Jesus Begins His Ministry

Rejected

Jesus returns-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.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Lk 4:14–15). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

Verses 14 and 15 only tell us that he returned, so we have to ask the question, from where? It is not quite clear why a report about Jesus began to circulate, for he has not yet been described as doing anything. But he came back from Jordan in the power of the Spirit (notice Luke’s interest in the Spirit). Evidently it could be seen that Jesus was filled with the Spirit and this caused comment.

Morris, L. (1988). Luke: an introduction and commentary (Vol. 3, p. 125). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.

Something I found interesting in my studies this week. It was a custom for the standing to read the scriptures and sitting down to preach. :) Jesus came back to the place where he grew up and went to the synagogue where he was invited to preach. There was no clergy in the synagogue and leaders would share the opportunity to speak the word at different times. Jesus was selected, perhaps because he had been gone and had just returned. It is thought that the people could sense something different about him.

English Standard Version Chapter 4

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,

Jesus read the words, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,” Where Jesus is returning from is the Jordan River. Jesus has been Baptized. Remember what happened? The Spirit of the Lord descended upon Jesus as a dove. “because he has anointed me

to proclaim good news to the poor. “

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Lk 4:18). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

I spoke to you last week concerning the thought that some reject the idea that the Kingdom is a Spirit world and this is the beginning of that rejection. Jesus goes on to proclaim the scripture from Isaiah. Isaiah had proclaimed these words over seven hundred year before and now the one who he wrote the words about was standing in the synagogue proclaiming them again. “ 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,

19  to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Lk 4:18–19). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

Jesus then rolls up the scroll and puts it away. Then he sits down and begins to teach. This is where the real trouble begins because when Jesus teaches with authority instead of just reading from the scripture the people get defensive. 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.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Lk 4:20). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

If you have ears to hear, the Word of God has been preached. 21 And he began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Lk 4:21). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles. What did the people do after this?