That Is Why I Was Sent

Luke 4:31-44

Key Verse 4:38

This passage shows us that Jesus became largely fruitful because he focused on teaching ministry, preaching people the good news of God's kingdom.

1. Think about Jesus' "teaching" ministry in Capernaum in verses 31-32. The word "teach" or "message" (with authority) indicates that teaching (God's word) was the mainstay of Jesus' public ministry. Why do you think Jesus did this? (Genesis 1:26-28; Deuteronomy 8:3; Psalm 119:103-107)

** Jesus did this because he knew how he made man, that is,  through his word. This means that what controls man and causes man function the way he does is the message which is built inside of him. And it is when man operates according to God's word that man can function the way he is supposed to do (as God originally intended him to function). 

2. Consider the way a man possessed by a demon responded to Jesus' "message" in verses 33-34. In Greek the word "evil" can also mean "unclean." What does the word "evil" or "unclean" indicate about the reason why the man responded to Jesus' word this way? (Heb 4:12-14; John 15:3; 17:17; Eph 5:26; 1Pe 1:22)

** God's word is holy (because it is the sword of the Holy Spirit), so it exposes what is evil and unclean. It then judges, punishes, and purges man of what is incompatible with it. 

3. Verses 35-37 describe the way Jesus took the demon out of the man. What does this episode tell us about the power of Jesus' word? 

** Jesus' word has the power to drive demons out. 

4. Verses 38-41 describe the way Jesus helped out people. What does this passage tell us about Jesus? (Exodus 15:26)

** Jesus is the God who heals man of all diseases/disorderliness in the life of a man who believes in Him.

5. Compare what Jesus did in verse 42a and what Jesus said to those who came to fetch him in verses 42-43. What can we learn from Jesus who said, "That is why I was sent"? 

** 1) The wisdom to not waste our life for all the good looking wishes/purposes, but live a fruitful life by directing all of our efforts on that one important purpose for which God sent us to this world. 

2) The way to secure the above wisdom, that is, through prayer and constant dedication to the Lord. Mark 1:35; Romans 12:1-3 

6. Read verse 44. What can we learn from Jesus?

** The expression "kept on preaching in the synagogues" teaches us that we need to pray to establish a Bible center for each of the college campus of the whole world. 

The end