Matthew 4, Luke 4-5

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%204,%20Luke%204-5&version=ESV

Isaiah 4:16-22: "And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. And as was his custom, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and he stood up to read. [17] And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written,

[18] “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives
and recovering of sight to the blind,
to set at liberty those who are oppressed,
[19] to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.”

[20] And he rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. [21] And he began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” [22] And all spoke well of him and marveled at the gracious words that were coming from his mouth. And they said, “Is not this Joseph's son?”

This is one of my favorite stories from the life of Jesus. He is just at the beginning of his public ministry. He has come to Nazareth, and he reads from the scroll of Isaiah. And what words he reads.

To proclaim liberty to the captives, recovery of sight, set liberty to those who are oppressed, and to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor. In Jesus' time these were promises of both physical and spiritual healing. Today, Jesus still offers this healing. In our time, most would say that Jesus offers first and foremost spiritual healing. Physical healing may come, but even Paul had physical ailments all though his life, so of this, we can not be certain. In heaven however, all will be healed both physically and spiritually. (See Revelation 21:1-4)

Can you imagine what the Jews thought when he handed them the scroll and he said today this Scripture has been fulfilled? Also, note that Jesus is quoting from Isaiah 61:1-2. He does not quote the end of verse 2, which reads:

"and the day of vengeance of our God"

Why? Because Jesus came the first time to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). But when he comes the next time, it will be a time in which he rectifies the wrongs of this world and he judges the world.

The picture of Revelation 19:11-16 is another favorite of mine of Jesus:

[11] Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. [12] His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. [13] He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. [14] And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. [15] From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. [16] On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.
(Revelation 19:11-16 ESV)

Friends, Jesus freely offers his salvation to us. For those who are believers, live a life of obedience and thankfulness to him for what he has done for us. For those who are unbelievers, I urge you to consider the claims of Jesus. He is the living God and he wants to save you from your sins. Place your faith in him. You will not be disappointed. (Romans 10:11)

Soli Deo Gloria.

Today's post was submitted by Russ Shellhamer.