UNFOLDING THE WORD
The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple
(Psalm 119: 130)
Why was Jesus born? In ch. 2: 1-14, God used Caesar's decree to move Mary and Joseph, 80 miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem to fulfill His promise. And we saw how Jesus was born in a humble place to take the lowest place among us. So from our text today, we're going to see 3 more reasons why Jesus was born: a) Jesus was born to make Himself known to us. b) Jesus was born to be treasured in our hearts. c) Jesus was born to fulfill all the law for us.
What does Jesus' death and resurrection mean? How should we live in light of the resurrection? Cherry blossoms are a symbol of a brand-new start. But the season is very short. After about two weeks, the blossoms start to fall. Similarly, human life is very short. We were made from dust. and to dust we return. But Jesus' resurrection changes everything! We were made to know Jesus and make Him known during our short journey on earth. This is what gives new meaning to our lives. So, from our passage, we'll see that:- a Jesus brings peace between God and us. bi Jests opens our minds to understand the scriptures. c) Jesus empowers us by His Spirit as witnesses.
When was the last time you were amazed at Jesus? Many of us have stories of how others introduced us to Jesus. Here, we see a group of men bringing a paralyzed man while Jesus was teaching. Despite the crowd and the obstacles before them, these men were very determined to bring their neighbour to Jesus. But there was also a large religious group who were listening and unhappy with Jesus. So, in our passage, we're going to see what it means to be: a) Brought before Jesus. b) Forgiven by Jesus. c) Amazed by Jesus.
Today, we'll be picking up where we left off in Luke. What need did you bring to church today? Here, a man full of leprosy heard that Jesus was in the city. So he came to Jesus! Can you imagine being approached by a leper in those days? Lepers were shunned by society and lived outside the camp of Israel. But Jesus is going to break the social, physical and religious barrier and touch this man in his place of need. So, in our passage we'll see: a) Jesus touches the unclean. b) Jesus is the source of cleansing. c) Jesus takes the place of the unclean.
Where was God in the darkest of times? Here, we see the darkest day in human history. This was the day Jesus was crucified with two criminals (vv. 39–43), leading to his death and burial (vv. 44–49). By this time, Jesus had already appeared to Pilate the Roman governor. The Jews had accused Jesus of misleading the nation and forbidding them to give tax to Caesar (v. 2). Pilate had wanted to release Jesus. But the Jews demanded that a murderer, Barabbas, be released instead (v. 18). So Jesus was led away to be crucified with two thieves. In our passage, we’ll see: a) The response of sinners on the cross. b) The darkness that came over the cross. c) The believers of Jesus at the cross.
Here, Jesus took 3 of His disciples up a mountain for an extraordinary experience. In v. 21, Jesus had said some disciples would not taste death until they see the kingdom of God. So what did the disciples see on that mountain that changed their lives? How can we change too? From our passage, we’ll see three insights on: a) Seeking the face of Jesus. b) Awakening to the glory of Jesus. c) Listening to the words of Jesus.
After Jesus was rejected in His hometown, Nazareth, He had gone to Capernaum performing great miracles. By this time, He was preaching at the synagogues just as He had done in His hometown. So what has Jesus come to do in the lives of ordinary fishermen? What has He come to do in our own lives? In our passage, we’ll see simple yet crucial insights on: a) Hearing the words of Jesus. b) Trusting the words of Jesus. c) Following the crucified Jesus.
Last week, we saw that as news about Jesus began to spread around the country, Jesus came to Nazareth—His hometown. As was His custom, He came to the synagogue and began to teach the scriptures. But how did His own people respond? Did they give a warm homecoming party? What has Jesus come to do in our lives, neighbourhoods, cities and nations? And how will we respond today? In our passage we’ll see: a) Recognizing the gracious son. b) Accepting the unwelcome son. c) Receiving the rejected son.
