One Uniquely Qualified: 2016 Gospel of Luke #14
This is an exposition of Luke 4:31-41. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, May 22, 2016.
Intro:
He came into a world of tension and uncertainty. A world of political unrest and spiritual darkness. There had been others who claimed to possess the answers to life’s problems and societies woes but their words were hollow and without power. These false prophets left in their wake a discouraged, disheartened and cynical people. They had believed only to be disappointed. Along came an obscure figure from a backwater village preaching a message of repentance and faith. The word on the street was that this one was different. There was a ring of authenticity in His message. There seemed to be power behind His teaching and compassion in His eyes. Enthusiasm was building. People were even daring to ask, “Could this be the Messiah?”
Such was the scene in the early days of our Lord’s Galilean ministry. Early on our Lord established Capernaum as His base of operations and launched an intensive campaign throughout the region of Galilee. These were days of excitement and joy. Days of power and blessing.
In Luke Luke 4 we find a description of one action-packed Sabbath in Capernaum. In exploring the events of that one day we find some of what set Jesus apart from all those “pretenders.” In our text we will see some of those qualities of Jesus of Nazareth that clearly support His claim of being the Messiah.
Text: Luke 4:31-41
Capernaum was located about 20 miles northeast of Nazareth.
It was a major city in Galilee and the center of activity.
3 major highways came through Capernaum:
- The main road to Tyre and Sidon
- The main road to Damascus
- The main road to Jerusalem
Our Lord made Capernaum the base of His public ministry for at least 2 years.
It was the Sabbath and as was His custom Jesus went to the synagogue service.
In the material that follows we discover that…
Thesis: The activities of Jesus, on this one day in Capernaum, unquestionably demonstrate His unique qualifications as the Messiah.
Context of Luke’s Gospel = Jesus is the universal Savior of all men.
Luke is determined to present Jesus as the Anointed One of God.
There are three (3) things I want you to note in our text this morning.
- The teaching ministry of Jesus reveals his unique authority. (4:31-32)
Jesus’ authority is an inherent authority is comes because of who He is. His very nature demands it.
As the second person of the Trinity His divine nature shinned through His spoken words revealing His true identity even to some unexpected visitors in the worship service that day. Which brings us to the second qualification found in our text. - The power of Jesus over the demonic reveals His absolute Sovereignty. (4:33-37)
As Jesus was teaching the spirit cried out:
“Ha! What do you want with us Jesus of Nazareth?”
Jesus said sternly, “Be silent and come out of him!”
“Be muzzled” – don’t say another word and get out now!
Immediately the demon responded and everyone knew it. - The healing ministry of Jesus reveals His great compassion. (4:38-41)
I don’t want to be guilty of reading into the text or basing my interpretation simply on the silence of the text however I think it is interesting to note that as they brought the multitudes to Him, He laid His hands on all them and healed them. He healed them without reference to their faith as a condition for their healing. They had a need, He laid his hand on them and they were healed. That was the healing ministry of the Lord Jesus. It flowed from His compassionate heart. It was due to His goodness, mercy and grace.
Here we’ve seen the authority in His teaching. We’ve witnessed the power of His sovereignty but all of this must be seen in the light of His compassionate heart.