People You Should Know: Jesus (May 3)

The Text: Luke 4:31-44

The Clues:

Vs. 31-34

Jesus left Nazareth and went to Capernaum where he began teaching in their synagogue every Sabbath. One day while teaching in the synagogue, a man in the audience began shouting at Jesus. Jesus immediately recognized the problem. An evil spirit possessed the man, and it was actually the evil spirit that was shouting at Jesus. Evil spirits are fallen angels, angels that followed Satan’s rebellion against God. They are now a part of Satan’s kingdom and do his bidding. To possess a human, the evil spirit or spirits indwell them, take control of their faculties, use them, and ruin their lives. Look carefully at the evil spirits words. How could he possibly have recognized Jesus? Why did he speak up? Do you think he was afraid? If so, what was he afraid of? What did he want Jesus to do? How would Jesus “interfere” with the devil and his work?

Vs. 35-37

Jesus stopped the evil spirit in mid sentence and commanded that he shut up and get out. He did just as Jesus ordered. He came out of the man and left him alone. The people who saw this were amazed at the authority and power that Jesus’ words possessed. What is the difference between authority and power? The news about Jesus continued to spread. What do you think people were saying about Jesus now?

Vs. 38-39

Jesus rebuked Peter’s mother-in-law’s fever and it left her immediately. The Greek word translated “rebuked” in verse 39 is the same Greek word translated “ordered” in verse 35. So, Jesus rebuked an evil spirit and he rebuked sickness. The word means to command with a warning. Perhaps he said, “Get out or else.”

Vs. 40-41

Jesus healed everyone who was brought to him at Capernaum, and he cast evil spirits out of all who were possessed. What a night that must have been. The people of Nazareth wanted Jesus to do this kind of thing but he didn’t. Why do you suppose he would do this at Capernaum and not Nazareth?

Vs. 42-44

Jesus got up early so that he could find a few moments of solitude, and according to the book of Mark, he was praying. Why do you suppose he went to pray so early? Jesus was God in flesh. Why pray at all? The people of Capernaum begged Jesus not to leave. That’s a much different reaction from the people of Nazareth. What made the difference? The people of Capernaum wanted Jesus to stay. Do you think that was selfish on their part? Jesus refused to stay because there were others that needed him as well. Notice that Jesus didn’t say, “I must perform miracles in other towns too.” Performing miracles wasn’t Jesus’ priority, preaching was. The miracles only validated his preaching.    

Okay, you’ve read the text and considered the clues. Now, it’s time to make your discoveries.

1.    What did you discover about Jesus in these stories?

2.   What practical lessons did you discover in these stories?

3.  In light of what you’ve discovered, what should you do?