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An overview of the Gospel of Luke, by Given O. Blakely

COMMENTARY ON: 4:14-30

Since May, 1993, a ministry instituted for the encouragement of believers in Christ

Lesson #14

Jesus returns to Galilee “in the power of the Spirit.” His fame beganto spread as He “taught in their synagogue, being glorified of all.” Finally, He made His way to Nazareth, where He had been brought up.On the Sabbath day, as was His custom, He was in the synagogue,and “stood up for to read.” The scroll of Isaiah was handed to Him,and He found the appropriate text to be read to the people. Afterreading from the sixty-first chapter of Isaiah, He declared to thepeople that this text had been fulfilled in their ears. The people couldnot correlate the Jesus they had just heard with the One who hadbeen brought up among them. Knowing their hearts, Jesus delivereda word that brought out what was in them. It stirred up their wrath,and after they had marveled at His gracious words, they led Him outof the city to the brow of a hill where they intended to cast Him tothe ground. But, they could not do it, for Jesus simply passed throughthem, and went on His way. The Messiah was doing His work.

A MINISTRY FOR HUNGRY SAINTS

“Andstood up

for to read.”

A Ministry for Hungry Saints, Series on the Book of Luke, Lesson #14, Meeting #545– in its 21ST year

INTRODUCTION

A BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE TEXT Jesus returns to Galilee “in the

power of the Spirit.” His fame began to

spread as He “taught in theirsynagogues, being glorified of all.” Finally, He made His way to Nazareth,

where He had been brought up. On theSabbath day, as was His custom, Hewas in the synagogue, and “stood up

TRANSLATION LEGEND: ABP=Apostolic Bible Polyglot m(1992); ALT=Analytical-Literal Translation (2005), AMPLIFIED=Amplified Bible (1965), ABP=Apostolic Bible Polygot with Greek Interlinear (2003); ASV=American Standard Version (1901), BBE=Biblein Basic English (1949), BRENT=Brenton’s English Septuagint; CEB =Common English Bible (2011); CEV=Contemporary English Version(1995); DRA=Douay-Rheims (1899), EMTV =English Majority Text (2002); ERV =English Revised Version (1885), ETRV = Easy to Read(1999), ESV=English Stand Version (2001), GENEVA=Geneva Bible (1599), GNB=Good News (1966), GSNT =Goodspeed (1923), GWN=God’s Word (1995), IE= International English (1973), ISV=International Standard Version (1967), JPS=Jewish Publication Society (1917),JUB=Jubilee Bible (2003); KJV=King James Version (1611), LITV= Literal Translation of the Bible (1976), LIVING=Living Bible (1971),MESSAGE=The Message (1993), MKJV= Modern KJV (1962), MONTGOMERY=Montgomery’s New Testament (2001), MRD=Peshitta-James Murdock Translation (1852), NAB=New American Bible (2002), NASB=New American Standard Bible (1977), NAU=New AmericanStandard Bible (1995), NIB=New International Bible, NIV=New International Version (1984), NJB=New Jerusalem Bible (1985),NKJV=New King James Version (1979), NLT=New Living Translation (1996), NRSV=New Revised Standard Version (1989), PHILLIPS=JB Phillips New Testament (1962), PNT=Bishop’s New Testament (1595), RSV=Revised Standard Version (1952), TNK=JPS Tanakj(1985), WEB=Webster Bible (1833),WEYMOUTH=Weymouth’s New Testament (1903), WILLIAMS=William’s New Testament (1937),TYNDALE=Tyndale’s Bible (1526), WYCLIFFE=Wycliffe New Testament (1382), YLT =Young’s Literal Translation (1862)

---------- GREEK LEXICON LEGEND ----------- LEXICON LEGEND: FRIEBERG = Friberg Lexicon, UBS = Barclay-Newman, LOUW-NIDA = Louw-Nida Lexicon, LIDDELL SCOTT

Lesson Number 14

The Book of Luke, 3/20/2015

A MINISTRY INITIATED INMAY 1993, AND DEDICATEDTO STRENGTHENING THOSEWHO ARE IN CHRIST, BYBUILDING THEIR FAITH,ENHANCING THEIR JOY, ANDSTABILIZING THEIR HOPE, ENABLING THEM TO WORKOUT THEIR SALVATION WITHFEAR AND TREMBLING.

P E R S U A D E D O F T H ENECESSITY OF KNOWING THECERTAINTY OF THE THINGSWE BELIEVE, LUKE MAKES USMORE FIRM BY BUTTRESSINGO U R F A I T H , A N DCONFIRMING WE HAVE NOTEMBRACED FABLES.

DISCLAIMER: The quoting of other translations is not to be taken as a condoning of them. My purpose is rather to show the remarkable diversity, and sometimes outrightcontradictions that exist among these various versions of Scripture. Our understanding of the Word of God ultimately depends upon our comprehension of the LordHimself and His eternal purpose. Where this understanding is not present, we are shut up to scholasticism and conjecture, both of which are of the world, not of God.

Luke 4:14 "And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of Him through all the region round about. 15

And He taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all. 16 And He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up: and, as his customwas, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up for to read. 17 And there was delivered unto Him the book of the prophetEsaias. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written, 18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hathanointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, andrecovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, 19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. 20 And He closed the book,and He gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on Him. 21 And Hebegan to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears. 22 And all bare Him witness, and wondered at the gracious words whichproceeded out of His mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph's son? 23 And He said unto them, Ye will surely say unto He this proverb,Physician, heal Thyself: whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in thy country. 24 And He said, Verily, I say unto you, Noprophet is accepted in his own country. 25 But I tell you of a truth, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elias, when the heaven was shutup three years and six months, when great famine was throughout all the land; 26 But unto none of them was Elias sent, save unto Sarepta,a city of Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow. 27 And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none of them wascleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian. 28 And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath, 29 And rose up,and thrust Him out of the city, and led Him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast Him down headlong.30 But He passing through the midst of them went His way.” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Luke 4:14-30

Returning from His temptation, Jesus preaches in His hometown synagogue. They receive Him, but only up to a certain point – Given O. Blakely Jesus Preaches in His Hometown -- 1 of 19


• “He” = 15• “His = 3• “Him” = 6• “Jesus” = 1• “Spirit” = 1• “Lord” = 2• “Me” - 1• “Thyself” = 1

for to read.” The scroll of Isaiah washanded to Him, and He found theappropriate text to be read to thepeople. After reading from the sixty-firstchapter of Isaiah, He declared to thepeople that this text had been fulfilledin their ears. The people could notcorrelate the Jesus they had just heardwith the One who had been brought upamong them. Knowing their hearts,Jesus delivered a word that brought outwhat was in them. It stirred up theirwrath, and after they had marveled atHis gracious words, they led Him out ofthe city to the brow of a hill where theyintended to cast Him to the ground.But, they could not do it, for Jesussimply passed through them, and went

on His way. The Messiah was doing Hiswork.

REFERENCES TO DEITYIt is instructive to

observe the frequentreferences to Deity in thistext, containing sixteenverses. First, the text isabout the work of God –particularly what the One sent by God had beencommissioned to do. Thetext did not deal withhuman response or obligation. There arethirty specific references to Deity, asindicated on the above.

In the Gospel of Luke itself, thefollowing references are found.

- “Jesus” – 98 times- “Christ – 13 times- “Son of God” –5 times- “Son” – 45 times- “Master – 13 times- “Teacher” – 14 times- “Lord” – 74 times- “God” – 124 times- “Father” – 19 times- “He” – 366 times- “Him” – 257 times- “His” – 104 times- “One” – 8 times

Grammatically, the heavy use ofpronouns indicates a main personality towhich these refer. The mentioning ofthe Individual is so significant that atfrequent times the writer only has to say“He,” or “Him,” or “His,” and the readerwill immediately know who is beingreferenced. There are over 600 suchreferences in the Gospel of Luke alone,and they all refer to Deity.

Mark refers to the record of Jesusbirth and ministry as “the beginning ofthe Gospel of Jesus Christ” (Mk 1:1).This being true, the Gospel is not theproclamation of what men are to do, butwhat the Living God has done throughthe Lord Jesus Christ. This is seen inthe following:

- The miracles of Jesus confirm HisDeity.

- The teaching of Jesus confirm His

wisdom and knowledge of God.

- The death of Christ, and the eventsleading up to it, confirm the purposeof God and the submissiveness ofthe Savior.

- The resurrection of Christ confirmsHe was the Son of God with power.

- The ascension of Christ confirmsthat Jesus is building His church, andbringing the sons of God home toglory from heaven.

The experience of manycontemporary believers is that it hastaken some time for these things toregister upon their hearts. The reasonfor this circumstance, in my opinion, isthat men have not been properlyprepared to hear the Gospel. You mayrecall that the ministry of John theBaptist – calling men to repentance –was actually a preparation to beconfronted with the Messiah, and takeadvantage of what He came to give.

The modern tendency to take menfrom their troubles to Jesus is flawed tothe core. You will search in vain for anyword from Jesus concerning the generalproblems men. He did address thematter of food, shelter, and clothing(Matt 6:25-32; Lk 12:22-30). He didnot say a word about marital or familydifficulties, except that becoming Hisdisciple could very well produce divisionin the family (Matt 10:35-38).

The practice of Christian leadersinvolving themselves in the affairs ofother men has no Scriptural precedent,and no directive from the Lord. Thetruth of the matter is that newness oflife (Rom 6:4), and “the new man” (Eph4:24), coupled with access to God andthe reality of faith, fully addresses everyfacet of life. Jesus taught that, insteadof focusing on matters relating to food,shelter, and clothing, one should "seek. . . first the kingdom of God, and Hisrighteousness; and all these things shallbe added unto you" (Matt 6:33; Lk12:31).

