Character of Jesus 30

The Character of Jesus 30

Matthew 9:35 – 38, 10:1, 5 – 42, 11:1, 13:54 – 58, Mark 6:1 – 13, Luke 4:16 – 31, 9:1 – 6

Third Circuit in Galilee

  • Following the Mark account
  • Characteristic: Realistic expectations
    • (1 – 6) Teaching in the synagogue in Nazareth
      • Luke adds details of what Jesus taught
        • The reading for that Sabbath was Isaiah 61:1 – 2.  At the conclusion, Jesus remarked, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”
        • Jesus said, “You will say…‘Physician, heal thyself.  Whatever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in Your country.’”
        • Jesus reminded them that Elijah fed only the widow of Zarephath during a 3.5-year famine.
        • Jesus reminded them that Elisha healed only a Syrian leper despite there being many also in Israel.
        • Jesus’ teaching caused the audience to try to kill Him.
      • The audience remarked on His gracious speech and miracles, but were put off by His local upbringing.
      • Other than healing a few sick people, “He could do no mighty work there.”
      • Jesus marveled at their unbelief.
    • (7 – 13)  Sending out the Twelve
      • Matthew adds that the motivation for sending them out was compassion because the multitudes were like “sheep with no shepherd.”  Also, “The harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few.  Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”
      • Matthew expands on Jesus’ instructions:
        • They will be delivered up to be scourged in synagogues.
        • They will be brought before authorities, but will be given what to say.
        • They will be the cause of great controversy.
      • The Twelve were to take no provisions or money.  Later, in Luke 22:35 – 37, right after predicting Peter’s denial, He reminded them of this, then told them that, in the future, they should go out with supplies and a sword.
      • Stay with someone who wants to hear.  Don’t be politically polite.  Don’t waste time on those not willing to listen.
      • The Twelve were given the power to heal and cast out demons.
  • Application: Realistic expectations
    • Marvel at unbelief; don’t expect the worst.
    • Be prepared with illustrations that expose religious stumbling blocks.
      • Where’s the joy?
      • Some real scoundrels are among the faithful.  God accepted them.
      • Many early Christians suffered greatly.  Did they do something wrong?
      • The Corinthians messed up almost everything, yet Paul called them brethren.
    • Be gracious especially when the hearers are not.
    • Be prepared with simple statements about promises that have impact on daily life.
      • Try harder; fail bigger.  Tap into the power of the Spirit to succeed.
      • The indwelling Spirit majors in character development.  Be the person you always wanted to be.
    • Be moved with compassion.  Outsiders are not adversaries.
    • Understand that controversy will happen.
    • Share the gospel with those who are interested (those who have been seeking God in the wrong places, and those who have repeatedly failed to overcome themselves).  Forget politics.  Don’t beat dead horses.