Studies in Luke: Jesus’ Work in Galilee (4:14-9:50)
Studies in Luke—Jesus’ Work in Galilee—4:14-9:50
Jesus shows His power and authority over every aspect of life: nature, disease, death, the spirit realm, the natural world, and sin.
- There are a variety of responses to His power and authority.
- The most common response is fear (5:8-10; 5:26; 7:16; 8:37).
- The Scribes and Pharisees respond with anger (5:21; 5:30; 5:33; 6:2; 6:11; 7:29,30).
- Sprinkled throughout are hints of Jesus’ coming fate in Jerusa-lem (2:34,35; 9:22; 9:44; 9:51).
- A tragic story of the nation of Israel.
- Because of Israel’s rejection of Christ, the Gospel is preached to the Gentiles (Acts 13:46; Rom. 11:11-15).
- Seen in Jesus’ judgment against Nazareth (4:16-30).
- Seen in Jesus’ dealing with the Centurion (7:1-10)
- Israel’s lack of faith is what provoked them to crucify Jesus, and, as a nation, to reject Him to their own demise.
- Because of Israel’s rejection of Christ, the Gospel is preached to the Gentiles (Acts 13:46; Rom. 11:11-15).
- Characteristics of a tragedy.
- Tragedy, in literature and theater, consist of: dilemma, choice, catastrophe, suffering, perception, and death (in that order).
- The classic tragedy is Genesis, chapters 1-3.
- Another classic example is the reign of King Saul.
- “The one common denominator in all tragedies is the down-ward movement of the plot from positive experiences to catas-trophe” (Ryken, Words of Delight, p. 145)
- This accurately describes the history of the nation of Israel in its rejection of Jesus Christ.
- The resulting chain of events ends with Israel’s death in 70 AD.
- Tragedy, in literature and theater, consist of: dilemma, choice, catastrophe, suffering, perception, and death (in that order).
How will your life be characterized?