Speaking of a proper focus of life,Paul (the apostle to the Gentiles)admonished, "And whatsoever ye do in

CONTENTS CONTENTS || INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION || HE RETURNED IN THE POWER OF THEHE RETURNED IN THE POWER OF THE

SPIRIT (4:14)SPIRIT (4:14)|| HE TAUGHT IN THEIR SYNAGOGUESHE TAUGHT IN THEIR SYNAGOGUES

(4:15)(4:15)|| HE CAME TO NAZARETH WHERE HEHE CAME TO NAZARETH WHERE HE

HAD BEEN BROUGHT UP (4:16)HAD BEEN BROUGHT UP (4:16)|| HE FOUND THE PLACE WHERE IT WASHE FOUND THE PLACE WHERE IT WAS

WRITTEN (4:17)WRITTEN (4:17)|| THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS UPON METHE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS UPON ME

(4:18a)(4:18a)|| SENT TO HEAL THE BROKENSENT TO HEAL THE BROKEN

HEARTED (4:18b)HEARTED (4:18b)|| PREACH DELIVERANCE TO THEPREACH DELIVERANCE TO THE

CAPTIVES (4:18c)CAPTIVES (4:18c)|| PREACH RECOVERING OF SIGHT TOPREACH RECOVERING OF SIGHT TO

THE BLIND (4:18d)THE BLIND (4:18d)|| TO SET AT LIBERTY THEM THAT ARETO SET AT LIBERTY THEM THAT ARE

BRUISED (4:18e)BRUISED (4:18e)|| PREACH THE ACCEPTABLE YEAR OFPREACH THE ACCEPTABLE YEAR OF

THE LORD (4:19)THE LORD (4:19)|| THIS DAY IS THIS SCRIPTURETHIS DAY IS THIS SCRIPTURE

FULFILLED IN YOUR EARS (4:20-21)FULFILLED IN YOUR EARS (4:20-21)|| IS THIS NOT JOSEPH’S SON?) (4:22)IS THIS NOT JOSEPH’S SON?) (4:22)|| YE SHALL SURELY SAY UNTO MEYE SHALL SURELY SAY UNTO ME

(4:23)(4:23)|| NO PROPHET IS ACCEPTED IN HISNO PROPHET IS ACCEPTED IN HIS

OWN COUNTRY (4:24-27)OWN COUNTRY (4:24-27)|| THEY WERE FILLED WITH WRATHTHEY WERE FILLED WITH WRATH

(4:28-29)(4:28-29)|| HE WENT ON HIS WAY (4:30)HE WENT ON HIS WAY (4:30)



word or deed, do all in the name of theLord Jesus, giving thanks to God andthe Father by Him" (Col 3:17). Andagain, "Whether therefore ye eat, ordrink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to theglory of God" (1 Cor 10:31).The thrustof much of the preaching of our dayactually omits these admonitions. Livingis approached as though this kind of life

is not possible – at least, not withoutthe guidance of some professed expertin life. This is why the modern trend oflife-coaches is taking the country bystorm. It is all a miserable substitute forJesus and the work of the Holy Spirit.

Throughout the Gospel of Lukethese things will be conformed by

everything Jesus says and does. It willbecome increasingly apparent that theteaching and manner of Jesus has allbut been eliminated in modernChristianity. Our text in this lesson willmake all of this very apparent. Jesuswill nail down what He was sent to do,and it will be apparent that it does notfit into modern agendas.

HE RETURNED IN THE POWER OF THE SPIRIT

Luke 4:14 "And Jesus returned in thepower of the Spirit into Galilee: andthere went out a fame of Him throughall the region round about.”

JESUS RETURNED IN THE POWER OFTHE SPIRIT

"And Jesus returned in the powerof the Spirit into Galilee . . .”

Most versions read “in the powerof the Spirit.” Other versions read,"filled with the Holy Spirit's power," NLT

"by the power of the spirit," PNT/TNT “fullof the Holy Spirit's power,” LIVING “withthe power of the Holy Spirit,” IE “in theSpirit's power,” WEYMOUTH “with thepower of the Spirit,” CEV/ERV “the powerof the Holy Spirit was with him,” GNB

“Under the power of the Spirit,”GOODSPEED “powerful in the Spirit,” MESSAGE

and “full of and under the power of the[Holy] Spirit.” AMPLIFIED

There is a domain ruled by theHoly Spirit – a domain, or arena in

which the will of God is thoroughly andeffectively wrought. Men may operatethis realm, although they cannotdetermine what takes place in it. This isthe realm in which the will of God iscarried out in meticulous detail. Mencannot exploit this area for personaladvantage. It is only as they areengaged in the will of God that they willbe admitted into the realm of the HolySpirit – the place where He effectivelycarries out the will of God.

There are statements made aboutthis realm that signify its manner.

- "But ye are not in the flesh, but inthe Spirit, if so be that the Spirit ofGod dwell in you. Now if any manhave not the Spirit of Christ, he isnone of his." (Rom 8:9)

- "This I say then, Walk in the Spirit,and ye shall not fulfil the lust of theflesh." (Gal 5:16)

- "If we live in the Spirit, let us alsowalk in the Spirit." (Gal 5:25)

- "Praying always with all prayer andsupplication in the Spirit, andwatching thereunto with allperseverance and supplication for allsaints." (Eph 6:18)

- "Who also declared unto us yourlove in the Spirit." (Col 1:8)

- "I was in the Spirit on the Lord'sday, and heard behind me a greatvoice, as of a trumpet." (Rev 1:10)

Being “in the Spirit” is oftencontrasted with being “in the flesh,” or

operating in the realm of mere nature(Rom 2:28; 7:5; 8:3,8,9; Eph 2:11; Phil3:3-4; 1 Pet 4:2).

Remember, Jesus is returningfrom a time in which He fasted for fortydays and forty nights, in which “He dideat nothing” (Lk 4:2). Compounding thesituation, He was tempted throughoutHis entire period of time in thewilderness. Yet, His energy had notbeen depleted. He had been, andcontinued to be, at the peak ofalertness, so that Satan could gain noadvantage over Him.

Being in the realm of the Holy Spirit,He is going to speak and work within theframework of the work of God – and thatis something that cannot be done in theenergy or realm of the flesh. While Jesuswas in the world, in order to be effective,He had to operate in the realm of theSpirit. While it may differ in measure, thatis still required for anyone and everyonewho is doing the work of the Lord. I donot believe this is commonly practiced inthe professing church. Nor, indeed, canbe it done within the framework ofreligious institutionalism. I do not knowhow any person would go aboutsubstantiating that what was required ofJesus is not also required, in propermeasure, in everyone engaged in being alaborer together with God (1 Cor 3:9).

THERE WENT A FAME OF HIMTHROUGH ALL THE REGION“ . . . and there went out a fame

of Him through all the region roundabout.”

Other versions read, “news of Himwent throughout,” NKJV “news about



Him spread,” NASB “a report about Him,”NRSV “a report concerning Him,” RSV "Hisreputation spread," NJB "Reports aboutHim spread quickly," NLT “He becamewell known,” LIVING “Stories about Jesuswent all over,” IE “a reputation wentforth,” ABP and “News that He was backspread.” MESSAGE

It ought to be observed that whenGod sends someone, He sees to it thathe is heard. This was true of Moses,the Prophets, John the Baptist, and,above all, the Lord Jesus Christ. In thecase with the Lord Jesus, a harbingerwas sent in advance to prepare the wayfor Him – John the Baptist. He told thepeople what the Christ would do.

- He would baptize with the HolySpirit and with fire (Matt 3:11; Mk1:8; Lk 3:16).

- He would thoroughly purge His floor,gathering His wheat into the garner,and burning up the chaff withunquenchable fire (Matt 3:12; Lk3:16-17).

- He affirmed that Jesus was the“Lamb of God, which taketh awaythe sin of the world” (John 1:29).

- He said Jesus was preferred before and existed before him (John 1:30).

- He said Jesus would be manifestedto Israel (John 1:31).

- He declared he saw the Spiritdescend from heaven upon Jesus,and remain on Him (John 1:32-33).

- He affirmed that Jesus was “the Sonof God” (John 1:34).

- He declared that a man can receive

nothing, except it be given Him fromheaven (John 3:27).

- He that hath the bride is theBridegroom (John 3:29).

- He must increase (John 3:30).

- He is above all (John 3:31).

- He will testify what He has seen andheard (John 3:32).

- God gives Him the Spirit withoutmeasure (John 3:34).

- The Father loves the Son and hasgiven all things into His hand (John3:35).

- He that believes on the Son haseverlasting life. He that believes notthe Son shall not see life (John3:36).

John did not say what Jesuswould teach. He did not affirm He wasgoing to die for the sins of the world, orraise from the dead. He did not preparepeople for Jesus by teachingextensively about Him. Instead, he didso by preaching that men shouldrepent, and bring forth fruit thatconfirmed their repentance (Matt 3:11;Lk 3:3,8. That is what prepares men forChrist.

The “fame” that went abroadconcerning Jesus was owing to Hisown ministry, not that of John.

- THE HEALING OF THE INFIRM. "And Hisfame went throughout all Syria: andthey brought unto him all sick peoplethat were taken with divers diseasesand torments, and those which werepossessed with devils, and those

which were lunatic, and those thathad the palsy; and He healed them." (Matt 4:24)

- THE RAISING OF JAIRUS’ DAUGHTER."And the fame hereof went abroadinto all that land." (Matt 9:26)

- THE HEALING OF TWO BLIND MEN. "Butthey, when they were departed,spread abroad His fame in all thatcountry." (Matt 9:31)

- THE REPORT OF HIS WORKS. "At thattime Herod the tetrarch heard of thefame of Jesus." (Matt 14:1)

- CASTING OUT UNCLEAN SPIRITS. "Andimmediately His fame spread abroadthroughout all the region roundabout Galilee." (Mark 1:28; Lk4:37).

- THE HEALING OF A LEPER. "But somuch the more went there a fameabroad of Him: and great multitudescame together to hear, and to behealed by Him of their infirmities." (Luke 5:15)

The fame of Jesus was owing tothe uniqueness and power of His works.It was also among “the commonpeople,” who “heard Him gladly” (Mk12:37). The religious leaders, however,did not hear Him gladly, because Hispresence and message sharplycontrasted with their own, and eventhreatened their position.

However, as the time for Jesus todie drew nigh, His popularity began towane. Because regeneration did notexist among the people, they wereturned against Jesus by their leaders.From the higher perspective, this was inorder that He might lay down His life.

HE TAUGHT IN THEIR SYNAGOGUES

“ 15 And He taught in theirsynagogues, being glorified of all.”

HE TAUGHT IN THEIR SYNAGOGUES“And He taught in their

synagogues . . .”

