What does "Today this Scripture is fulfilled" mean for Jesus' identity and mission? Setting the Scene—Luke 4:14-21 “Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit… He went to Nazareth, where He had been brought up” (Luke 4:14-16). In the synagogue He read Isaiah 61:1-2a and then declared, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (v. 21). Core Statement—Luke 4:21 “Then He began by saying to them, ‘Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.’” Identity Unveiled: Who Is Speaking? • The long-awaited Messiah—Isaiah’s prophecy speaks of “the LORD’s Anointed.” • Spirit-endowed Servant—Luke has already shown the Spirit descending on Jesus at His baptism (Luke 3:22). • Divine Son—Only One with divine prerogatives can promise universal release and restoration (cf. John 5:19-23). • Greater-than-Isaiah—Jesus is not merely reading prophecy; He authoritatively claims its completion. Mission Clarified: What the Fulfillment Includes 1. Proclaiming Good News to the Poor • Economic poor, yes—but especially the spiritually bankrupt (cf. Matthew 5:3). 2. Liberty to Captives • Includes literal prisoners (Acts 5:19) and those enslaved to sin (John 8:34-36). 3. Recovery of Sight to the Blind • Physical healings (Luke 18:35-43). • Spiritual illumination (2 Corinthians 4:4-6). 4. Setting the Oppressed Free • Demonic oppression broken (Luke 8:26-35). • Social and religious oppression lifted (Matthew 23:4; Acts 15:10-11). 5. Proclaiming the Acceptable Year of the Lord • Jubilee imagery (Leviticus 25) points to total reset—debts canceled, slaves released. • Jesus embodies the ultimate Jubilee (Colossians 2:13-14). “Today”—The Urgency of the Moment • Not a distant hope; fulfillment began that very Sabbath. • Signals the dawn of the messianic age (Hebrews 1:1-2). • Demands immediate response: acceptance or rejection (Acts 17:30-31). Ripple Effects Across Luke’s Gospel • Luke 7:22—Jesus cites the same Isaiah themes as evidence to John’s disciples. • Luke 19:10—“The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” • Luke 23:43—“Today you will be with Me in Paradise,” echoing the same decisive “today.” Old Testament Promise, New Testament Reality • Isaiah 42:1-7; 49:8-9—Servant songs expand the portrait Jesus claims. • Genesis 3:15; Micah 5:2; Zechariah 9:9—Messianic line culminates in Him. • Every promise finds its “Yes” in Christ (2 Corinthians 1:20). Why This Matters for Us • Certainty—God keeps His word literally and precisely. • Clarity—Jesus alone fulfills the prophetic job description; no other messiah needed or possible. • Comfort—The same liberating power is active “today” for all who believe (Romans 1:16). |
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