Read Luke 4:33-44
Introduction: In this lesson we find Jesus exerting His power; manifesting His authority over evil spirits and sickness; healing Simons mother-in-law of "a great fever." This part of Jesus’ activities while in His personal ministry is so very important, but I believe that it is often misunderstood. His goal and His purpose in performing these miracles was basically to establish His identity; to convince men and women of His divine authority. He wanted to establish in the minds of people that He was God’s Son, thus speaking God's word; delivering His message. The record that we have of those demonstrations of His power over the evil spirits; His curing of various sickness, as well as His power over the forces of nature, should convince all of us that He was genuine, authoritative, one to be listened to, trusted, and obeyed! John stated it fairly plain, it appears, when He said:
"And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name." (Jn. 20:30-31). Notice that he said "these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God." Then He promised that the Holy Spirit would come and guide these apostles into ALL TRUTH (Jn. 16:13). We know that when He came on that Pentecost Day so many years ago that this is exactly what happened. (Acts 1:8) We need only read the Book of Acts to see how effective they were in spreading the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They also performed many Miracles that enabled them to preach the word and have it confirmed (Mk. 16:19-20).
1. Jesus cast out the evil spirit, showing His power over them and the devil (Lk. 4:32-35).
2. The impression upon the people who witnessed this demonstration of "authority and power" (Lk. 4:36-37) was outstanding. His "fame was spread into every place."
3. Jesus demonstrated His power and authority in regard to the "great fever" that afflicted "Simon’s wife’s mother (Lk. 4:38-39). At the sun set many brought people to Him and He laid His hand on them and healed them (v.40). We see that the healing occurred "immediately" which is so different from what we see and hear about the so called "healing" of our day by some religious people! Let us see that distinction and understand the purpose of these miracles, signs and wonders ( Cf. Acts 2:22; Heb. 2:3-4; Mk. 16:19-10).
4. People wanted Him to stay, but He said:
"I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also; for therefore am I sent." (Vs. 43)
QUESTIONS:
1. What was the man’s problem in the synagogue and what did he say to Jesus (Lk. 4:33-4)?
2. What did Jesus do to the evil spirit in the man (Lk. 4:35)?
3. What impression did Jesus’ make on the people who saw Him cast out the evil spirit (V. 36)?
4. What "went out into every place" ( Lk. 4:37)?
5. When Jesus left the synagogue where did He go and what did He do (Lk.4: 38-39)?
6. What did the people do "when the sun was setting" (Lk. 4:40-41)?
7. "When it was day" where did He go and what happen there (Lk. 4:42)?
8. What did Jesus say He "must" do and why (V.43)?
9.Where did Jesus preach, according to v. 44?
10. What in your view and understanding was the purpose of Jesus performing miracles?