Other versions read, “He beganteaching in their synagogues,” NASB "Hetaught regularly in their synagogues,"NLT “He became well known throughoutall that region,” LIVING “He proceeded toteach in their synagogues,” WEYMOUTH “He

taught in the Jewish meeting places,”CEV and “conducted [ course of] teachingin their synagogues.” AMPLIFIED

Matthew says of thesebeginnings, "And Jesus went about all



Galilee, teaching in their synagogues,and preaching the gospel of thekingdom, and healing all manner ofsickness and all manner of diseaseamong the people" (Matt 4:23). Heplaces this after John was imprisoned,and after the calling of Peter Andrew,James and John (Matt 4:13-22). Thisreport appears to have taken place afterthe events of our text. Luke has thecalling of Peter, Andrew, James, andJohn taking place after the this reportof Jesus teaching in the synagogues (Lk5:1-11).

Teaching in the SynagoguesIt appears as though Jesus

commenced His public ministry byteaching in the synagogues. Hecontinued this practice throughout Hisprodigious ministry (Matt 4:23; 9:35;12:9; 13:54; Mk 1:21,39; 3:1; 6:2; Lk4:15-16; 6:6; 13:10; John 6:59;18:20).

Jesus was a Preacher (Matt4:17,23; 9:35; 11:1; Mk 1:14,38,39;2:2; 4:18,19,43,44; 7:22; 8:1; 9:2,6;Lk 20:1), and a Teacher (Matt 4:23;9:35; 11:1; 21:23; 22:16; 26:55; Mk4:1; 6:2,6,34; 8:31; 12:14; 14:49; Lk5:17; 13:10,22; 20:21; 21:37; 23:5;John 3:2; 7:35).

This is an aspect of Jesus that islittle known in our day. When Jesuswalked among men He taught thatthose who were weary and heavy ladenshould come to Him, and learn fromHim–i.e. He would teach them: “takeMy yoke upon you and learn from Me,for I am gentle and lowly in heart, andyou will find rest for your souls" NKJV

(Matt 11:29).

Even now, since Jesus has beenexalted to the right hand of God, He isstill teaching. It is written, "But ye havenot so learned Christ; If so be that yehave heard Him, and have been taughtby Him, as the truth is in Jesus: That yeput off concerning the formerconversation the old man, which iscorrupt according to the deceitful lusts;and be renewed in the spirit of yourmind; and that ye put on the new man,which after God is created inrighteousness and true holiness" (Eph4:20-24).

Notice the curriculum of Jesus –what He is CURRENTLY teaching:

- “That ye put off concerning theformer conversation the old man,which is corrupt according to thedeceitful lusts . . . ”

- “ . . . be renewed in the spirit ofyour mind. . .”

- “ . . . that ye put on the new man,which after God is created inrighteousness and true holiness.”

What shall we say when theseresults are not found? How should wereact to professing Christians who havenot put off the old man, and aretherefore living in the flesh? How arewe to assess those who are not being

renewed in the spirit of their mind?What are we to think of those who giveno evidence of having put on the newman, which is created in righteousnessand true holiness? Are those conditionsabout which we are to be concerned?

Mind you, I am not suggesting weshould be hasty in judgment, fail to bemerciful, or be quick to break a bruisedreed and quench a smoking flax.However, neither are we to imaginethat Jesus has ceased to effectivelyteach these things. How can Jesus becalled “faithful and true” (Rev 3:14;19:11) if He is not doing what He isdeclared to be doing? I fear that somepeople are asking us to accept sucherroneous postulates. Let it be clear,that where what Jesus is said to teachis not found, His teaching has beenrejected –just like it was when Hewalked among men. In such a case,however difficult it may be to receive,the Spirit has been quenched (1 Thess

5:19), God has been provoked (1 Cor10:22), and Jesus, who is speakingfrom heaven, has been refused (Heb12:25). Each person is responsible forexamining himself on these matters.

BEING GLORIFIED OF ALL“ . . . being glorified of all.”

Other versions read, “praised byall,” NASB “everyone praised Him,” NIV

“praised by everyone,” NRSV "all mengave Him praise," BBE "everyonerespected Him," CJB "being acclaimed by everyone," CSB "was magnified byall," DOUAY "was honored of all men,"GENEVA "lauded by every one," MRD

"commended of all men," PNT “winningpraise from all,” WEYMOUTH and “beingrecognized and honored and praised byall.” AMPLIFIED

The teaching and preaching ofJesus was refreshing in comparisonwith the lifeless teaching of the scribesand Pharisees. The people noted, "Hetaught them as one that had authority,and not as the scribes" (Mark 1:22).The Message Bible reads, “not quibblingand quoting like the religion scholars.”

The words of Jesus are sopoignant and critical that He said, "Hethat is of God heareth God's words: yetherefore hear them not, because ye arenot of God" (John 8:47). There is, then,a dividing line drawn whenever Jesusspeaks. Those who pick up on what Hesays, are of God. who do not, are notof God. As it is used here, the wordtranslated “hear” [akouo] means “toattend to (use the faculty of hearing),consider what is or has been said; to perceiveby the ear what is announced in one's presence(to hear immediately): to give ear to one,listen, hearken,” THAYER “of discipleship listento, pay attention to, obey; of inner

Let it be clear, that where what Jesus is saidto teach is not found, His teaching has beenrejected –just like it was when He walkedamong men.



“In the Sabbath service there were two lessonsread. The first was always taken from thePentateuch (the Law). The five books of Moseswere written on parchment, (usually) betweentwo rollers, and the day’s lesson was leftunrolled for the reader’s convenience. TheProphets were on single rollers, no specialportion being left open. It has been suggestedthat the great and famous Messianic passageread by our Lord was the lesson for the day.This is quite uncertain; indeed, it is moreprobable that Jesus, when the roll of Isaiah washanded to him by the ruler of the synagogue,specially selected the section containing thispassage.” PULPIT COMMENTARY

comprehension understand, be aware of, listento,” FRIBERG “Heed, listen to, understand.” GINGRICH

While we are not at liberty to

judge others in this matter – unlessthere is undeniable evidence ofhardness of heart – we are to examineourselves. It seems to me that it is

necessary to be sure we are not amongthose who are continually confused byHis Word. This is not a trait of those inwhom Jesus is abiding.

HE CAME TO NAZARETH WHERE HE HAD BEEN BROUGHT UP

“ 16 And He came to Nazareth,where He had been brought up: and, asHis custom was, He went into thesynagogue on the Sabbath day, andstood up for to read.”

THE SILENT YEARSWith the single exception of the

time of the Passover when Jesus wastwelve years of age, we do not have asingle record of anything He said or did.And why is this so? This would be atime concerning which those of theworld would be interested: the terribletwos, His teenage years, and youngmanhood from twenty through thirty.Some might even imagine that thiswould be an excellent pattern to codifyfor parents. Instead of such details, weare simply told He “was subject” toJoseph and Mary, and "increased inwisdom and stature, and in favor withGod and man” (Luke 2:52).

Those are the areas we are toensure take place in our children:

- Obedience to parents.

- Growing in stature.

- Growing in wisdom.

- Growing in favor with God.

- Growing in favor with man.

It should not surprise you to knowthat there are multitudes of “churchpeople” who neglect these areas, eventhough they are, by Divine appointment,stewards of their children.

HE CAME TO NAZARETH“And He came to Nazareth, where

He had been brought up . . .”

Following the return of Joseph,Mary, and the young child Jesus, from

residing in Egypt until wicked Heroddied, Joseph being instructed in adream, "came and dwelt in a city calledNazareth: that it might be fulfilled whichwas spoken by the prophets, He shallbe called a Nazarene" (Matt 2:23). Theword “Nazarene” is translated from aword meaning, “one separated,” STRONG’S “only,”and “an allusion to the passages where theMessiah is called a branch or sprout” (Isa 11:1;Jer 23:5; 33:15; Zech 3:8; 6:12). McCLINTOK & STRONG’S

The idea of one separated, orbeing described as “only” is alsoembedded in the term “Nazarite,” whichwas applied to one who separatehimself wholly to the Lord, either for aparticular season, or a lifetime (Num6:1-8). It is also found in the terms“Rod” (Isa 11:1), “a Branch” (Isa 11:1),“a righteous Branch” (Jer 23:5), “TheBranch of righteousness” (Jer 33:15),“My Servant the Branch” (Zech 3:8),and “the Man whose name is TheBranch” (Zech 6:12).

Thus, Jesus lived a separated lifein a city from which devout peoplethought nothing good could come (John12:46). It was there that He grew inwisdom, in stature, and in favor withGod and man. It is there that Hecultured the custom to which Luke nowrefers.

AS HIS CUSTOM WAS“ . . . and, as His custom was, He

went into the synagogue on theSabbath day . . .”

Other versions read, "as His waywas," BBE "as He normally did," CEB "asusual," CJB "as he was accustomed," MRD

"as he usually did", NJB “That is whatJesus always did,” IE “as His habit was,”WILLIAMS “according to the thingaccustomed for Him,” ABP and “as wasHis custom on the Sabbath day.” AMPLIFIED

This is the only place in the KingJames Version where a “custom” ofJesus is mentioned. The RevisedStandard Version mentions other“customs” Jesus had. The KJV usesthe word “wont” in these texts.

- TEACHING: "And He left there andwent to the region of Judea andbeyond the Jordan, and crowdsgathered to him again; and again, asHis custom was, He taught them" (Mark 10:1).

- PRAYING: "And He came out, andwent, as was his custom, to theMount of Olives; and the disciplesfollowed him." (Luke 22:39)

On the Sabbath day, this is whereyou would find Jesus – in thesynagogue. Time in the synagogue wasdevoted to “preaching” Moses and thereading of Scripture (Acts 15:21). JesusHimself is said have “preached in thesynagogues of Galilee” (Lk 4:44). Paul“preached Christ in the synagogues”Acts 19:20). Barnabas and Saul also“preached the Word of God in thesynagogues of the Jews” (Acts 13:5).



Thus, we see the followingdeveloped a God-chosen people,sanctioned by the Lord Jesus Christ,His apostles, and others used by God inthe good work of preaching andteaching.

- Regularly honoring God by meetingon a certain day.

- The public reading of Scripture at acertain time and in a certain place.

- Preaching and teaching a body ofpeople gathered together at a certaintime, and in a certain place.

