Tonight we are going to take a look at some Scripture that shows us some aspects of who Jesus is and why He came. This is a very important task for us in reading the Scripture. Sometimes we read the Bible just to know God more. These verses show us some of that. Also, we are going to look at the importance of reading the Scripture for our lives. Not only does it reveal who God is to us, but it also guides our lives in the paths we should go.
1. Jesus Has Real Power and Real Authority (vv.31-39) – Jesus did many miraculous things during His ministry on earth, and people took notice. We see here the early recordings of that ministry. This is actually the first time Luke records Jesus encountering a demon-possessed person. Some might play this off as not someone possessed by a demon, but rather it is some sort of mental illness. If you have ever been around or know someone who has been around something like this, there is a distinct difference in the two. Jesus is teaching in the synagogue and a demon-possessed man comes up to Him. The demons even know who Jesus is and call Him by name. Jesus then heals this person and expels the demon. Question: What was Jesus’ process for getting read of the demon? Jesus simply told the demon to go, and it went! There was no conjuring or hours of yelling or any kind of physical method that was used. Witch doctors, shamans, even some ministers use different tricks and potions and the like to dispel such demonic activity. They do this now, and they have done it forever. Notice, however, the power and authority of Christ. He merely commands the demon to leave, and it’s gone. The same thing happens with Peter’s mother-in-law and her sickness. This shows us that the power and authority of Jesus is real. When people saw it they new it was real too, and that’s what amazed them. Question: How does knowing the power and authority of Jesus is real affect our lives? When we know that Christ is the ultimate power and authority, our faith in Him should increase. It should also lead to us following Him more faithfully, knowing He is who He says He is. Also, if we know Christ’s power is real, then we can depend more on His power in our lives rather than our strength (John 15:4-7).
2. Jesus Has Real Compassion (vv. 40-44) – Question: Why do we do what we do as believers? Why do we go to church? Why are we here? As a believer, sometimes I get caught up in doing what I do because it is my job or I feel like I need to do it to make others think more of me. Jesus ministered to people because He loved them and had compassion for them (Matthew 9:35-37). He has this compassion and love for us too. This shows us a couple of things. First, if you have ever longed for a true love in your life, Jesus is the place to look for perfect love. Even husbands, wives, parents, and best friends let us down, but Christ will never fall short. Secondly, if we are to maintain a walk with Christ that is about serving people like He did, our motivation must be compassion and love. Otherwise, we will burn out regret and resentment (1 John 3:16-18).
3. Jesus Has Real Time With the Father (vs.42/Psalm 19) – Even in the midst of all Jesus did, He still made time to spend with His Father. Question: Why did Jesus spend time with the Father? Even though Jesus is God the Son, He was still human. He loved to spend time with the Father (Mark 1:35). If Jesus made time to spend time with God, should not we do the same? Psalm 19 shows us about how God can guide us through His Spirit and through His Word. God speaks to us through His creation, but He also speaks to us through the Bible as well. Through these things we get to know God more, just like we have done with Luke chapter four tonight. The Bible is essential to our lives being the best they can be – for the sake of the Kingdom of God and for our sakes. David writes that God’s law and hearing from God is more desirable than gold. Question: How much do we desire to hear from God? What is it worth to us? If something is worth more than gold to us, we will do anything to have it.
Discussion/Application Questions
1. How does knowing more about God affect your life?
2. Do you really know God and the love He has for you?
3. Are you living in the purpose that God has for your life? Are you even looking for it?
4. What is the most important thing in your life?
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