Message Notes

(I) THE PROPHETIC WORD CONCERNING JESUS’ EFFECTIVE MINISTRY

“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the Lord has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn…” Isaiah 61:1-2

1. Revealing the future great work of the Lord Jesus

2. Revealing the Lord Jesus as already fulfilling it

3. Revealing the nature of prophecy

4. Revealing the Lord’s commitment to fulfil it

(II) THE LORD JESUS’ PERSONAL FULFILLMENT OF PROPHECY

“And He began to say to them, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” Luke 4:21

1. Great regard for the prophetic word

“This Scripture is fulfilled…” Luke 4:21

2. Great consciousness of God’s calling

“He has anointed me…” Luke 4:18

“He has sent Me…” Luke 4:18 “To set…” Luke 4:18

3 . Great compassion for the multiple needs of people

a) Those who are poor

b) Those who are broken-hearted

c) Those in spiritual bondage

d) Those who are spiritually blind

e) Those who are oppressed

4. Great power from the Spirit of God

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me …” Luke 4:18

(III) THE PROBLEM OF UNEXPECTED DIFFICULTIES

1. Not everyone would accept and believe Jesus’ fulfilment

a) Seeing Him as only one of their own

“Is this not Joseph’s son?” Luke 4:22

b) “Physician, heal yourself.” Luke 4:23

c) No prophet accepted in their own country ( Luke 4:24-27 )

i) Elijah only sent to the lady at Zarephath

ii) Elisha only sent to heal Naaman the Syrian

2. Rejection of the Lord Jesus

a) Angry reactions

b) Threats ( Luke 4:28 )

c) Danger of being killed ( Luke 4:29 )

(IV) THE PRACTICAL RESPONSES TO THE PROPHETIC WORD

1. Faith in the prophetic word

a) The example of Jesus in meeting needs ( Isaiah 61:1-2 )

b) The coming day of vengeance of our God ( Isaiah 61:2 )

2. Following through

a) It takes commitment

b) It takes knowledge of the Scriptures

c) It takes deep conviction for people

d) It takes tenacity of spirit