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THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS UPON ME

Text: Luke 4
19 March 2023

THE CITY OF NAZARETH

The Lord Jesus was born in Bethlehem. Joseph and Mary had to return to Bethlehem because of a census ordered by Caesar Augustus. They escaped to Egypt because of Herod’s threat to kill all infants under three years.

Mary and Joseph returned to Nazareth in the North. The Lord Jesus grew up in Nazareth. The distance between Bethlehem and Nazareth was about 112 km. 

MINISTRY IN NAZARETH

The Lord Jesus returned to Nazareth after His temptations in the Wilderness (Luke 4:1-13). He made a strong and bold declaration at the local synagogue there.

18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me,

Because He has anointed Me

To preach the gospel to the poor;

He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,

To proclaim liberty to the captives

And recovery of sight to the blind,

To set at liberty those who are oppressed;

19 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.”     Luke 4:18-19

  1. The Anointing of the Spirit

a) To authenticate the Ministry of the Lord Jesus

b) To anchor His Ministry

c) To authorise His Ministry

  1. The Arena of His Ministry

a) The poor

b) The broken-hearted

c) The captives 

d) The blind

e) The oppressed

THE SON OF MAN

This was the Ministry of the Lord Jesus as the Son of Man. Two things would ensure His success in Ministry.

  1. The Gospel of salvation

a) The grace of God would be given

b) Faith must be exercised

  1. The power of ministry

a) The Holy Spirit of God will grant full power and authority

b) This resulted in Miracles

Our challenge is to appreciate afresh the ministry of the Son of Man! May we be challenged to follow Him as His Disciples!