MATTHEW’S ACCOUNTMatthew give this account: "And

when He was come into His owncountry, He taught them in theirsynagogue . . .” (Matt 13:54a)

MARK’S ACCOUNTMark gives the account of Jesus

returning to Nazareth, placing it afterHe had raised Jairus’ daughter from thedead. "And He went out from thence,and came into His own country; and hisdisciples follow him. And when theSabbath day was come, He began toteach in the synagogue” (Mark 6:1-2a).

AND STOOD UP FOR TO READ“ . . . and stood up for to read.”

Other versions read, "got up togive a reading," BBE "he rose up to read"DOUAY "stood up to read the lesson" GWN

and "stood up to read the Scriptures." NLT

Some who have researched thissubject have written: “Children at the ageof five years were admitted into the synagogue,and at thirteen attendance there was part ofthe legal life of the Jew. These synagogueswere the regular places for religiousgatherings every Sabbath day, and also usuallyon Mondays and Tuesdays, besides on otherspecial occasions. PULPIT COMMENTARY We read

of synagogues in Jewish literature afterthe Babylonian captivity. They arementioned in the seventy-fourth Psalm:"They said in their hearts, Let usdestroy them together: they haveburned up all the synagogues of God inthe land" (Psa 74:8). Other versionsread, “meeting places,” NKJV/NASB “everyplace where God was worshiped,” NIV

"synagogues of God," ASV God's placesof worship," BBE "God's meeting places,"CEB " every place throughout the landwhere God met with us,” CSB and “God’smeetinghouses.” AMPLIFIED

It appears that during theBabylonian captivity, the Jews made apractice of gathering together on theSabbath day, building synagogues inthe various Babylonian cities wherethey were located. This was apparentlyone of the ways they had of preserving devotion to God and the remembranceof what He had done with and amongthem.

Now, the practice of meeting inthe synagogue was not only in place,but Jesus made a practice of honoringthat day by meeting together with otherJews in a synagogue. Every Sabbathday, you could find Jesus in asynagogue

- "And they went into Capernaum;and straightway on the Sabbath dayHe entered into the synagogue, andtaught." (Mark 1:21)

- "And when the Sabbath day wascome, He began to teach in thesynagogue: and many hearing Himwere astonished, saying, Fromwhence hath this man these things?and what wisdom is this which isgiven unto Him, that even suchmighty works are wrought by Hishands?" (Mark 6:2)

- "And it came to pass also onanother Sabbath, that He enteredinto the synagogue and taught: andthere was a man whose right handwas withered." (Luke 6:6)

- "And He was teaching in one of thesynagogues on the Sabbath." (Luke13:10)

One of the prominent synagogueexercises was the reading of God’sWord. Paul referred to this practice in asynagogue in Antioch of Pisidia: "Forthey that dwell at Jerusalem, and theirrulers, because they knew him not, noryet the voices of the prophets whichare read every Sabbath day, they havefulfilled them in condemning him" (Acts13:27). James referred to the practiceat the Jerusalem conference, in whichthe issue of circumcision wasdiscussed: "For Moses of old time hathin every city them that preach him,being read in the synagogues everySabbath day." (Acts 15:21). It is inthis context that Jesus will now speak– in a synagogue on the Sabbath day.

HE FOUND THE PLACE WHERE IT WAS WRITTEN

“ 17 And there was delivered untoHim the book of the prophet Esaias.

And when He had opened the book, Hefound the place where it was written.”

THERE WAS DELIVERED TO HIM“And there was delivered unto



Him the book of the prophet Esaias. . .”

Because Moses and the Prophetswere publically read regularly in thesynagogue, the people were eventuallyexposed to all of the Scripture. Sectionswere read from Moses and theProphets, and apparently they wereread sequentially, or with somesemblance of order.

Many professing Christians have

never been exposed to the reading ofScripture in an orderly manner –particularly in a group setting. Theomission of such reading hascontributed significantly to the growingdiminishment of Bible knowledge thatexists within the professed church.Public Christian assemblies are muchlike a season of entertainment, whenthe mind is spiritually dormant. It is amost serious circumstance thatprovides little or no Divine involvementwith the people. The significance of thisdeficiency can be seen in the inspiredstatements about “Scripture” – orDivinely inspired writing. From Matthewthrough Second Peter, there are fifty-three references to “Scripture” or“Scriptures.” When these terms areused they are invariably associated withtruth. There is not a syllable in all ofGod’s Word that casts any kind ofdoubt upon the Scriptures. Theyconfirm the identity of Jesus (Matt21:42), and they are related to Divinepower (Matt 22:29). Those associationsleave no place for error.

The fact that Scripture was firstwritten hundreds of years before, andhad been translated into otherlanguages, did not present a problem inthe days of Jesus and the apostles. It isgenerally agreed that the writings ofMoses commenced about 1446 B.C.Malachi wrote about 430-420 B.C. TheSeptuagint version, the translation ofthe Hebrew Scriptures into Greek, tookplace between 300-200 B.C. Formodern Bible translators conditions like

that present monumental problems –but no such problem erupted whileJesus walked among men, or after Heascended into glory. Jesus, forexample, did not ask what version ofthe Scriptures had been handed to Him. Nor, indeed, is there any record of acomparison being made between thevarious copies or translations ofScripture.

At the very least, this suggeststhere really was no significantdifference in the copies. However, thereare other reasons.

- The Jewish people knew what theScriptures said – the events andteachings contained in them. Theyhad been raised from their youth upwith a detailed acquaintance withthe Scriptures.

- There is a thread of reasoning inScripture that weaves all of ittogether – a solitary focus andemphasis. Jesus said the Scriptures

testified of Him (John 6:39). Anangel told John that the “testimonyof Jesus is the spirit of prophecy”(Rev 19:10). Paul taught that all ofScripture was in order that “the manof God may be perfect, throughlyfurnished unto every good work” (2Tim 3:176-17).

- The “understanding of Scripture” issomething that is traced back toDivine activity – the opening of theunderstanding (Lk 24:45).

- The Scriptures produce patience andcomfort, in order that we might havehope (Rom 15:4).

- There is a “mystery” that is unfoldedby the Scriptures (Rom 16:26).

Admittedly, this is quite differentfrom a “scholarly” approach to theWord of God:–i.e. original language,context, cultural setting, etc. However,it is a way that faith can grasp, andallows for Divine direction, to which nothinking person will object.

WHEN HE HAD OPENED THE BOOK“ . . . And when He had opened

the book, He found the place where itwas written.”

It is generally understood that theScriptures they used had no divisions orpunctuation. Yet, there was a clearmessage that could be located, read,and expounded. Of course, this required an unquestioned familiarity with thetext that can only come by frequent andextended exposure to it.

In this text, there is the addeddimension of Divine direction, and theprecise understanding of the SaviorHimself. This entire event was beingdirected from heaven, and was designedto enable people to understand Jesus, butnot according to the flesh.

THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS UPON ME

“ 18a The Spirit of the Lord is uponMe, because He hath anointed Me to

preach the gospel to the poor . . .” THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS UPON ME“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me...”

Many professing Christians have never beenexposed to the reading of Scripture in anorderly manner – particularly in a groupsetting.



The act of anointing appears to have beenviewed as emblematical of a particularsanctification, of a designation to the service ofGod, or to a holy and sacred use. Hence theanointing of the high-priests (Exodus 29:29;Leviticus 4:3), and even of the sacred vessels ofthe tabernacle (Exodus 30:26, etc.); and hencealso, probably, the anointing of the king, who,as “the Lord’s anointed,” and, under the Hebrewconstitution, the viceroy of Jehovah, wasundoubtedly invested with a sacred character .. . It is from this that the high-priest, as well asthe king, is called “the anointed” (Leviticus 4:3;5:16; 6:15; Psalm 133:2). – McCLINTOK & STRONG’S

The majority of versions read, “theSpirit of the Lord is upon Me,” or “theSpirit of the Lord is on Me.” God’sWord Bible reads, "The Spirit of theLord is with me."

This text is a statement that canonly be said of the Incarnate Word. It isnot a circumstance that existed prior tothe Word becoming flesh (John 1:14).The fact that “The Word” became fleshrequired such a humbling that the HolySpirit had to be upon Him in order thatHe might fulfill the will of God. Jesusoften referred to this aspect of Himcoming into the world. In the form of aServant, and as a Man, He could notfunction on His own.

- "The Son can do nothing of Himself,but what He seeth the Father do: forwhat things soever He doeth, thesealso doeth the Son likewise." (John5:19)

- "If I bear witness of Myself, Mywitness is not true." (John 5:31)

- "I am not come of Myself, but Hethat sent Me is true, whom ye knownot." (John 7:28)

- "I do nothing of Myself; but as MyFather hath taught Me, I speak thesethings." (John 8:28)

- "For I have not spoken of Myself;but the Father which sent Me, Hegave Me a commandment, what Ishould say, and what I shouldspeak." (John 12:49)

- ". . . the words that I speak untoyou I speak not of Myself: but theFather that dwelleth in Me, He doeththe works." (John 14:10)

Isaiah referred to the Spirit beingupon the Messiah when He wrote, "Andthe Spirit of the LORD shall rest uponHim, the Spirit of wisdom andunderstanding, the Spirit of counsel andmight, the Spirit of knowledge and ofthe fear of the LORD" (Isa 11:2). Inother words, the Holy Spirit enabledJesus, as a Man to be equal tocompleting the task given Him.

Something To Think About

If it was necessary for the HolySpirit to be upon the Incarnate Word,who was in the beginning with God andwas God (John 1:1), then who canimagine any one from Adam’s lineagebeing able to do the will of God withoutthe Holy Spirit?

HE HATH ANOINTED ME“ . . . because He hath anointed

Me . . .”

Other versions read, "marked outby him," BBE “did anoint Me,” YLT

“appointed me,” LIVING “chose me,” IE

“consecrated me,” WILLIAMS and “chosenme.” CEV

On earth, men anointed priests (Ex29:229; Lev 4:3), kings (1 Sam 15:1; 2Sam 2:4; 1 Kgs 1:34,39), prophets (1Kgs 19:15-16), and vessels (Ex 30:26).However, when it comes to the Lord’sChrist, God Himself did the anointing.

This anointing signified that Jesusof Nazareth had been selected, chosen,and appointed to do the work He willnow announce. It was the work thatGod Almighty had determined to bedone – and Jesus, the Son of God,would see to it that it was completed.

