I. Background Information
Luke 4:14 Then Jesus returned to Galilee, and the power of the Holy Spirit was with him. The news about him spread throughout all that territory. 15 He taught in the synagogues and was praised by everyone. 16 Then Jesus went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath he went as usual to the synagogue. He stood up to read the Scriptures 17 and was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it is written, 18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has chosen me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free the oppressed 19 and announce that the time has come when the Lord will save his people.” 20 Jesus rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. All the people in the synagogue had their eyes fixed on him, 21 as he said to them, “This passage of scripture has come true today, as you heard it being read.”
III. Label the Text
- Mark anything you see which is interesting.
- Jesus reads from the Old Testament in Isaiah 61.
- Circle the four things the text says Jesus has come to do (v 18-19).
IV. Reflect on the Text
Based on what the Spirit has sent Jesus to do, what would you expect to see happening in the rest of the story of His life?
Write at least two questions about this text.
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V. Link to the History and Culture of the Jews
Usually, Jewish teachers stood up to read and sat down to teach. When they sat down to teach, they usually read what the teachers in the past had written about the scripture. The Jewish people knew that these verses from Isaiah were talking about the Savior whom God promised to send one day to rescue his people and establish God’s kingdom of peace and love and healing. Note, however, that Jesus does not quote the older teachers. What does He say when he sits down?
What is Jesus implying about Himself?
VI. Personal Application
When we become a follower of Jesus, we join Him in His work! This is an amazing privilege. If you announced your mission in life as His follower, what would you say? (in your own words - not just repeating the words in this text)
As one of Jesus followers, what is your mission for this semester?
How would you like to see God use you this semester?
As Jesus continues His work, what changes would you like to see Him make in your life this semester?
