Bible Study: Luke 4:14-21

Objective: To understand Jesus' mission as described in Luke 4:14-21 and how it applies to our lives today.

Read Luke 4:14-21 (NIV):

"Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole region. He taught in their synagogues and was praised by everyone. He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and as was his custom on the Sabbath, he went into the synagogue and stood up to read. The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: 'The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.' Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fixed on him. He began by saying to them, 'Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.' All spoke well of him and were amazed at his gracious words. 'Isn’t this Joseph’s son?' they asked. 'Surely he can do no harm among us.' They were all amazed and said to each other, 'What wonderful miracles he is doing! What wisdom he has! How fulfilled are God’s promises through him!' But the people in the synagogue were filled with rage. They threw him out of the town and led him to the edge of the cliff. 'Go ahead and jump,' they yelled. 'If you are the Son of God, show us by doing good things like your father did in Egypt.' But he walked right through them and went on his way."

Observation:

1. What is the Setting? Jesus returns to Galilee in the power of the Spirit.
2. What were Jesus' Actions? He taught in synagogues, read from Isaiah, and proclaims the fulfillment of Scripture.
3. What were the People's Reactions: Amazement and praise, followed by anger and rejection.

Interpretation:

1. Jesus' Mission: Jesus' mission is to bring good news to the poor, freedom to the prisoners, recovery of sight to the blind, and to set the oppressed free.
2. Fulfillment of Scripture: Jesus declares that the Scripture is fulfilled in their hearing, indicating that he is the Messiah.
3. Mixed Reactions: The people are initially amazed but then reject Jesus due to their preconceived notions and expectations.

Discussion Questions:

1. What stands out to you in this passage?
2. Why do you think Jesus chose to read from Isaiah 61:1-2?
3. How do you think the people of Nazareth felt when Jesus proclaimed, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing"?
4. What does this passage teach us about the mission of Jesus?
5. Why do you think the people's reaction changed from amazement to anger?
6. How can we apply Jesus' mission to our lives today?

Personal Application:

1. Reflect on your personal mission: How can you bring good news to those around you? Consider ways to help the poor, free the oppressed, and bring hope to those in need.
2. Challenge your preconceptions: Are there any preconceived notions or expectations that might be hindering your relationship with Jesus or others?
3. Respond to rejection: How can you respond to rejection or misunderstanding with grace and perseverance, just as Jesus did?
4. Live out Jesus' mission: Identify specific actions you can take to live out Jesus' mission in your daily life.