By Sam E. Stone
Each Gospel adds details and insights that help us better understand
the broad ministry of Jesus. Lynn Gardner reminds us, “Luke omitted many
events that occurred after Jesus’ baptism and temptation and before his
preaching ministry in Galilee (Luke 4:14ff). These events are described
in John 1:19–4:42.”
Luke describes Jesus’ traveling and teaching ministry in Galilee,
where he not only performed miracles but also preached with authority
and love.
Prophecy
Isaiah 61:1-3
Isaiah 61 begins with words of the Servant-Redeemer. It continues the predictions of the glory of Zion from chapter 60. William Fitch wrote, “The subject is once again the city of God and the people of God as fulfilling the divine purpose. The mission of this Servant is . . . threefold: to announce to the faithful that the time of their trials and sufferings is ended; to announce the commencement of the age of God’s favor; and to announce the vengeance of Jehovah.”
Isaiah 61:1-3
Isaiah 61 begins with words of the Servant-Redeemer. It continues the predictions of the glory of Zion from chapter 60. William Fitch wrote, “The subject is once again the city of God and the people of God as fulfilling the divine purpose. The mission of this Servant is . . . threefold: to announce to the faithful that the time of their trials and sufferings is ended; to announce the commencement of the age of God’s favor; and to announce the vengeance of Jehovah.”
Just who was Isaiah describing when he announced relief for the poor, the brokenhearted, the captives, and the prisoners?
The Israelites had turned away from God’s plan for them. The Lord had
intended that they live in expectation of a Year of Jubilee (Leviticus
25:8-55). This would prevent having the world’s power and resources all
in the hands of a few wealthy people who would oppress others. When the
50th year came (their Year of Jubilee), indentured servants
were released to return to their homes (Leviticus 25:13, 39-43, 54).
Ownership of the land reverted to the ancestral family who originally
lived there (Leviticus 25:28, 31).
While the people often suffered in difficult life situations, they
could always hold on to the hope that a time of freedom, redemption, and
opportunity was coming. This can help us understand the freedom which
Isaiah promised and which Jesus ultimately provided.
Fulfillment
Luke 4:14-21
After a time of temptation in the Judean wilderness, Jesus returned to the area where he had grown up. Now at about 30 years of age (Luke 3:23), he began delivering God’s message to the people. His fame quickly spread throughout Galilee (see John 4:45). As he taught in the various synagogues in the area, everyone praised him.
Luke 4:14-21
After a time of temptation in the Judean wilderness, Jesus returned to the area where he had grown up. Now at about 30 years of age (Luke 3:23), he began delivering God’s message to the people. His fame quickly spread throughout Galilee (see John 4:45). As he taught in the various synagogues in the area, everyone praised him.
We know Jesus worshipped regularly each week because of Luke’s parenthetical explanation, as was his custom. The fact that he stood up to read is
typical of what a rabbi did—standing while reading the Old Testament
Torah, but then seated as he taught (Matthew 5:1). We don’t know if
Isaiah 61:1, 2 was simply the normal place to read in the worship plan
or if Jesus specifically chose the text. It was certainly most
appropriate.
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me.” At his baptism some months earlier, the Holy Spirit had descended on Jesus like a dove (Matthew 3:16). “He has anointed me to preach good news to the poor,”
Jesus explained. Priests and kings were anointed with oil to set them
apart for their work. Symbolically, Jesus was as well. He came “to
serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28). Jesus
had been meeting all types of needs as he walked the hills of Galilee.
He followed the path chosen by his Father, knowing that one day it would
lead to Calvary.
The Old Testament was copied onto long scrolls which were kept at the
synagogue for the rabbis to study and teach. When Jesus was through
reading the text to the people, he rolled up the scroll. At this moment, the eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him.
We can imagine the excitement when the hometown boy with the growing
reputation returned to the place where he had been raised. The reading
from Isaiah 61 describing the Messiah’s reign summarized Jesus’ life and
ministry. “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing,” Jesus told them.
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