Gospel of Christ = Christ’s gospel—the gospel Christ preached
and/or
Gospel of Christ = gospel about Christ—the gospel we preach about Christ
Luke 4:16-20
This is the first recorded sermon of Jesus—his inaugural speech and mission statement. In it he reveals his own understanding of what his ministry was all about.
Isaiah 60:18-61:6
Here we find the context of Jesus’ Isaiah quotation. The surrounding verses make clear that this is a Kingdom prophecy.
Luke 4:16-22
Jesus claimed that he fulfilled the words of this prophecy. Jesus was so Kingdom-minded and gospel-driven that everything he did reflected that glorious future back into the present.
Luke 4:22-26
Ahab, the wicked king of Israel, persecuted Elijah so he fled to a foreign village and stayed with a widow.
Luke 4:27
Similar to the Gentile widow, Naaman the Syrian received an incredible miracle from God’s prophet.
Luke 4:28-30
Jesus’ words enraged the people. What did he say that was so offensive? What drove them to the point of lynching him?
Luke 4:31
We read no mention of an extensive break in his ministry or of depression Jesus suffered due to their heinous treatment. What does he do? He goes to the next city and keeps on preaching.
Luke 4:42-44
The Messiah was so successful in Capernaum that the people tried to keep him from leaving them. Yet, he was clear on his purpose. He never got confused or side-tracked from the mission—preaching the Kingdom of God.
Matthew 24:14; 28:19
We have this same mission today. This doesn’t mean we neglect the many other important ministries and activities we do, but it does mean that they are all subjected to the overarching purpose of the church—to reach out and make disciples.
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