1.

Verses 14-21 describe how Jesus officially introduced himself to his people. What does this passage show us about Jesus? In his words of introduction Jesus said, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” What does this statement mean to: 1) the people gathered in the synagogue; and 2) all people on earth?

** Jesus is the One the Lord promised to send to shepherd over the flock as Isaiah had prophesied in Isaiah 61. 

** The long awaited Savior came to fully recover all of their failures from the past. Isaiah describes their fallen condition in Isaiah chapters 1-5 and many other places of his book. But Jesus came to heal them to make them sound again.

** Jesus is the second Adam, so that just as in the first Adam all die, so also in Jesus all would have eternal life. This is truly good news of all good news.

2.

Jesus’ congregation consisted of people from Nazareth of Galilee. Some Bible passages do not portray these places in a favorable light. (cf. John 1:46; Isaiah 9:1) Yet, why do you think Jesus started his ministry from there? 

** Jesus came to redeem them back to the original position as a chosen people called to live as a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.  

In the past, due to their disobedience, they were trampled upon by the heathen nations, but Jesus came to teach them the way of God so as they walk in the light of the Savior they would live as a shepherd nation. 

3.

Verses 18 and 19 use words like “the poor”, “the prisoners”, “the blind”, or “the oppressed.” What do these words indicate about the kind of people Jesus came to serve? What does the expression “The Spirit of the Lord” or “good news” indicate about the way Jesus is going to help them? 

** Poor – spiritually and physically; blind – spiritual blindness in particular; the oppressed – not only politically but spiritually as well. Overall these categories of people denote the fallen condition of a man. Originally God created man to be as glorious as our Lord Jesus. But due to their disobedience they became just as Paul described in Romans 1:18-31 and beyond. 

** Jesus is going to help them by proclaiming the gospel message with the power of the Holy Spirit. As Peter said in Acts 2:38, when one repents of his sins, believes in Jesus Christ, and asks God for the gift of the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit comes upon him, and transforms him to be a man of God, making him to be sound in mind and spirit. 

4.

Consider the expression “to proclaim the year of Lord’s favor” (especially the word “favor”). What does the word “favor” suggest about: 1) the kind of sacrifice the Lord had to make; and 2) the kind of attitude we need to have towards the work Jesus came to fulfill?

** God could have abandoned them in their fallen condition. But he did not. Rather in great sacrifice he sent His one and only Son Jesus even though he knew that they would mistreat him, and reject him.

** We need to be very thankful to God for his sacrificial act of love, that is, sending His one and only Son Jesus. 

5.

Think about the peoples’ response in verse 22. Verses 23-28 indicate that Jesus did not find their response acceptable (especially when they said, “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?).Why? (Psalm 10:4; Luke 1:51; 8:18; 1Co 8:2) 

** It was because these human thoughts about Jesus blocked them to see God in Jesus and experience God’s work to arise in them.

Psalm 10:4 - In his pride the wicked does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God. 

6.

Jesus severely rebuked the people in verses 23-27. What can we learn from: 1) the widow in Zarephath (cf. 1Kings 17:14-16); and 2) Naaman ( cf, 2Kings 5:13,14)?

** She simply believed and obeyed God’s word spoken through even a strange looking man. (At that time Elijah must have looked like a beggar who only tried to take advantage of a widow.)

** Naaman believed and obeyed God’s servant even without seeing the man who spoke to him. Of course he was mad at first, but later he curbed his pride and listened to the advice of his servant. He then dipped his body in the water seven times. 

7.

Compare the initial response of the people of Jesus’ hometown in verse 22 and their response to Jesus’ rebuke in verses 28-30. What can we learn from Jesus who confronted them, knowing that his rebuke might make them furious? (Psalms 94:11; Proverbs 1:23)

** Jesus wanted to heal them and save them, by revealing their pride which was hidden in their inmost being. 

The end