[1]NASHVILLE (BP) – This weekly Bible study appears in Baptist Press in a partnership with Lifeway Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Through its Leadership and Adult Publishing team, Lifeway publishes Sunday School curricula and additional resources for all age groups.
This week’s Bible study is adapted from The Gospel Project curriculum.
Bible Passage: Luke 4
Discussion Questions:
- What are some reasons why people might refuse to listen to God’s mouthpieces in Scripture?
- Why is admitting our sin so hard to do?
- If Jesus fulfills God’s ultimate promise and purpose, how should we view our salvation through Christ?
Food for Thought:
The waiting seasons of life can be difficult. Oftentimes we become so hyper-focused on a specific desire that we miss God’s answers that are right in front of us. Unfortunately, many people in Jesus’ day, including those closest to Him, missed the long-awaited Messiah and His message. For over 400 years, the Jews longed for God to break His silence. But when He did, it was not what they expected.
[2]Luke presented an orderly account of the life of Jesus through his Gospel. Filled with connections to the Old Testament, the Gospel of Luke recounts the power of Jesus the Christ, and affirms prophecies fulfilled in Jesus’ lifetime on earth.
Jesus began His public ministry in Luke 4 in the insignificant village of Nazareth, His hometown. Here an incredible moment occurred. Jesus attended a local synagogue service, as He had many times before. But in this particular service Jesus, the son of Mary and Joseph, claimed to be the long-awaited Savior, the fulfillment of Spirit-inspired prophecy. His declarations turned Nazareth on its head.
People who had longed for God’s presence rejected the incarnation of God’s Son in their midst. He claimed to be the fulfillment of God’s promise of Good News to the poor, brokenhearted, captives and prisoners; but His acquaintances, neighbors, friends, and even family members found this declaration too fantastical, too good to be true.
The reality is Jesus is too good not to be true. He was rejected in His hometown, and later He would be rejected in Jerusalem, resulting in His crucifixion. But even this, coupled with His resurrection, is the Good News people the world over have longed for. Jesus offered salvation from sin and the gift of eternal life. May we refrain from rejecting Christ in disbelief and instead embrace Jesus in faith. He is the promise and fulfillment of the Good News we all need.
The Gospel Project
The Gospel Project is a chronological, Christ-centered study for kids, students and adults. The Bible is not a collection of stories. It is one story of God’s plan to rescue His people from sin and death. It is the story of redemption, the gospel message of Jesus Christ. More information can be found at Lifeway.com/gospelproject [3].
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