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The text for this lesson is Luke 4:31–44

Key Point

  • Through many miracles, Jesus showed His power over sin, death, and the devil on our behalf.
  • Law: Sin, sickness, and the devil are at work in the world.
  • Gospel: Jesus, the Holy One of God, has power over sin, sickness, and the devil and frees me from their hold.

Discussion Points

  1. In the Nicene Creed, we confess that God created “all things visible and invisible.” What do you think about angels and demons? Are they real beings or not? Do you see them at work anywhere today?
  2. In Luke 4:34, why does the unclean demon cry out to Jesus, “I know who You are—the Holy One of God”? What do the demons in Luke 4:34 and 4:41 tell the reader about Jesus?
  3. In Luke 4:35 and 4:41 Jesus will not let the demons speak “because they knew that He was the Christ.” Why would Jesus not want to be revealed yet to the world as the Christ? Read Luke 9:18–22. To whom is Jesus revealed as the Christ here? What does Jesus tell them not to do? Why?
  4. The kingdom of God is an important theme in Luke’s Gospel. As Jesus preaches and performs miracles, He is showing that the kingdom of God has arrived. God is bringing about a new creation in Him, giving new life to sinners. Read Luke 10:8–12. What signs would accompany the message of those Jesus sent out that the kingdom of God had come? What happens when people reject that message? Read Luke 18:15–17. How do we receive the Kingdom?
  5. Jesus revealed the breaking in of the kingdom of God by showing His great authority. In Luke 4:32, the people were astounded that His Word possessed such authority. He spoke as if He were God Himself, because He is! Then in Luke 4:36, the people were amazed at the authority He exercised over demons. Read Luke 5:17–26. What other authority did Jesus have, and why was that so offensive to the scribes and Pharisees? According to John 20:19–23, what authority does Jesus give to the apostles, which is also given to those in the Office of the Holy Ministry?
  6. According to Luke 4:36–37, Jesus’ authoritative preaching and miracles amazed the people, and “reports about Him went out into every place.” But Jesus had not yet revealed Himself as the Christ. What kind of faith could have been present among the people who witnessed these miracles? According to Luke 5:24, what is one reason Jesus did miracles? How can Jesus’ healing ministry be continued in the Church today?
  7. In Luke 4:38–39, Jesus healed Simon’s (Peter’s) mother-in-law of a high fever. After Jesus rebuked the fever and it left her, “she rose and began to serve them.” How does Peter’s mother-in-law provide a wonderful example for Christian faith and life?

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