The Italian Memorandum

(Luke 4:14-44)

Introduction: Kingdom concerns are at every level (1:33; 2:34; 3:5; 4:43). Jesus’ identification with the Isaiah Scroll brought out 4 characteristics: __________________,

_____________________, _______________________, ________________________.

I. Rejection at Nazareth (4:16-30)

A. Ambrose da Milano (Augustine’s question)

B. Charles Kraft’s, “central control box”

C. What is the anatomy of rejection?

1. ___________________________ (v. 20)

2. ___________________________ (v. 21)

3. ___________________________ (v. 22)

4. ___________________________(vv. 23-27)

5. ___________________________ (v. 28)

6. ___________________________ (v. 29)

D. Jesus still brings _____________________ today.

II. Confusion at Capernaum (4:31-37)

A. Confusion – “in their midst” (v. 35)

B. Demonic activity is ___________ stuff. Is there no _____________ today?

C. 4:18!

D. Jesus still brings _____________________ today.

III. Caring at Simon’s House (and vicinity) (4:38-41)

A. “Does Jesus Care?”

B. Caring brings transformational living among people of the ____________.

C. 4:18 again!

D. Jesus still _____________________ today.

Conclusion: (4:42-44; 24:44) The “Kingdom of God” is a word about God’s presence in the here and now (dynamic), as well as the hereafter (heaven). Sometimes, heaven reaches us before we reach heaven.

(Luke 4:1-13)

Introduction: The designation “classic” expresses temptation’s commonality to all men. In this presentation, we will explore the implications of temptation.

I. Implication 1: Temptation has continuity with _________________________.

A. Luke 1:48—54 (Note the “he has…” statements/bringing shock to 5 types of people):

1. ____________________________________

2. ____________________________________

3. ____________________________________

4. ____________________________________

5. ____________________________________

B. Luke 3:4-6 [continuity with chapter 4] (4 images of the coming kingdom):

1. ____________________________________

2. ____________________________________

3. ____________________________________

4. ____________________________________

II. Implication 2: Temptation affects the _______________________ of this World.

A. Lk. 4:2-4 – __________________ = an economic structure

B. Lk. 4:5-7 – __________________ = a political/allegience structure

C. Lk. 4:8-11 – __________________ = a religious structure

III. Implication 3: Temptation reveals what is in ___________ _________________.

A. Deuteronomy 8:2 (test to the intensity of our commitment)

B. Defines who we are (positive, negative, non-committal, etc.)

IV. Implication 4: Temptation serves to validate or ______________ whether Jesus is the __________ ____ God (cf. Lk. 3:38).

A. Lk. 4:3 (note the “if” clause)

B. Lk. 4:1 (if compromised, Hebrews 2:14-18 could not have been written)

Conclusion: Luke 4 would not be the last temptation of Christ; but, it did serve to qualify him for the final test (Lk. 9:21-22).

“The Voice of One Crying in the Wilderness”

(Luke 3)

Introduction: A stage is set in the Judean wilderness. But, what is this?

I. Review –

A. Lk. 1:1-4 The Dedication to Theophilus. The importance of _______________________

B. Lk. 1:5-80 Announcement of Two Births. History in the _______________________v. 66

C. Lk. 2:1-52 Reactions to Salvation-History. Incarnation proves ___________________v. 34

II. Clues of Importance –

A. Lk. 3:2 (v. 4) – ______________________ is motif from the prophet Isaiah (40:3-5)

B. Lk. 3:15 – This is an _____________________ issue. We sometimes we ask people if they want to come to church with us. This not an inherently bad question. But, a better question might be—Do you think that Jesus was who he said he was?

C. Lk. 3:38 (v. 23) – So, you think that you understand ____________________________?

Conclusion: There is a voice now crying in the wilderness of our own 21st century wilderness. But, who can hear it? It’s not that the clues aren’t there! Clues of Wilderness; Identification; and Sonship.

(Luke 2)

Introduction: In Luke 1, we introduced salvation-history (heilsgeschichte). Now, in Luke 2, we will notice some reactions to salvation-history; as pertains to the momentous occasion of the birth and early years of Jesus.

I. Salvation-History –

A. Definition – __________________________________________________

B. Two births –

1. 1:57 (prophet, 1:76)

2. 2:1-7 (Incarnation, 2:11)

C. Designations in Luke 2 –

1. 2:25 – waiting for _____________________________

2. 2:38 – waiting for _____________________________

II. Peoples’ Reactions to Jesus in Luke 2

A. 7 reactions –

1. 2:7 The inn-keeper’s ________________________________

2. 2:15-20 The shepherds’ _________________________________

3. 2:19 [18] Mary’s _______________________________________

4. 2:28 Simeon’s ______________________________________

5. 2:38 Anna’s _______________________________________

6. 2:47 Auditors’ in the temple ___________________________

7. 2:50 Joseph and Mary _______________________________

Conclusion: So, what does a reaction accomplish? And, when it comes to your own reaction to Jesus, who do you identify with from the list above?