The only reception of Jesus that isvalid is that of receiving Him in thecapacity for which He has beenanointed. God did not anoint Jesus tofulfill the desires of men – unless theyare in accord with the purpose of God.There has been too much presentationof Jesus Christ as the answer topersonal and social ills. While there may

be an element of truth to such a view,it is slanted in the wrong direction.God’s purpose in creating men was "That they should seek the Lord, ifhaply they might feel after Him, andfind Him, though He be not far fromevery one of us" (Acts 17:27). That isthe objective that is realized in JesusChrist. Every Divine determination formen – justification, sanctification, andglorification) is realized in Christ, and inHim alone. Any purpose that does notclearly integrate with that revealedobjective is a vain pursuit.

TO PREACH THE GOSPEL TO THEPOOR

“ . . . to preach the gospel to thepoor . . .”

Other versions read, “preach goodnews to the poor,” NIV "preach goodtidings to the poor," ASV "bring gladtidings to the poor," NAB "proclaim goodnews to the poor," NET "bring the goodnews to the afflicted," NJB “announcegood news to the poor,” ABP and “tellthe good news to the poor.” CEV

The words reading “preach theGospel” are translated from a singleGreek word [euaggelizo]. It means, “tobring good news, to announce glad tidings,”THAYER “bring or announce good news,” FRIBERG and“communicate good news concerningsomething.” LOUW-NIDA

A message of cursing wasdelivered to Adam and Eve (Gen 3:16-19), and to Cain (Gen 4:11-12).Mosesdelivered a message of requirements(John 1:17). The prophets oftendelivered messages of judgment (Ezek7:8; 18:30). They announced thedispersion of Israel (Isa 7:17-20; Jer9:16), the fall of Jerusalem (Jer 39:1;52:4), the captivity of Judah (2 Kgs24:1; Jer 27:20), and the judgment ofGentile nations (Isa 15:1; 17:1; 19:1;21:11,13).

But Jesus was sent with amessage of good news. It is writtenthat He “preached the Gospel” (Lk20:1). He announced a Divine provision,and proclaimed a message of blessingand benefit.

He preached this message “to the



poor.” The word “poor” comes from aword meaning “to be thoroughlyfrightened, to cower down or hide oneself forfear; hence, properly, one who slinks andcrouches), often involving the idea of rovingabout in wretchedness . . . destitute of wealth,influence, position, honors; lowly, afflicted .. . equivalent to helpless, powerless toaccomplish an end,” THAYER and “of one dependenton others for support poor, destitute . . . oflittle value, worthless, powerless.” FRIBERG

We must see this from a heavenlyperspective. Many of these people wereeconomically impoverished – but that isnot the focus of the good news Jesusbrought. These were the “poor in spirit” (Matt 5:3), who, in the presence of theAlmighty shrunk back in fear, knowingtheir unacceptable condition. They werespiritually destitute, and they knew it.

This message integrated with thatof the forerunner, John the Baptist. Hismessage involved a call to repentance,which tended to make people moreaware of their moral and spiritualcondition. Taken seriously, a call torepentance leaves the guilty in aspiritually impoverished condition that isrecognized. The good news is that, inChrist Jesus, God has provided acomplete and effective remedy to thecondition brought on by sin. The goodnews, or Gospel, is simply theannouncement of that provision – “ASavior, which is Christ the Lord” (Lk2:11). In Him, God has dealt with sin sothoroughly, that imputing His ownrighteousness to the guilty, yetbelieving, sinner, is now a righteousthing for Him to do (Rom 3:26).

The Gospel being preached to thepoor is parallel with this word fromJesus: "Come unto me, all ye that laborand are heavy laden, and I will give yourest. Take my yoke upon you, and learnof [from] me; for I am meek and lowlyin heart: and ye shall find rest unto yoursouls. For my yoke is easy, and myburden is light" (Mat 11:28-30). The“poor,” viewed from this perspective,are those who are burdened and heavyladen under the weight of guilt. Itincludes those who have become wearyfrom sin, and seek thorough freedomfrom it.

Adam made us “poor,” and thosewho finally come to see this will findthat Jesus is the complete answer tothat dilemma.

SENT TO HEAL THE BROKENHEARTED

“ 18b . . . He hath sent Me to healthe brokenhearted . . .”

SENT ME“. . . He hath sent Me . . .”

All versions read the same: “sentMe.” That is, Jesus was on a missionoriginated by God Himself. Thirty-ninetimes during His ministry, Jesusreferred to God has having “sent Me.” It is Jesus who, prior to becoming“flesh” (John 1:14), said to God, “Icome to do Thy will, O God” (Psa 40:6-8; Heb 10:5-10).

HEAL THE BROKENHEARTED “. . . to heal the brokenhearted . . .”

This phrase is OMITTED in thefollowing versions: ASV, NASB, NIV, NRSV,RSV, CEB, CJB, CSB, DARBY, ERV, ESV, GWN,NAB, NAS, NAU, NET, NIB, NJB, NLT, IE,WEYMOUTH, ISV, WILLIAMS, MONTGOMERY,CEV, GNB, GOODSPEED, GW, LEB, MSG, andAMPLIFIED

This phrase is INCLUDED in thefollowing versions: KJV, NKJV, BBE,DOUAY, GENEVA, MRD, PNT, RWB, TNT, WEB,YLT, LIVING, ABP, EMTV, JUB, LITV, MKJV.

Other versions read, "make wellthose who are broken-hearted," BBE "healthe contrite of heart,” DOUAY “heal thebroken hearted,” GENEVA/PNT/RWB/TNT/WEB/LIVING/

EMTV/JUB/LITV "heal the contrite in heart,” MRD

“heal the broken of heart,” YLT and “healthe ones being broken in heart.” ABP

I can find no explanation for theomission of this phrase in the thirty-oneversions mentioned. Whatever thepurported reason for their exclusion, Irefuse to accept it. The omitted phraseIS in Isaiah’s prophesy (Isa 61:1). All ofthe versions omitting it in Luke’sgospel, include it in Isaiah’s prophesy. Itherefore accept the phrase as valid andetymologically accurate.

Those who are “brokenhearted”are specifically those crushed by theguilt of sin. There are numerousreferences to this condition.

- "The LORD is nigh unto them thatare of a broken heart; and savethsuch as be of a contrite spirit." (Psa34:18)

- "I am feeble and sore broken: I haveroared by reason of the disquietnessof my heart." (Psa 38:8)

- "The sacrifices of God are a brokenspirit: a broken and a contrite heart,O God, thou wilt not despise." (Psa51:17)

- "Reproach hath broken my heart;and I am full of heaviness: and Ilooked for some to take pity, butthere was none; and for comforters,but I found none." (Psa 69:20)

- "He healeth the broken in heart, andbindeth up their wounds." (Psa147:3)

It is always a matter of deepconcern when transgressors are notsmitten with guilt, and sinners caneasily speak of, and even excuse theirtransgressions. Some can evenrepresent their sin as caused bysomeone else – which is what bothAdam and Eve did (Gen 3:12-13). Thesinner must always own theresponsibility for his sin. When he does, his is a heart that is more likely to bebroken, which will cause God to hearhis cries.

There is also a broken heart that isbrought on by the awareness of wrong



doing in others.

- BECAUSE OF FALSE PROPHETS. "Mineheart within me is broken because ofthe prophets; all my bones shake; Iam like a drunken man, and like aman whom wine hath overcome,because of the LORD, and becauseof the words of his holiness." (Jer23:9)

- "I beheld the transgressors, and wasgrieved; because they kept not thyword." (Psa 119:158)

- "Do not I hate them, O LORD, thathate thee? and am not I grieved withthose that rise up against Thee?" (Psa 139:21)

WHEN GOD HIMSELF IS BROKEN"And they that escape of you shall

remember me among the nationswhither they shall be carried captives,because I am broken with their whorishheart, which hath departed from Me,and with their eyes, which go awhoring after their idols: and they shallloathe themselves for the evils whichthey have committed in all theirabominations" (Ezek 6:9).

A transgressing people grievesGod! Thus we read:

- "And it repented the LORD that hehad made man on the earth, and itgrieved Him at his heart." (Gen 6:6)

- "And the children of Israel said untothe LORD, We have sinned: do thouunto us whatsoever seemeth goodunto thee; deliver us only, we praythee, this day. And they put awaythe strange gods from among them,and served the LORD: and His soulwas grieved for the misery ofIsrael." (Judg 10:15-16)

- "Forty years long was I grieved withthis generation, and said, It is a

people that do err in their heart, andthey have not known My ways." (Psa 95:10)

When men see sinners like Godsees them, they will also be grieved andbroken at the sight. Jesus came to healthis kind of brokenheartedness also, lestwe be overcome by it. The infrequencyof this kind of brokenness is a matter ofgreat concern to the godly.

To heal the brokenhearted meanstheir sorrow is replaced by joy, and asense of alienation is removed by thepersuasion of acceptance. If you willwalk with the Lord, you will soon sensethe ongoing need for this healing.

PREACH DELIVERANCE TO THE CAPTIVES

“ 18c . . . to preach deliverance tothe captives . . .”

TO PREACH“. . . to preach . . .”

Other versions read, “proclaim,”NKJV " to say," BBE and “announce.” GWN

This is the second time preaching,or proclaiming has been mentioned.Something that is preached orproclaimed, has already beenaccomplished or provided. Preachingdeliverance amounts to proclaiming theprison in which one was held no longerhas any doors. Those, for example, whohave been held captive by sin can getup and walk out of it, just as surely asIsrael walked out of Egypt, or lame

people picked up their beds and walked.That is what makes recovery systemsso inferior. They are not addressing thecase, but only the symptoms.

DELIVERANCE TO THE CAPTIVES“...deliverance to the captives. . .”

Other versions read, “liberty to thecaptives,” NKJV “release,” NASB “freedom,”NIV "will be let go," BBE "announceforgiveness to the prisoners of sin.” GWN

How is it that liberty can beannounced to prisoners while they arestill in bondage? Allow me to touch onwhat is involved in this deliverance.

