Who is Jesus to You?

 N.T.#501 "Who is Jesus to You?"

March 6, 2025 

Luke 4-Part 8

LET IT GLOW

Friend, who is Jesus to you? Is He a good teacher, a main character in a story book, or is He the Holy One of God, His Son, Savior of sinners? 

Jesus left His hometown of Nazareth because of the people rejecting Him and His teachings. Jesus claimed Himself to be the Messiah and the Jews wouldn't hear of it. so Jesus went down to minister in Capernaum. The journey took Him, literally from 1150 feet above sea level to 680 feet below it, by the Sea of Galilee. Although He went down in elevation, Jesus' ministry soared upward.

What happened while Jesus was there?

• He taught them truth on the Sabbath days. (verse 31)
• His word was with power. (verse 32) Jesus taught as one having authority, and not as the scribes. (Mark 1:22)
• The people were astonished or amazed at His doctrine. 

Such words, supported by miraculous works, should have produced faith on the part of all. However, most religious leaders rejected Jesus' claims, and most common people followed Him for the wrong reasons. (Falwell)

Rabbis based their teachings on tradition, citing opinions of their predecessors. It was according to so-and-so. Jesus didn't appeal to the traditions of men; He taught directly from the Scriptures. (Swindoll)

That is how it should be, right? Preachers, pastors and evangelists should base their messages upon the Word of God, not traditions or opinions. 

Not only did Jesus understand the meanings of the scriptures, but He also directed the writing of them, as well as living out the principles of the Old Testament. He is our model teacher.

LET IT GROW

While in the synagogue, Jesus encountered a demon-possessed man, crying with a loud voice. The demon did not struggle with Jesus' identity. How did he address Jesus?

I know thee who thou art: the Holy One of God. (verse 34)

The demon asked questions of Jesus: What have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? Art thou come to destroy us? (verse 34)

Let us alone. (verse 34)

Jesus rebuked the man's captive, a demon, and it came out of the man. Jesus has all authority in heaven and in earth. This amazed the people at Jesus' authority and power His words had. Even evil spirits obey Him and flee at Jesus' command. (NLT, verse 36) The news about Jesus spread through every village in the entire region. (verse 37)

This was the first miracle which Jesus performed that is recorded by Luke. However, it was not the first one He did. 

Friend, do you know who Jesus is? Do you have faith to believe He is the Savior, the Son of God, who takes away our sins? Have you asked Jesus to forgive your sins and be your Savior?

LET IT GO

My source of strength, my source of hope is in Christ alone.

May we let go of the world and cling to You, Sweet Jesus.

Glory to the Lord in the Highest!