Luke’s Gospel: Investigating the Man who is God - Luke 4:22-30

Jesus the capital “P” Prophet What was a prophet’s role or responsibilities? 1 Sam. 8:7; Jer. 1:4; Ezek. 3:16 Matt. 16:21 Ex. 14:21-22; Matt. 8:14-15 Jesus fulfilled the role of Prophet, Priest, and King.

False Prophets Matthew 24:23-27 “ Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. 24 For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. 25 See, I have told you beforehand. 26 So, if they say to you, ‘Look, he is in the wilderness,’ do not go out. If they say, ‘Look, he is in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it. 27 For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.”

False Religions Jehovah’s Witnesses Mormons Scientologists Baha'i Faith Unitarians Prosperity Gospel

Jesus Preaches in Hometown Preaching and teaching in synagogues. People were glorifying Him. He returns to His home of Nazareth. Quotes Isaiah 61. States: “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled.”

The Response of the People “And all spoke well of him and marveled at the gracious words that were coming from his mouth. And they said: “Is not this Joseph’s son? And he said to them, “Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb, ‘Physician, heal yourself.’ What we have heard you did at Capernaum, do here in your hometown as well. And he said, “Truly, I say to you, no prophet is acceptable in his hometown.”

Response “…All spoke well of him.” They are applauding his speech, communication skills, and can’t deny the words of grace preceding from His mouth.

Isn’t this Joseph’s Son? What does this comment suggest about their view of Jesus? Christ’s anticipating rejection, which he knew to be in the minds of many of his hearers.

Objection You will say to me. “Physician, heal yourself.” What does this proverb mean? …No prophet is acceptable in his hometown.

Luke 4:25-27 “But in truth, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heavens were shut up three years and six months, and a great famine came over all the land, and Elijah was sent to none of them but only to Zarephath, in the land of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow. And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed, but only Naman the Syrian.”

Elijah and the Widow – 1 Kings 17

Elisha and the Leper – 2 Kings 5

Their Sin is Religion “When they heard these things, all in the synagogue were filled with wrath. Mark Driscoll said: “Jesus, are you saying that us decent, moral, heterosexual, Republican, no swing dancing, tithing, decent, upright, moral citizens – that in the sight of God, we are as needy as the widow and our sin is as horrific as the leprosy and that we need provision and cleaning? It can’t be. We are the good guys.”

8 Reasons People Reject Jesus Theology Control Greed Selfishness Familiarity Comfort Embarrassment Religion