- THE JUDGMENT OF THE OPPRESSOR.Jesus has bruised the serpent’s

head, delivering a mortal bruise tohim (Gen 3:15). It is written that bymeans of His death, Jesus“destroyed him that had the powerof death, that is, the devil” (Heb2:14). Further, in the cross Jesusplundered principalities and powers,rendering them incapable of retainingany power over those who believewhat Jesus preached. Satan simplycannot dominate a person whobelieves that proclamation.

- A CHANGE IN THE OPPRESSED. Theoppressed are “changed” – given anew nature that is superior (2 Cor5:17; Eph 4:24). They now occupythe status of “more than conquerors”(Rom 8:37). Their faith makes thenovercomers (1 John 5:4-5).

To heal the brokenhearted means theirsorrow is replaced by joy, and a sense ofalienation is removed by the persuasion ofacceptance. If you will walk with the Lord,you will soon sense the ongoing need for thishealing.



- THE REMOVAL OF THE ENEMY’S POWER.Satan and all of his hosts, togetherwith the world no longer have powerover those who believe themessage. Their power withers in thepresence of Jesus, and where there

is genuine faith in Him. Faith is,indeed, “the victory that overcomeththe world” (1 John 5:4).

All of this amounts to the removalof the prison doors. The deliverance

that is announced is not hypothetical. Itis not a mere possibility. Satan and allof his hosts will respond to the personin Christ just as they respond to Christ.If this was not the case, deliverancecould not be preached, or proclaimed.

PREACH RECOVERING OF SIGHT TO THE BLIND

“ 18d and recovering of sight to theblind . . .”

Other versions read, “recovery ofsight,” NKJV "the blind will see," BBE

"renewed sight," CJB "to the blind sight,"DARBY "restoring of sight" GWN "the blindwill see," NLT and "receiving of sight." YLT

There is no justifiable reason forany person in Christ to remain spirituallyblind , or ignorant of God, Christ, andGod’s great salvation.

Speaking of the day of Christ,Isaiah prophesied, "And in that dayshall the deaf hear the words of thebook, and the eyes of the blind shallsee out of obscurity, and out ofdarkness" (Isa 29:18). Again, "And theeyes of them that see shall not be dim,and the ears of them that hear shallhearken" (Isa 32:3). And again, "Thenthe eyes of the blind shall be opened,and the ears of the deaf shall beunstopped" (Isa 35:5).

The reality of this promise was

prefigured in the healing of the blindduring Jesus’ ministry (Matt 9:27-31;15:30; Mk 8:22-36; John 9:1-41; Matt20:29-34). It was wrought in the senseof this text when Jesus opened theunderstanding of His disciples (Lk24:45), and in the opening of the heartof Lydia (Acts 16:14). This is what Paul

prayed for the Ephesians – “the eyes ofyour understanding being enlightened”(Eph 1:18). It was a ministry in whichPaul participated, being called to “opentheir eyes” (Acts 26:18). It is “the lightof the knowledge of the glory of God”mentioned in Second Corinthians 4:6. Itis an integral part of Jesus’ currentministry of giving us an understanding(1 John 5:20).

It is a reproach to Jesus whenspiritual ignorance lingers in thoseprofessing to be in His church.“Ignorance” alienates men “from the lifeof God” – professed “Christian” or not(Eph 4:18). If Jesus was anointed tobring the recovery of sight to the blind,then how is it that so many “blind”

people exist in the professed church?Why is there so little “spiritualunderstanding” (Col 1:9)? Is it thatJesus has not done what He has beenanointed to do? Has He been unfaithfulto His commission? OR, has a “form ofgodliness” been introduced in whichJesus does not minister to the people (2Tim 3:1-5)?

It must be remembered that whereJesus is not received, He will not remain– and the ministry for which He wasanointed will not be performed in suchplaces. As it is written, “And they didnot receive Him, because his face wasas though he would go to Jerusalem.And when His disciples James and Johnsaw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou thatwe command fire to come down fromheaven, and consume them, even asElias did? But He turned, and rebukedthem, and said, Ye know not whatmanner of spirit ye are of. For the Sonof man is not come to destroy men'slives, but to save them. And they wentto another village" (Luke 9:53-56).

Where Jesus remains, or abides,He will minister, and the things forwhich He was anointed will take place.There is no exception to this. Jesus isnever unfaithful! He will never fail to dowhat He has been given to do. Believingthis will assist the godly in evaluatingmany religious circumstances.

TO SET AT LIBERTY THEM THAT ARE BRUISED

“ 18e . . . to set at liberty them thatare bruised . . .”

Other versions read, “to set at

liberty those who are oppressed,” NKJV

“to set free those who aredowntrodden,” NASB “to release theoppressed,” NIV “to let the oppressed go

free,” NRSV "to make the wounded freefrom their chains," BBE "to liberate theoppressed," CEB "to release those whohave been crushed," CJB "to send forth

Where Jesus remains, or abides, He willminister, and the things for which He wasanointed will take place.



the crushed delivered" DARBY "to forgivethose who have been shattered by sin,"GWN "to send away the contrite withforgiveness [of their sins]." MRD "To sendaway the bruised with deliverance," YLT

“that the downtrodden shall be freedfrom their oppressors,” LIVING “He sentme to lift up broken-hearted people,” IE

“to send away free those whomtyranny has crushed,” WEYMOUTH “to send[to the ones being devastated arelease],” ABP“to free everyone whosuffers,” CEV “To set the down-troddenat liberty,” GOODSPEED “to send out infreedom those who are oppressed,” LEB

“to send away the ones being crushed,in remission,” LITV “To set the burdenedand battered free,” MESSAGE and “to sendforth as delivered those who areoppressed [who are downtrodden,bruised, crushed, and broken down bycalamity].” AMPLIFIED

I include the representation ofvarious versions, although I must admitI see them mostly as emissions ofspiritual fog. After reading all of them,what is the average reader to concludeis the meaning of the text? Like it ornot, scholarship does not bring much to

the table of spiritual understanding, andworldly wisdom brings nothing at all.

Isaiah’s prophecy reads, “theopening of the prison to them that arebound” (Isa 61:1). Other versions read,“the opening of the prison and of theeyes to those who are bound.” AMPLIFIED

The bruising of reference is the effectsof the bonds, or chains, that held theprisoners. When Joseph was in prison,he experienced this kind of bruising. Itis written, "Whose feet they hurt withfetters: he was laid in iron" (Psa105:18).

The meaning of the text is thatthey were released from their prison,and the chains that held them as well.

This contradicts the postulation of someprofessed Christian recovery programsthat declare the professing Christian hasbeen saved, yet remains “addicted” tosome form of sin. Such claims maybring comfort to those withoutunderstanding, but they bring greatreproach to Jesus, and negate theprophecy of Isaiah.

When Jesus liberates sinners fromprison, they come out without theirbonds, or chains. They do not remainenslaved to sin when they are liberatedfrom the prison house! Those whoteach otherwise have simply not toldthe truth – and when it comes torepresenting Jesus, nothing could bemore reprehensible than that!

PREACH THE ACCEPTABLE YEAR OF THE LORD

“ 19 To preach the acceptable yearof the Lord.”

Other versions read, "To proclaimthe acceptable year of the LORD,” NKJV

"TO PROCLAIM THE FAVORABLEYEAR OF THE LORD,” NASB "to proclaimthe year of the Lord's favor,” NIV "Togive knowledge that the year of theLord's good pleasure is come,” BBE "topreach the acceptable year of the Lord,and the day of reward." DOUAY "the timeof the LORD's favor has come," NLT

“God is ready to give blessings to allwho come to him,” LIVING “to announcethe welcome year of the Lord,” IE “Thisis the year the Lord has chosen,” CEV

“the time has come when the Lord willsave his people,” GNB “This is God's yearto act!,” MESSAGE and “the accepted andacceptable year of the Lord [the daywhen salvation and the free favors ofGod profusely abound.]” AMPLIFIED

This was an appointed time,determined from before the foundationof the world.

- The Savior through whom the daywould be validated, initiated, andcarried out to its completion, wasdetermined “before the foundation ofthe world” (1 Pet 1:19-20; Rev13:8).

- Those who were to be accepted inChrist were chosen “in Him beforethe foundation of th world” (Eph1:4).

- The Kingdom to be inherited by thesaved ones was “prepared . . . fromthe foundation of the world” (Matt25:34).

- So far as Divine intention wasconcerned the all of the works

associated with the day of salvationwere “finished from the foundationof the world” (Heb 4:3).

The Prophets commenced tospeak of a coming time when menwould be accepted upon the basis ofAnother. Here are a few of them.

- Isa 2:2 – All nations shall flow intothe Lord’s house.

- Isa 25:6-7 – A Feast of fat things.

- Isa 29:18-19,24 – A dramaticchange in the people.

- Isa 32:1-2 – A Man for a hidingplace.

- Isa 35:8 – A highway of holiness.

- Isa 44:3-4 – Springing up of life.

When Jesus liberates sinners from prison,they come out without their bonds, orchains. They do not remain enslaved to sinwhen they are liberated from the prisonhouse!



THE SITTING TEACHER“The master sits at the head, or in the chiefplace, and the disciples before him in a circuit,like a crown; so that they all see the master,and hear his words; and the master may not situpon a seat, and the scholars upon the ground;but either all upon the earth, or upon seats:indeed from the beginning, or formerly, “themaster used to sit”, and the disciples stand; butbefore the destruction of the second temple, allused to teach their disciples as they weresitting.” MAIMONIDES, HILCH. TALMUD TORAH, c. 4. sect. 2.

- Isa 46:13 – Salvation will not tarry.

- Isa 52:10 – All the ends of the earthwill see the salvation of God.

- Isa 53:1-12 – A bearer of iniquity,and a Source of blessing.

- Isa 55:3 – The sure mercies of God.

- Isa 61:11 – Righteousness andpraise will spring forth.

- Jer 3:17 – All the nations will begathered to the name of the Lord.

- Jer 33:9 – Joy, honor, and praise toGod before all nations.

- Joel 2:32 – The Spirit of the Lordpoured forth.

These were all speaking of theyear of acceptance – a time when menwould be received upon the basis ofones acceptance of the Lord JesusChrist. That reception would not onlybe acceptable, and a genuineexperience, it would be a whollyrighteous transaction. Jesus came toannounce the commencement of that

day, which continues to this day.

