Epiphany 4 C Series

 

Luke 4:31–44

Almighty God, You know we live in the midst of so many dangers that in our frailty we cannot stand upright. Grant strength and protection to support us in all dangers and carry us through all temptations; Lord Jesus, bless Thy Word, that we might trust in Thee.

Jesus Has Authority to Forgive Your Sins and Give You Life

Jesus was sent to “preach the good news of the kingdom of God.” (Luke 4:43) His preaching is an epiphany or manifestation of God. Because His Word reveals the authority of His Cross and Resurrection. By which He has atoned for the sins of the world.

By the preaching of His Gospel in every place. He silences the unclean spirits and casts out demons. He heals the diseases of body and soul. .He restores life and health to His creation. (Luke 4:40–41)

For the sake of His divine love, He is “patient and kind” toward you. He “bears all things,” “endures all things,” and “delivers up His body” to save you. (1 Corinthians 13:3–4, 7)

Jesus goes to Capernaum. The center of His Galilean ministry. The crowds are astounded at the authority of His teaching. They are amazed at the power demonstrated in his healing. Who is this Jesus? To what extent is he our authority? Our standard for truth? What do we known of his power?

Jesus’ teaching amazed his audience. His words had authority.

Jesus’ teaching was simple and straightforward. While that of scribes and Pharisees was academic. Scholarly. And obscure.

Obscurity often passes for depth. When Jesus taught. He spoke very simply. Using earthly stories. Parables. And illustrations. People heard Him. Knowing what He had said. And grasping that this was what the Bible had taught in the first place. Jesus, as the Master Teacher, made the text of Scripture clear and simple.

Jesus enters into His Father’s house.  He begins teaching the people the Good News about the kingdom. But unlike the Pharisees and teachers of the law - who quote the teachings of Moses and the Prophets, Jesus speaks by His own authority.

Rather than speaking the teachings of others. Jesus speaks the Word Himself. With this speaking. He fulfills His role as the great High Priest.

Jesus taught as the author of Scripture. Jesus taught Scripture as God. From the LORD’s point of view. The scribes and Pharisees taught as mere men. With their biases. And prejudices. Obscuring the text of Scripture.

 Indeed, the matter was even worse. For the scribes and Pharisees were known for quoting their knowledge and use of rabbi’s material. And not for their knowledge of the Scriptures.

Satan, being cast down upon the earth in disobedience.  With hatred and spite has one of his demons take possession of a man in the synagogue. This demon recognizes Jesus as the One who has supreme authority and power. He cries cried out with a loud voice, “I know who you are— the Holy One of God.”

This man. “Having a spirit of an unclean demon.” Speaks in the plural…“let us alone!” “I know who you are!”

The evil spirit’s possession of the man is a direct assault upon the Father and His work of creation. Jesus as the great High Priest came to destroy the works of the devil.

Jesus had the right. To set free the man held captive. Satan still considers it an infringement of his rights when God frees a “sinner” from bondage. And destroys his influence. He remains spiteful. Malignant like a cancer. - Poisonous like a serpent - Spreading his anger. He’s vicious. Striking out at all who come too close.

Jesus would not carry on a conversation with this demon. He would not dignify the demon. By giving it further occasion. Even to speak.  Jesus rebuked the demon. And commanded it to be silent. And to come out of the man. “Be quiet! Be muzzled" Jesus said sternly. "Come out of him!"

This demon was no different from his master. Still spiteful. Though obliged to obey the divine will of God. The demon submits. Because he had to. Not because he chose to.

He exerted his last power. Inflicting all the pain, he could. Then bowed to the Son of God and came out.

News about him spread throughout the surrounding area. (4:37) How did that happen? It happened because that congregation. Amazed and submitted to Christ’s authority. Talked about that Jesus. They told their neighbors and their coworkers about Jesus. They told their families about Jesus. They spread his fame. And made his name great in that region.

Jesus came down from heaven in love and obedience to His Father. Jesus came to earth for the very purpose of paying the bills owed to the Father for your iniquity. Disobedience. And sin.

Jesus took the bills of your sin and paid the cost with His very own body and blood. So that you could be free from the guilt over your iniquity.  To relieve you from the burden of your sin.

 When you humbly turn to Jesus in faith.  Believing that His death on the cross accomplished your salvation. You are enabled to confess your sins and ask that your debts be forgiven.

He freely gives you pardon and peace. His gifts He offers to all who love Him. Jesus enables you to stand upright before Him. As He removes your sin. So that you are free to serve Him. In doing this. Jesus makes you Holy.

He made you holy in your Baptism. This is what our students learned as Luther has taught.

What does Baptism with water signify? “It indicates that the Old Adam in us should by daily contrition and repentance be drowned and die with all sins and evil desires, and that a new man should daily arise to live before God in righteousness and purity forever.”

You are now free to live the life the Father intended for you to live. Your heavenly Father does not mean for you to live for yourself. You now live giving glory to God. As you serve your neighbor in the time given to you.

Love God. Serve your neighbor. Be a sermon in shoes. This is who you are in Christ your Savior.

Words- 1,060
Passive Sentences –3%
Readability – 80.1%
Reading Level – 4.0