Can Jesus Free Me?

Can Jesus Free Me?

Text: Luke 4:14-20

Introduction

Quote: “Give me liberty or give me death” — Patrick Henry

The Jews in Jesus’ day thought of this liberty in terms of freedom from foreign domination. But the Messiah is concerned with setting people’s spirits free. The freedom that matters is the freedom Christ gives. Jesus says plainly that people are really free when the Son sets them free (John 8:36). (Holman Treasury Of Bible Words)

1) Jesus Was Qualified

I think it is humbling to notice His selection of scripture. No doubt Jesus had intended to reveal His true character.

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me”

All gifts and graces were placed upon Jesus.

When it comes to considering my own life, I know that I am in need of endless gifts and graces from Jesus.

John 3:34 “For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.”

Notice verse 14 again.

“…because he hath appointed me…”

Jesus was FIT for the task!

Those who God appoints, He anoints.

“…anointed to preach the gospel”

Jesus was appointed and anointed to evangelize.

Jesus would make this message effectual (i.e. pierce the heart and reveal it’s darkness; deadness, etc)

Jesus’ task was not to lead them out of Roman control but out from under the control of the world and their sin.

2) Jesus And His Audience

A. He was to preach to the poor

“Poor” define: pertaining to being thrust on divine resources; spiritually oppressed and disillusioned (they need God’s help).

POOR IN THE WORLD — Jewish religious leaders scoffed at undertaking the task to teach them.

MEEK & HUMBLE

THOSE SORROWFUL FOR SIN

It is this group of people that grace will be more likely to be welcomed following the illumination work of the gospel message.

This audience tells us that to receive freedom of the soul, the gospel of Jesus must plunge deeper than our hearing. It must be an INWARD EXPERIENCE!!!

Without this “knowledge applied” you will die in your sins.

It is now SERMON HEARING that prevents you from sinful actions and eternal punishment

B. What was Jesus’ message?

DELIVERANCE TO THE CAPTIVES

The gospel is a unique message of liberty!

This liberty can be likened to the liberty Israel felt in Egypt and Babylon.

This liberty can be likened to someone being freed from prison or from an addiction.

HOWEVER, GOSPEL LIBERTY far exceeds the benefits of earthly freedoms.

The gospel frees one from a spiritual bondage, deadness, sickness, etc.

The souls bondage is of the WORST kind.

Illustration: While a mere mortal man can lead a nation to certain liberties, your soul’s liberty requires divine action.

The CAPTIVES must be willing to fully surrender a depending trust upon Jesus as their Savior and Lord (willing to be ruled by Him).

RECOVERING SIGHT TO THE BLIND

Please notice another dimension to YOUR condition…

Not only were/are in bondage to your sin, but you are completely blind to your need of Jesus.

Matthew 4:16 “The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.”

Psalm 107:10 “Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, Being bound in affliction and iron;”

Jesus did not just come with false promises!

Jesus came to evangelize to the bound and blind!!!

Illustration: Jesus in a sense has an eye salve for your spiritual eyes.

ACCEPTABLE YEAR OF THE LORD (v19)

LISTEN — Jesus had come to tell the world that the God whom they had offended was willing to reconcile them to Himself.

The Father was willing to accept them upon new terms.

Their services to Him could become acceptable to Him.

It alludes to the year of release, or that of jubilee, which was an acceptable year to servants, who were then set at liberty; to debtors, against whom all actions then dropped; and to those who had mortgaged their lands, for then they returned to them again. (Matthew Henry Quote)

Jesus was sounding the jubilee trumpet for the souls of men.

Psalm 89:15 “Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: They shall walk, O Lord, in the light of thy countenance.”

Conclusion

So, how can someone have assurance that they have received gospel freedom?

Are you continuing to be led to real repentance?

Are you being led to a lively faith and service toward Jesus?

Do you have a inner drive to resist sin and the devil?