Bailey Methodist Church
2/2/2025
  • Everlasting God
  • Here I Am, Lord
  • Surely The Presence Of The Lord
  • Always
  • Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow!

  • 1. The gospel is initially met with curiosity. (vs. 21-22)

    When Jesus finished reading from the scroll, he announced that the prophecy was fulfilled that day. The words of Isaiah applied to his ministry. Even later in the gospel, when some of John’s disciples approach him, Jesus makes the same assertion. In Luke 7:22, he says, “And he answered them, ‘Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the poor have good news preached to them.’” Those gathered in the synagogue had no doubts that God’s kingdom would come someday. Jesus’ teaching was different. God was acting in the present through his ministry. This was not a future age, but right now. The captive power of sin was to be broken. Communion with God was to be established. The will of God was to be done. It was a declaration that the year of the Lord’s favor had begun. This was not the fiftieth year of the jubilee. This was the establishment of God’s kingdom by defeating the evil powers at war against God.
    All the people who had heard about Jesus knew it was true. They were impressed with him and spoke well of him. He had an eloquence that was not typically present with regular people. It is important to note that they were astonished at his teaching. They did not appreciate it. They wondered about it, but they did not take it to heart.
     This kind of curiosity can be found throughout scripture. People initially hear the message and are intrigued by what they hear, but it never takes root in their hearts. In Acts 17:32-34, Paul taught about the foundational truths of the gospel, particularly the resurrection of the dead. Some could not believe what they heard. Much of Greek philosophy taught the body and the material world was, at best, a copy of the purely spiritual or downright evil at worst. The idea of the resurrection did not make sense to them. However, some were interested in hearing more of what Paul had to say. We assume that not all those who were curious followed Paul’s teaching. Some did. The point is that a particular segment of the population is open to the gospel's message. Not everyone will accept. But we must be willing to share the gospel with others so that there is an opportunity for them to take Christ.
    We live in a culture that is more open to the gospel than in decades. I think part of that has to do with isolation and disillusionment. Social media and the constant bombardment of information have diminished our ability to form relationships with others and create a true community. The church offers something that the world cannot provide - hope. The church is the place in our society where the focus is on Jesus Christ. That is why many young people in the younger millennial and Gen Z crowds do not want loud worship. They are seeking something completely opposite of the world. Liturgy, regular communion, and traditional hymns are the things that people are seeking. The curiosity about something contrary to the rest of the world can be an opportunity to invite others into the kingdom. Everyone needs to hear the promises of God in a way that the Holy Spirit can work to bring conviction to hearts.

    2. The gospel challenges expectations. (vs. 23-27)

    Galatians 3:14 ESV
    14 so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.
    This point explores Jesus’ response to the hesitation and disbelief of His hometown. Perhaps, Jesus boldly challenges the people's expectations by using examples from prophets Elijah and Elisha to highlight God's inclusive grace. It suggests considering how this push against cultural and religious norms calls us to ponder our openness to God's expansive Kingdom, prompting Christians to examine any limiting cultural biases that hinder their acceptance of Jesus' message globally.

    3. We cannot fear rejection. (vs. 28-30)

    John 15:18–19 ESV
    18 “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.
    Finally, you could focus on the people's furious reaction, leading to an attempt to harm Jesus. This moment reflects the reality of rejection that accompanies the Gospel’s true message. Maybe, as followers of Christ, we should be prepared for resistance in our mission to emulate His inclusivity. Jesus walking through the crowd unharmed symbolizes divine protection and mission persistence, encouraging Christians not to fear rejection but to continue sharing the Kingdom message.
  • Take My Life And Let It Be (Hendon)
Bailey Methodist Church
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