Luke 4:16-21
Introduction:
Jesus’ reading in the Temple the day’s set portion for the Sabbath reading was more than a coincidence.
On this Communion Sunday I want to speak to you about Jesus’ becoming and being a ‘Game Changer.’
Jesus’ reading in the Temple came / come from the Book/Prophet Isiah.
Isaiah 49:8-9
Thus says the LORD: “In an acceptable time I have heard You, And in the day of salvation I have helped You; I will preserve You and give You As a covenant to the people, To restore the earth, To cause them to inherit the desolate heritages; 9 That You may say to the prisoners,`Go forth,’ To those who are in darkness,`Show yourselves.’ “They shall feed along the roads, And their pastures shall be on all desolate heights. (Isa 49:8 NKJ)
Isaiah 61:1
,
“The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me, Because the LORD has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound; (Isa 61:1 NKJ)
Application:
Jesus changes everything!
Context/Background of Isaiah 61
-
The second half of the Book of Isaiah has much to say about ‘spirit endowment’ (= anointing) upon God’s servant/servants, more generally with Jacob/Israel’s offspring.
-
The spirit-endowment (anointing) is an expression that appears frequently with those who bring ‘good news’ and ‘glad tidings.’
-
Isaiah 61 is a reminder of the good news that God will keep his covenant (word) ‘with them’.
The
Mission
of the Servant is made manifest: The specific
Function
.
This function and mission is fully comprehended through the lens of his relationship to that segment of the community God seeks to redeem.
I. Anointed to preach the Gospel
-
To the poor
(not monetarily but spiritually)
Application
: Those who have had nothing before can / have ‘hit the jackpot.’
-
The oppressed
– Those in bondage; those put down, marginalized, overlooked and enslaved.
Romans 6:16, ‘Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?’ (NKJ)
The afflicted – Those who have and are paying the consequences for their errors and ways.
Afflicted = 1) (Qal) to be occupied, be busied with 2) to afflict, oppress, humble, be afflicted, be bowed down 2a) (Qal) 2a1) to be put down, become low 2a2) to be depressed, be downcast
Isaiah 53:7, ‘He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, And as a sheep before its shearers is silent, So He opened not His mouth’. (NKJ)
Transition: 2nd, he was anointed to heal…
II. Heal the brokenhearted
‘Heal’ or ‘bind up’ = bandage – Set into motion a path for healing and recovery.
Brokenhearted = that which has been wrecked, crushed, crippled and maimed; violently disconnected
III. Proclaim liberty to the captives / oppressed – opening of prison doors to those who are bound (Isaiah)
Freedom, opportunity, freshness
The faint spirited.
IV. Recovery of sight to blind
Question: Is he speaking physically or spiritually? The answer is YES.
V. Proclaim acceptable year of the Lord
Right time
Appropriate time
Kingdom age time – last day times
Here
Now

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