What unfolds in the life of Jesus in this chapter? A discussion about the Sabbath. Jesus heals on the Sabbath.Jesus chooses the twelve disciples. The crowds begin to follow Jesus. The beatitudes are shared : Sorrows foretold; Love for your enemies; do not judge others, a tree and its fruit. Which refers to our actions that shows whether we are true followers of Jesus Christ. And then he talks about a solid foundation. Jesus says," So why do you keep calling me Lord, Lord!' when you don't do what I say?"
A good question. You know many want the blessing without the obedience. Not going to happen.
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Jesus calls his disciples. What is so amazing is this statement: " they left everything and followed Jesus." Matthew left his lucrative tax collecting job and follow him. Some left their fishing boats and followed him.Why? Because they saw in Jesus someone they could follow. Eventually, all but one would die a martyr's death. Do you know anyone ,"who left it all and followed Jesus. They are the exception today. But it is happening all over the world. They lose their families, their jobs, and many even their lives to follow Jesus. Are you really ready to follow Jesus?
In this chapter we find the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness. He is rejected in his hometown. Jesus heals many people and he continues to preach the Good News of the Kingdom of God. But let's focus on what he does in Nazareth. He goes to the synagogue as he normally does. He does an amazing thing. Luke 4:16-19 (NLT2) " When he came to the village of Nazareth, his boyhood home, he went as usual to the synagogue on the Sabbath and stood up to read the Scriptures.The scroll of Isaiah the prophet was handed to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where this was written: “The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the LORD’s favor has come.” Then he says," The Scripture you've just heard has been fulfilled this very day." What would you have done. Stood up and applauded him. Congratulated him. No they rejected him. A hometown boy(man). He said," no prophet is accepted in his hometown". No greater truth was ever spoken. We see in this chapter, John the Baptist prepares the Way; The Baptism of Jesus, and The Ancestors of Jesus.
John came preaching repentance. John says, if you repent show it by your good works. Give and serve! Will you do so this Christmas? Give and Serve! It is called "fruit of repentance." It says," John used many warnings as he announced the Good News to the people."( Luke 3:18). There are warnings coming forth from God's word to repent. But are we turning from our sinful life? Chapter 2 describes the birth of Jesus, the angels and the shepherds. Where was Jesus born? Bethlehem! You see God arranged through a godless emperor to get Joseph and Mary to the town of Bethlehem to fulfill the prophecy of His birth. The the announcement came to a bunch of shepherds who were in the fields. The announcement:" Luke 2:10-12 (NLT2) “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”
There is that word again,"JOY". Let there be joy in your Christmas. |
What we Learned on Sunday? Insights, ideas and InspirationWritten by Pastor Chris Hudson Archives
May 2024
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