One of the challenges of preaching in the Gospels is trying to apply to Christians what appears to be written/said to non-Christians. For instance, in Luke 4:18-19 Jesus reads from Isaiah 61:1-2. Isaiah’s message seems tailor made for an evangelistic sermon or as a call for social justice (i.e., the poor, captives, and oppressed are mentioned). Isaiah and Jesus certainly contain an evangelistic and social thrust. Primarily, however, Luke writes for the Church to bolster their faith (cf. Luke 1:4). If, as Jesus says in Luke 4:21, this Scripture from Isaiah was being fulfilled that day, Jesus’ short message is a time for us to challenge believers to be sure they are experiencing the reversal of fortune described initially by Isaiah. All who profess faith in Christ move from poverty to spiritual wealth/power, from captivity to spiritual freedom/power, from blindness to spiritual perspective/vision, and from oppression to spiritual courage and hope. According to Luke 4:22-30, the church-going folks in Jesus’ hometown did not believe Him. They did not believe they were needy. Believers, by definition, need to believe that Jesus does what He says He’ll do and receive His gracious gift of salvation/sanctification.
I’m not saying evangelism or social justice have no place. It’s just that Luke intends to say something to the Church about their response to Jesus’ person and work.
For those who are interested in preaching Christ from such a seemingly-already-Christ-centered text, remember, Jesus would later face rejection greater than that recorded in Luke 4:28-29. On the cross He would experience the deepest and darkest forms of human distress described in Luke 4:18. And He would do so so that those of us who believe His Word would never have to experience them.
Hi Randy,
This raises the interesting question: if we tie our application to authorial intent, who is the author? Jesus? Luke? Jesus said these words to “prebelieving” Jews, but Luke wrote his gospel to Christians. I wrestle with this.
Hi, Chris. You are missed, but not your tough questions! Trust you and the work are well. As you know, I’m growing in my understanding of needing to consult two intentions: Luke’s and God’s. Sometimes the two intentions are identical (the preaching portion contains enough theology to stand alone for the Church). Other times, like this one in Luke 4, the meaning of the preaching portion is augmented by the canonical context (Author, capital “A”). So, let’s assume Jesus’ original sermon had an evangelistic flavor in the synagogue that day. Luke is now writing to the Church. So, he records this scene from Jesus’ life to fit his purpose for writing. I suggest tying application to Luke’s purpose for the Church. The rest of the Canon, however, shows us that Believers who hear Jesus preach to them, must respond and receive each day the life He promised to provide in v. 18. Thanks for asking. If you get time, please allow those who read the blog to hear your insights into the issue you raised. Your brother in Christ, Randy
Perhaps Jesus and Luke want us to understand, know and experience the same truth, ‘The Kingdom of God which comes in Jesus revolutionises our lives now when we receive Him’ This remains true for all of us.those yet to acknowledge him as Lord and those in the process of sanctification for the good news is is the same for all who have not yet been presented to the bridegroom perfect. The transformation continues as we remain open to him. I am in the process of receiving sight and being released from oppression for I hang on to it and need to be weaned from it even though Christ has won the victory
Vincent, thank you for adding your insights. I especially like your emphasis on the same message for two kinds of audiences. Keep up the good work of faith.