A NEED FOR THIS PROCLAMATIONThere is a serious need for this

proclamation, and especially for peopleto be prepared to receive it. It is reallynot enough for people to know theirsins can be forgiven. The reason sinsare forgiven is in order that the forgivenone can have access to God, andreceive the things God has prepared forthem who love Him (1 Cor 2:9). It isimperative that we know what God hasdetermined to be accomplished byJesus – and then for us to look for thefulfillment of these things in us.

THIS DAY IS THIS SCRIPTURE FULFILLED IN YOUR EARS

“ 20 And He closed the book, andHe gave it again to the minister, and satdown. And the eyes of all them thatwere in the synagogue were fastenedon Him. 21 And He began to say untothem, This day is this scripture fulfilledin your ears.”

I do not doubt that the audiencehad never heard the reading of Scripturewith such power and authority. Theirresponse, as stated in this text,confirms to me that this was the case.

HE CLOSED THE BOOK“And He closed the book, and He

gave it again to the minister, and satdown. . .”

The orderliness and respect withwhich they handled the Scriptures isworthy of note. Everyone apparently didnot have a copy of the Scriptures. Thesynagogue copy, however, does notappear to have been at the disposal ofthe people. It was treated with respectby the Lord Jesus Himself.

THE EYES OF THEM “ . . . And the eyes of all them

that were in the synagogue werefastened on Him. . .”

Other versions read, “were fixedon Him,” NKJV "watched him closely,"GWN "were gazing upon him," MRD "lookedintently at him," NAB “looked straight at

Jesus,” CEV and “gazing [attentively] atHim.” AMPLIFIED

It is evident that when Jesus readthe Scripture it became apparent thatHe knew the Scriptures well – theircontent and their meaning. Heimmediately drew the attention of thepeople, and they looked at Him intently,obviously desirous to hear what He wasgoing to say.

HE BEGAN TO SAY TO THEM “ . . . And He began to say unto

them, This day is this scripture fulfilledin your ears.”

Following the reading of theScripture, Jesus sat down – as ateacher would do. Jesus is frequentlydepicted as sitting to teach (Matt 5:1;15:29; 26:20; Mk 9:35; Lk 5:3; John8:2; 13:12). The posture itself indicatesthat the discourse was not intended to

be brief. The words indicate that this isa summation of what Jesus taught: “HeBEGAN to say.” It ought to be notedthat in our day, preaching and teachingare often associated with brevity, whichthe masses prefer in matters pertainingto life and godliness.

And what did Jesus begin to say? "This day is this scripture fulfilled inyour ears." Other versions read, “inyour hearing,” NKJV " just as you heardit," CEB "Today as you listen, thisScripture has been fulfilled," CSB "Thisday, is this scripture which ye haveheard, fulfilled," MRD "This text is beingfulfilled today even while you arelistening" NJB "The Scripture you've justheard has been fulfilled this very day!"NLT “These Scriptures came true today!”LIVING “While you heard me reading thesewords just now, the words werecoming true!” IE “Today this Scripturehas been fulfilled while you are presentand hearing.” AMPLIFIED

Jesus was declaring that what thisprophecy foretold was beginning to takeplace as He spoke. The fulfillment wascommensurate with the spoken worditself. The people were listening to Onewho was anointed with the Holy Spirit,which was upon Him. The Gospel wasbeing preached, and healing and freedomwere within the reach of the audience.That very day, they could have what theprophecy had announced.



The Full ProphecyThe full prophecy is found in

Isaiah 61:1-7. The following wasdeclared.

- Good tidings preached to the meek(Isa 61:1a).

- The brokenhearted bound up (Isa61:1b).

- Liberty proclaimed to the captives(Isa 61:1c).

- The opening of the prisonannounced to those who werebound (Isa 61:1d).

- The acceptable year of the Lordproclaimed (Isa 61:2a).

- The day of he vengeance of Godproclaimed (Isa 61:2b).

- Comfort proclaimed to all that mourn(Isa 61:2c).

- To appoint to those who mourn inZion beauty for ashes, the oil of joyfor mourning, and the garment ofpraise for the spirit of heaviness;that they may be called trees ofrighteousness, the planting of theLord, that He might be glorified (Isa61:3).

- The old wastes would be built (Isa61:4a).

- The former desolations would beraised up (Is 61:4b).

- The waste cities would be repaired,and the desolations of manygenerations (Isa 61:4c).

- Others would serve them (Isa 61:5).

- They would be named “the Priestsof the Lord” (Isa 61:6a).

- Men would call then “the Ministersof our God” (Isa 61:6b).

- They would experience everlastingjoy (Isa 61:7).

This is actually a kind of snapshotof salvation, and this announcementwas the heralding of “the day ofsalvation” (Isa 49:8; 2 Cor 6:2).

Here “fulfilled” does not meancompletion, but that the prophecy hadcommenced – like on the day ofPentecost–i.e. “This is that” (Acts2:16).

As you peruse this gloriousannouncement, you will find it is at asharp variance with what is seen in themodern church. There are actuallycountless imagined ministries that aremiserable substitutes for what Jesushas been anointed and appointed to do.They are the modern representation ofthe “inventions” God condemned of oldPsa 99:8; 106:29,39). Pretentious menhave “sought out many inventions”(Eccl 7:29).

Wherever the Gospel is preachedand received, we expect theseproclamations to be fulfilled. It isdishonoring to Jesus to think anythingelse. Candidly, we ought not to besupportive of any purported Christianactivity that proceeds as though thesethings do not actually take place whena person is saved – forgiven of “all”their trespasses (Col 2:13), deliveredfrom the power of darkness, andtranslated into the Kingdom of Christ(Col 1:13).

IS NOT THIS JOSEPH’S SON

“ 22 And all bare Him witness, andwondered at the gracious words whichproceeded out of His mouth. And theysaid, Is not this Joseph's son?”

BARE HIM WITNESS“And all bare Him witness . . .”

Other versions read, “and all werespeaking well of Him,” NASB "they wereall giving witness," BBE "Everyone wasraving about Jesus,” CEB "all spoke

highly of Him," NAB "He won theapproval of all,"NJB “the people weresaying good things about Jesus,” IE “Allthe people started talking about Jesus,”CEV “They were all well impressed withHim,” GNB “Everybody noticed what Hesaid.” PHILLIPS

Everyone was quite impressedwith the way Jesus spoke. He read theScriptures well, and in an impressivemanner. They might have said things

like, “He is a good speaker.” or “Hesurely knows the Scripture, that is oneof my favorite passages, or “Veryimpressive!”

WONDERED AT THE GRACIOUSWORDS

“ . . . and wondered at thegracious words which proceeded out ofHis mouth. . .”

Other versions read, “words of

As you peruse this glorious announcement,you will find it is at a sharp variance withwhat is seen in the modern church. There areactually countless imagined ministries thatare miserable substitutes for what Jesus hasbeen anointed and appointed to do.



grace,” ASV “appealing words,” CJB

“beautiful words,” LIVING “sweet wordsof kindness,” WEYMOUTH “words ofcharm,” MONTGOMERY “words of favor,” ABP

“wonderful things,” CEV “eloquentwords,” GNB “winning words,” GOODSPEED

and “how well he spoke.” MESSAGE

What “gracious words” – wordsof the poor hearing good news, brokenhearts being healed, captives beingdelivered, blind being given sight, thosein bonds being liberated, and anacceptable year. You certainly could notdeliver better words than that!However, they were little more thanwords to the audience – oratory, and agood speech. No personal associationwas made with them and actual humanexperience.

IS NOT THIS JOSEPH’S SON? “ . . . And they said, Is not this

Joseph's son?”

Other versions read, "This isJoseph's son, isn't it?" CEB "Can this beYosef's son?"CJB "This is Joseph's son,surely?" NJB and “Isn't this Joseph'sson, the one we've known since hewas a youngster?” MESSAGE

Among other things, this confirmsthat Joseph and Mary never told ofJesus’ miraculous birth, Mary beingconceived by the Holy Spirit. Menwould not have believed such atestimony, and it would have movedsome to think Mary was guilty ofadultery. Later in is ministry, somepeople said He was a “Samaritan,” andhad a demon (John 8:48). Joseph andMary did not tell people what had beentold to them, that Jesus was “the Sonof God” (Lk 1:35), or that He was going“save His people from their sins” (Matt1:21), or that He was going to be given“the throne of His father David” (Lk1:32).

It would have been inappropriateto speak of those things to the generalpublic. They were intended for thepeople actually involved in the work ofthe Lord, like Elizabeth, Zacharias,Simeon, and Anna.

There are some things that are notintended to be spoken to general public.

They are more intended for the familyof God. These things are not able to becomprehended by those who are not inChrist Jesus. Examples of these are asfollows.

- We are “born again” (1 Pet 1:23).

- We have access to God (Eph 3:12).

- We are kings and priests (Rev 1:6).

- We are being conformed the imageof Christ (Rom 8:39-30; 2 Cor3:18).

- We are “accepted” by God (Eph1:6).

- We have been made to sit togetherwith Christ in heavenly places (Eph2:6).

- We have the Holy Spirit (1 Cor2:12).

Because Jesus was totally freefrom sin, He could say to themultitudes, “I came down from heaven”(John 6:38). He could challenge them, "Which of you convinceth Me of sin?”(John 8:46).

When we bear testimony to menabout our status with God, freedomfrom sin’s dominion, etc, it must not becontradicted by our lives. When Paultestified to Agrippa of His calling, hetold the things that could be seen in hislife: "But rise, and stand upon thy feet:for I have appeared unto thee for thispurpose, to make thee a minister and awitness both of these things whichthou hast seen, and of those things inthe which I will appear unto thee; delivering thee from the people, andfrom the Gentiles, unto whom now I

send thee, to open their eyes, and toturn them from darkness to light, andfrom the power of Satan unto God, thatthey may receive forgiveness of sins,and inheritance among them which aresanctified by faith that is in me" (Acts26:16-18).

Testimonies given by people whoremain dominated by sin are hurtful, nothelpful.

In the case of Jesus, when Hebegan to divulge who He really was,there was nothing in His life that couldbe interpreted as contradicting what Hesaid. Suffice it to say, and in ourmeasure, the same must be said of us.

