Continuing the Year of the Word series, Executive Director of Discipleship Dave Bruskas guides us through Isaiah 61 and poses three reflective questions from Jesus’ revelation in Nazareth: Do we see who he is clearly? Are we free from sin? Are we ready for Christ’s return?

// SUMMARY
During Jesus' drop-the-mic moment in the synagogue in Nazareth, Jesus quotes from Isaiah 61, clearly implying that he was the Messiah. He was given the role of teacher, and when given the scrolls of Isaiah, he read that the Messiah would be a deliverer, a healer, a leader, and a liberator of God's people, but stopped short of reading that the Messiah would also bring God's judgment. (Luke 4:14-21)

// KEY TAKAWAYS
Three questions arise from the story of Jesus' revelation in Nazareth. Since Jesus is indeed the Messiah, the Son of God, we ask ourselves:

Do we see who he is clearly? Jesus revealed to all who had spiritual ears to hear, who he is. It was different than the Messiah the people and the religious leaders wanted. He wanted them to see clearly who he is.
Are we free from sin? Jesus did not come to free Israel from Roman captivity but to free all humankind from the captivity of sin. He wanted us to understand his message.

Are we ready for Christ's return? Jesus stopped short of reading from Isaiah 61, which states that the Messiah would return to bring the vengeance of God. God will be glorified through His judgment. (1 Thessalonians 5:1-4)

// APPLICATION QUESTIONS

Have we created, in our minds, a picture of Jesus that we can't find in scripture? How are we tempted to embrace a picture of Jesus that meets our needs rather than glorifies himself?

What are those sins that are easily entangling, those places that we often go back to, addressing our stresses, fears, and anxieties? What are our ditches that trip us up?

Reflect on your spiritual journey, when you trusted fully in the gift of eternal life through the sacrificial blood of Jesus. What were the highs and lows of your journey? How are you trusting Jesus, every day, to free you from the consequences of your sinful nature?