What does Jesus' mighty deeds and words teach us about His divine mission? Setting the Scene – Luke 24:19 “ ‘What things?’ Jesus asked. ‘The things about Jesus of Nazareth,’ they replied, ‘a Prophet, mighty in deed and word before God and all the people.’ ” (Luke 24:19) Two disciples on the Emmaus road sum up the public reputation of Jesus: His deeds and His words were powerful—clear markers of a divine mission. His Mighty Deeds – Signposts of Heaven’s Reign - Healing the sick (Luke 4:40; 5:12-13; 8:43-48) – tangible mercy showing the kingdom’s wholeness. - Casting out demons (Luke 4:33-36; 8:26-35) – overthrowing darkness, proving Satan’s defeat. - Commanding nature (Luke 8:22-25) – the Creator’s authority over creation. - Multiplying loaves and fish (Luke 9:12-17) – previewing the Messianic feast and God’s abundant provision. - Raising the dead (Luke 7:11-17; 8:49-56) – foreshadowing His own resurrection and our future hope. “Men of Israel, listen to this message: Jesus the Nazarene was a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs that God did among you through Him.” (Acts 2:22) His Authoritative Words – The Voice of God in Person - Proclaiming fulfilled prophecy (Luke 4:18-21) – identifying Himself as the promised Servant-Messiah. - Teaching with unique authority (Matthew 7:28-29) – not commenting on the Law but issuing divine verdicts. - Declaring forgiveness of sins (Luke 5:20-24) – a prerogative that belongs to God alone. - Revealing the Father (John 14:9-11) – “The words I say to you, I do not speak on My own. Instead, it is the Father dwelling in Me, performing His works.” - Predicting His death and resurrection (Luke 9:22; 18:31-33) – words later validated by the empty tomb. Prophet—and More Than a Prophet - Moses foretold: “The LORD your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from among your brothers.” (Deuteronomy 18:15) - Crowds recognized: “A great prophet has appeared among us.” (Luke 7:16) - Peter confirmed: Jesus is that promised Prophet (Acts 3:22-23), yet His deeds and words exceed any merely human prophet, revealing the divine Son (Hebrews 1:1-3). Purpose Behind the Power - To manifest the Father’s compassion (Matthew 14:14). - To authenticate His message of salvation (John 10:37-38). - To invite faith leading to life: “These are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.” (John 20:31) - To preview the coming kingdom where sickness, sin, and death are banished (Revelation 21:4). Mission Sealed by the Resurrection Luke 24 continues: “Was it not necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and then to enter His glory?” (v. 26). The empty tomb stands as the crowning “mighty deed,” confirming every word He spoke and securing the redemption He promised. Living in the Light of His Deeds and Words - Confidence: His flawless track record in deed and word assures us He will keep every remaining promise. - Obedience: The One who commands storms and pardons sinners deserves our wholehearted submission. - Witness: Like the Emmaus travelers, hearts ablaze, we speak of the mighty Prophet who is the risen Lord. |
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