MATTHEW’S ACCOUNT Matthew gives this account of

Jesus’ visit to Nazareth. "And when Hewas come into His own country, Hetaught them in their synagogue,insomuch that they were astonished,and said, Whence hath this Man thiswisdom, and these mighty works? Isnot this the carpenter's son? is not Hismother called Mary? and his brethren,James, and Joses, and Simon, andJudas? And His sisters, are they not allwith us? Whence then hath this man allthese things? And they were offendedin Him . . .” (Matt 13:54-57a).

MARK’S ACCOUNTMark gives this account of the

occasion: " . . . many hearing Him wereastonished, saying, From whence haththis Man these things? and whatwisdom is this which is given unto Him,that even such mighty works arewrought by his hands? Is not this theCarpenter, the son of Mary, the brotherof James, and Joses, and of Juda, andSimon? and are not his sisters here with

In the case of Jesus, when He began to divulgewho He really was, there was nothing in His lifethat could be interpreted as contradicting whatHe said. Suffice it to say, and in our measure,the same must be said of us.



us? And they were offended at Him." (Mark 6:2-33).

They recognized that what worksthey had seen were “mighty,” and thatHe had received great “wisdom.” Yet,

they thought of Him only as they hadseen Him in ordinary life. They saw noconnection between Him and God.

YE SHALL SURELY UNTO ME

“ 23 And He said unto them, Yewill surely say unto He this proverb,Physician, heal Thyself: whatsoever wehave heard done in Capernaum, do alsohere in thy country.”

Like it or not, the Lordaccentuates glaring differencesbetween Himself and men (Prov 21:8;Isa 55:8-9; Rom 8:7; James 4:4).Natural men object to any mention oftheir variance with God, but they arewrong in that objection.

Jesus will now expose the enmityof the people He is addressing byprophesying what they will do.

YE WILL SURELY SAY"And he said unto them, Ye will

surely say unto me this proverb,Physician, heal thyself: whatsoever wehave heard done in Capernaum, do alsohere in thy country."

So far as the record is concerned,this is the only time Jesus returned to

Nazareth, where He had been broughtup. Luke gives no record of Himworking a miracle there, or doinganything supernatural. All manner ofreports concerning what He was andwould be doing elsewhere were broughtinto Nazareth, but few reports are saidto have gone out of Nazarethconcerning what He had done there.Other Gospel writers do mention of afew things Jesus did there – verylimited. Luke, however, makes nomention of them.

NO PROPHET IS ACCEPTED IN HIS OWN COUNTRY

“ 24 And He said, Verily, I say untoyou, No prophet is accepted in his owncountry. 25 But I tell you of a truth,many widows were in Israel in the daysof Elias, when the heaven was shut upthree years and six months, when greatfamine was throughout all the land; 26

But unto none of them was Elias sent,save unto Sarepta, a city of Sidon, untoa woman that was a widow. 27 Andmany lepers were in Israel in the time ofEliseus the prophet; and none of themwas cleansed, saving Naaman theSyrian.”

NO PROPHET IS ACCEPTED“And He said, Verily, I say unto

you, No prophet is accepted in his owncountry. . .”

This is an accurate assessment offallen humanity, as history will bearwitness. Those who have been raisedwith holy people generally have rejectedthem when their real status was madeknown. Outside of Christ, fleshlyfamiliarity trumps exposure to newnessof life, or a new kind of life. As acarpenter, Jesus posed no threat to thepeople. However, when His real Person

was revealed it was devastating to theflesh – even those of His own family.

MATTHEW’S RECORDMatthew gives this record: “And

they were offended in Him. But Jesussaid unto them, A prophet is notwithout honor, save in His owncountry, and in his own house. And Hedid not many mighty works therebecause of their unbelief" (Matt13:57b-58).

MARK’S RECORD"But Jesus said unto them, A

prophet is not without honor, but in Hisown country, and among His own kin,and in his own house. And He couldthere do no mighty work, save that Helaid His hands upon a few sick folk, andhealed them" (Mark 6:4-5). It appearsthat this was done in a more privatemanner due to the spiritual hostility inthat place.

MANY WIDOWS WERE IN ISRAEL“ . . . But I tell you of a truth,

many widows were in Israel in the daysof Elias, when the heaven was shut upthree years and six months, when great

famine was throughout all the land; 26

But unto none of them was Elias sent,save unto Sarepta, a city of Sidon, untoa woman that was a widow. . .”

This well known account is foundin First Kings 17:9-24. To a favored,but haughty, nation, this would makeno sense. After all, some would reason,“charity begins at home.” What suchshallow people do not recognize is thatDivine love did begin with Israel. Hewas gracious and kind to them, butthey responded by turning their back toHim (Jer 2:27). The people standingbefore Jesus were members of a“faithless and perverse generation”(Matt 17:17).

MANY LEPERS WERE IN ISRAEL“ . . . And many lepers were in

Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet;and none of them was cleansed, savingNaaman the Syrian.”

This record is found in First Kings19:19-21. Again, a bigoted people,though they had been favored by God,would not consider this to be proper.Similar things take place today. In my



own experience, when I was walkingamong a certain sect, I was upbraidedfor preaching to what was consideredan unacceptable denomination, andeven forbidden to do so. I did not honorthe sectarian mandate. It was

motivated by the Nazareth-spiritrevealed in this text – a spirit thatwanted all of the attention, but wasunwilling to give their own attention tothe truth of God, particularly as it wasembodied in the Son of God. The

seriousness of this attitude is rarelyacknowledged. In fact, considerableeffort is being expended to sanctify itas being from God Himself. Throughoutthe history of God’s people, this kind ofattitude has been confronted.

THEY WERE FILLED WITH WRATH

“ 28 And all they in the synagogue,when they heard these things, werefilled with wrath, 29 And rose up, andthrust Him out of the city, and led Himunto the brow of the hill whereon theircity was built, that they might cast Himdown headlong.”

IN THE SYNAGOGUE“And all they in the synagogue,

when they heard these things, werefilled with wrath . . .”

Other versions read, “filled withrage,” NASB “were furious,” NIV "werevery angry," BBE "filled with fury," CJB

"was enraged," CSB “these remarksstung them to fury,” LIVING “becamevery, very angry,” IE “filled with wrath,”EMTV and “was furiously angry” PHILLIPS

And, what was it that caused

everyone in that synagogue to suddenlybe filled with rage, wrath, anger, andfury? It was a word, or report, takenfrom Scripture, of two people who werenot Jews who received tender mercyfrom the Lord, while some Jews in

identical positions did not. And whowas it that made the decision that ledto this mercy? It was none other thanAlmighty God, whom these very Jewsprofessed to worship. But they reallydid not worship Him, because they hada controversy with Him because ofwhat He did. For them, their will wasthe primary will, and they despised anywill that was contrary to it– even if itwas the will of God. Mind you, theyhad been given to know more aboutGod than any other people. To thembelonged "the adoption, and the glory,and the covenants, and the giving ofthe law, and the service of God, andthe promises; whose are the fathers,and of whom as concerning the fleshChrist came, who is over all, Godblessed for ever. Amen" (Rom 9:4-5).

However, Divine privilege and

blessing do not change the heart, asIsrael and Judas prove.

THEY ROSE UP“ . . . And rose up, and thrust Him

out of the city, and led Him unto the

brow of the hill whereon their city wasbuilt, that they might cast Him downheadlong.”

All that were in the synagogueacted upon the hatred, and gave vent totheir fury. The gathering of the day wasinstantly concluded. They got up, insome way gathered around Jesus, andall went to “the brow of the hillwhereon their city was built.” Jesus didnot resist them. In mercy He did notstrike them down, or even slay them.The time from the synagogue to thebrow of the hill was, if it could onlyhave been seen, “space to repent” (Rev2:21): but the people did not! They fullyintended to throw Jesus down to thebase of the mount, where He would bedashed to pieces.

You see what corrupt religion cando to a person. Throughout history,some of the most violent crimes havebeen committed by professingChristians. Religious wars aresometimes some of the worst of wars.In Biblical history, prophets were stoned(Matt 23:37), thrown into mirydungeons (Jer 38:6), and persecuted.The apostles suffered at the hands ofreligious leaders (Acts 5:40; 2 Cor11:24).

It has been confirmed that theworst of all flesh is religious flesh. Iteven opposed the Lord Jesus Christ andthose He sent out.

HE WENT ON HIS WAY

“ 30 But He passing through themidst of them went His way.” Other

versions read, "But He walked rightthrough the crowd and went on His

way,” NIV "But He walked right throughthe middle of the crowd and went

You see what corrupt religion can do to a person.Throughout history, some of the most violent crimes havebeen committed by professing Christians. Religious warsare sometimes some of the worst of wars.



Our next Hungry Saints Meeting will be held on Friday, 3/20/15. We will continue our series of lessons in the Gospelof Luke. The fifteenth lesson will cover verses 30 thru 44 of chapter 4: “JESUS BEGINS AN AGGRESSIVE MINISTRY.”Having preached in His hometown, and been rejected, He goes to Capernaum, and begins His aggressive ministry. Heministers in another synagogue, and assaults Satan’s kingdom. The people zealously sought Him, while He affirmedHe had to preach the kingdom of God to other cities also. He also preached in the synagogues of Galilee. The regionwas lit up with the glory of as preaching Deliverer. Our meeting will begin at 7:00 P.M. You are invited to bring yourfamily and friends for fellowship around the Word of God. Refreshments are served afterward, with a time of extendedfellowship for everyone.

away," CJB and "But Jesus walked rightby them and went away." GWN

He was apparently completelyundetected. Walking right through themiddle of the crowd, no one could seeHim. Perhaps the Lord seemly shut theireyes to His Person. Or, He could have

changed His appearance as He did tothe two on the way to Emmaus,appearing in “another form” (Mk16:12).

The truth of the matter is that Hishour had not yet come –the hour inwhich He would lay down His life, a

“ransom for many” Matt 20:28). Jesusspoke the absolute truth when He said,"No man taketh it from Me" (John10:18). It simply could not be done,whether an angry crowd attempted it,or a cluster of scribes and Pharisees. Hewent on “His way,” to do the will ofthe Father who had sent Him.

Returning from His temptation, Jesus preaches in His hometown synagogue. They receive Him, but only up to a certain point – Given O. Blakely The Temptation of Jesus -- 19 of 19

a ministry for hungry saints - word of truthwotruth.com/commentaries-new/luke/luke-014a.pdf · mark...

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