A. Narrative
“ "The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and recovery of sight for the blind,
to release the oppressed,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor."” (Luke 4:18-19 NIVUS)
A prophet speaks for God himself.
B. Implication
Christ fulfills the culmination of all prophecy.
C. Illustration
D. Application
The disciples held that Jesus was a prophet:
“ When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets."” (Matthew 16:13-14 NIVUS)
The people held that Jesus was a prophet:
“ The crowds answered, "This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee."” (Matthew 21:11 NIVUS)
“ They looked for a way to arrest him, but they were afraid of the crowd because the people held that he was a prophet.” (Matthew 21:46 NIVUS)
“ And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him,” (Luke 1:76 NIVUS)
“ They were all filled with awe and praised God. "A great prophet has appeared among us," they said. "God has come to help his people."” (Luke 7:16 NIVUS)
“ "What things?" he asked. "About Jesus of Nazareth," they replied. "He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people.” (Luke 24:19 NIVUS)
“ "Sir," the woman said, "I can see that you are a prophet.” (John 4:19 NIVUS)
“ After the people saw the miraculous sign that Jesus did, they began to say, "Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world."” (John 6:14 NIVUS)
“ On hearing his words, some of the people said, "Surely this man is the Prophet."” (John 7:40 NIVUS)
“ Finally they turned again to the blind man, "What have you to say about him? It was your eyes he opened." The man replied, "He is a prophet."” (John 9:17 NIVUS)
His enemies mocked his prophetic office:
“ and said, "Prophesy to us, Christ. Who hit you?"” (Matthew 26:68 NIVUS)
Jesus himself claimed to be a prophet:
“ Jesus said to them, "Only in his hometown, among his relatives and in his own house is a prophet without honor."” (Mark 6:4 NIVUS)
“ In any case, I must keep going today and tomorrow and the next day— for surely no prophet can die outside Jerusalem!” (Luke 13:33 NIVUS)
All prophecy is about Jesus:
“ For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John.” (Matthew 11:13 NIVUS)
“ At this I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, "Do not do it! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy."” (Revelation 19:10 NIVUS)
The time will come when all prophecy will cease.
All prophecy is embodied in Christ and culminates in Christ, but is not yet completed since he has not yet returned.
1 Cor. speaks of the gift of prophecy in present times.
But all prophecy will cease when Christ returns.
Zech. 13:1-6
IV. Cycle Four
A. Narrative
“ The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.” (Isaiah 61:1-3 NIVUS)
This is the part of Isaiah's prophecy that Jesus did not quote in Luke 4:18-19.
He did not quote it because it was not yet to happen.
B. Implication
Christ will yet fulfill God's retribution and restoration.
C. Illustration
D. Application
Retribution on Israel's enemies; Zech. 12:1-9, 14:3, 12-15
Retribution upon Israel; Zech. 13:7-9
Restoration upon the remnant of grace; Zech. 12:10-14
Restoration upon the land and the city; Zech. 14:4-11
Restoration upon the nations; Zech. 14:16-21
(See also: Rev. 19-22)
Conclusion:
You can have all you want of God in Christ.
Keep choosing Christ and you will be fulfilled.
He is your prophet, priest and king.
He will return as both judge and comforter – to bring retribution to his enemies and restoration to his people.
Your future depends on your present choice.
Is this the year of the Lord's favor to you?
Is he your prophet, priest and king?
Big Answer:
What about Scripture is fulfilled in Christ?
Christ fulfills the office of High Priest.
Christ fulfills the office of Divine Ruler.
Christ fulfills the culmination of all prophecy.
Christ will yet fulfill God's retribution and restoration.
Timeless Truth:
When you've got Jesus, you've got it all.
Spiritually speaking, Jesus is a full course Christmas meal of all you could ever desire in God. He fulfills all Scripture --- (mentioned in 35 verses in the gospels)
*Matthew 1:22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:
Matthew 2:15 where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: "Out of Egypt I called my son."
Matthew 2:17 Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled:
Matthew 2:23 and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets: "He will be called a Nazarene."
*Matthew 3:15 Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." Then John consented.
Matthew 4:14 to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah:
*Matthew 5:17 "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.
*Matthew 8:17 This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: "He took up our infirmities and carried our diseases."
Matthew 12:17 This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah:
Matthew 13:14 In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: "‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.
*Matthew 13:35 So was fulfilled what was spoken through the prophet: "I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter things hidden since the creation of the world."
Matthew 21:4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:
Matthew 26:54 But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?"
Matthew 26:56 But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled." Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.
Matthew 27:9 Then what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled: "They took the thirty silver coins, the price set on him by the people of Israel,
*Mark 13:4 "Tell us, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are all about to be fulfilled?"
Mark 14:49 Every day I was with you, teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled."
*Luke 1:1 Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us,
Luke 4:21 and he began by saying to them, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."
Luke 9:31 appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem.
*Luke 18:31 Jesus took the Twelve aside and told them, "We are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled.
*Luke 21:22 For this is the time of punishment in fulfillment of all that has been written.
*Luke 21:24 They will fall by the sword and will be taken as prisoners to all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
Luke 22:16 For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God."
*Luke 22:37 It is written: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors’; and I tell you that this must be fulfilled in me. Yes, what is written about me is reaching its fulfillment."
*Luke 24:44 He said to them, "This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms."
John 12:38 This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet: "Lord, who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?"
John 13:18 "I am not referring to all of you; I know those I have chosen. But this is to fulfill the scripture: ‘He who shares my bread has lifted up his heel against me.’
John 15:25 But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: ‘They hated me without reason.’
John 17:12 While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled.
John 18:9 This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: "I have not lost one of those you gave me."
John 18:32 This happened so that the words Jesus had spoken indicating the kind of death he was going to die would be fulfilled.
John 19:24 "Let’s not tear it," they said to one another. "Let’s decide by lot who will get it." This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled which said, "They divided my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing." So this is what the soldiers did.
John 19:28 Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, "I am thirsty."
John 19:36 These things happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled: "Not one of his bones will be broken,"
--- and he will fulfill you.
“ And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19 NIVUS)
2 Thessalonians 1:11 With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith.
When you are fulfilled in Christ, you are complete in God.
It is quite fitting that Christ was born in a manger – a feeding trough for the entire world.
Let us strive to feast at the manger of the Christ child all the days of our lives since Jesus said:
“ I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life. I am the bread of life. Your forefathers ate the manna in the desert, yet they died. But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which a man may eat and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." Then the Jews began to argue sharply among themselves, "How can this man give us his flesh to eat?" Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him. Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your forefathers ate manna and died, but he who feeds on this bread will live forever."” (John 6:47-58 NIVUS)
Jesus is our fulfilling Christmas meal of all we could ever want in God.
“ Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” (Matthew 5:6 NIVUS)
Closing Hymn: # 518 The Longer I Serve Him