Last week, we saw that Jesus “full of the Holy Spirit” was “led by the Spirit in the wilderness” and overcame all temptations by the devil. And then Jesus “returned in the power of the Spirit” in Galilee. But as news about Him began to spread, Jesus now comes to His hometown, Nazareth. What did Jesus do in His hometown? Is Jesus welcome in your hometown? What has Jesus come to do in our lives, neighbourhoods, cities and nations? In today’s passage, we’ll see: a) Jesus came to teach the scriptures. b) Jesus came to proclaim the good news. c) Jesus came to fulfil the scriptures.
Last week, we saw in ch. 3: 22 how the Spirit came upon Jesus at His baptism. Now in ch. 4: 1, Luke says that Jesus is “led by the Spirit in the wilderness”—where He faced great temptations. As long as we are in this world, the flesh, the devil and the world are going to test our faith. So how does Jesus overcome temptations? And how can we overcome temptations? Follow along in the sermon.
Last week, we saw how “the word of God” came to John the baptist—out in the wilderness. All around Israel, John was calling people to bear fruit in keeping with repentance. As his preaching gained attention, the Jews began to wonder whether he might be the long awaited Messiah. But his preaching would eventually result in rejection and death. Whose approval do you live for each day? Whose rejection do you fear? In our passage, we’ll see:- a) Expecting the son’s arrival. b) Facing the world’s rejection. c) Receiving the Father’s approval.
Luke now takes us to the political and religious scene in Israel. God’s people, by this time, were under the Roman Emperor, Tiberius Caesar. As they were conquered, Israel did not have their own kings during this time. Rather, Rome had appointed certain men and their families as regional rulers. So as Israel was waiting for the long awaited Messiah “the word of God” came in an obscure place—in the wilderness. Here in our passage, we see:- a) God’s word in our wilderness, b) God’s way in our wilderness c) God’s grace in our wilderness.
What can a boy teach adults about growing up? Three weeks ago, we saw in v. 34 how Jesus was dedicated at the temple in Jerusalem as a child. After His parents had done everything according to the custom, they returned to Nazareth where Jesus grew in wisdom (v. 40). Luke now takes us back to Jerusalem as Jesus’ parents had to travel there. But this trip would turn out to be one of the most stressful events as they lose sight of Jesus. So in our passage, we see that children can teach us a great deal about:- a) Growing in following Jesus. b) Growing in understanding Jesus. c) Growing in treasuring Jesus.
Last week, we saw the angels singing “peace on earth” at the birth of Christ. Yet in the midst of turmoil and conflict in the world, how can we experience peace? Here in our passage, we see that this new born child would be opposed by many in Israel. But why was this new born child opposed from the time of His birth? Luke now takes us from the scene of shepherds “out in the field” to Jerusalem. So from our passage, we’ll see that:- a) Jesus came to fulfill God’s law for us. b) Jesus came to bring true peace to us. c) Jesus came to suffer opposition for us.
Christmas means a new King is born! But how do people respond when a new King is born? From our passage today, we’re going to look at 3 responses to the newborn King. 1) Those who seek the new King. 2) Those who ignore the new King. 3) Those who worship the true King.
Last week, we saw Mary responding to God’s call in ch. 1: 38. From then on Mary and Joseph would become part of the fulfillment of God’s plan. So why did Jesus come? Why was He born under such humble circumstances? To answer that, here are 3 insights from our passage today:- a) Jesus came to take the lowest place in our place. b) Jesus came to bring good news, not good advice. c) Jesus Himself is our peace in a world of troubles.
When was the last time you faced a humanly impossible situation? This story of angel Gabriel’s announcement is surrounded by impossibilities. Even right before our text, Elizabeth, who was barren, had become miraculously pregnant after an angel appeared to her husband. So, as we look at this passage, here are 3 insights we are going to see today:- a) God’s favor is received, not earned. b) God’s promised Son is given despite us. c) God’ Word makes impossible possible.
We are affiliated to City to City Japan,
A member of Acts 29 and a partner of resound,
a global MOVEMENT OF churchES planting
gospel-centered churches.
