NBC SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON FOR JANUARY 3, 2021 : TOPIC – CALLED TO PROCLAIM
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SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON (NBC)
Date: January 03, 2021
Devotional Reading: Deuteronomy 8:1-11
Background Scripture reading: Luke 4
Lesson Scripture reading: Luke 4:14-22
Golden Text: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favour.” Luke 4:18-19
Topic: CALLED TO PROCLAIM
Primary Learning Outcome/Indicators
By the end of the lesson, class members should be able to:
• Explain how Jesus Christ proclaimed His mission to the people;
• Discuss the significance of Jesus’ inaugural sermon in Nazareth
• Make personal and sincere commitment to promote justice and compassion.
• Explain the role of the Holy Spirit and the anointing (power) in Christian service/ministry
Introduction
Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his powerful speech, "I Have a Dream" on August 28, 1963. In the midst of difficulties, frustration, oppression and injustice that bewildered the common man in America, Martin Luther King, Jr. raised his voice and declared, “I Have a Dream” with the proclamation that:
• The nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal";
• The red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at a table of brotherhood;
• Even the state of Mississippi, a desert state, sweltering with the heat of injustice and oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice;
• That my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the colour of their skin but by the content of their character.
Since then, the speech has endured as a defining moment in the civil rights movement. It continues to be heralded as a beacon in the ongoing struggle for racial equality and has remained America's favourite speech. This singular proclamation of this human right activist occasioned the liberation of countless oppressed people in America.
This declaration can be likened to the ministry of Jesus Christ. His public ministry started in His hometown, Nazareth, where He had been brought up. The sermon was the inauguration of the Messiah’s ministry. It brought freedom, salvation, hope for the poor, the blind, the oppressed, the captives and liberation of the whole world. Today’s lesson focuses on Jesus’ ministry, how He came to set humankind free from sin and destroy the works of the Devil.
THE LESSON EXPLAINED
A. Jesus’ Mission Proclaimed Luke 4:14-19
Earlier in chapter 4, Jesus is described as full of the Holy Spirit and was led into the wilderness where he fasted for forty days and forty nights, immediately after His baptism, before being tempted by the Devil. Having defeated the Devil using the Word of God as His tool, He returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit (v. 14a). His ministry entailed teaching and healing. Thus the news about Him spread through the whole countryside and everyone praised him (v. 15). Jesus proceeded to Nazareth and went to the synagogue, according to His custom, to worship on the Sabbath day. He stood to read the Scriptures and the book of Prophet Isaiah was given to Him. He unrolled the scroll and found where the nature of His ministry is written thus: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has anointed me to:
• Preach good news to the poor;
• Proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind;
• Release the oppressed;
• Proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord’s favour, when the Lord will save His people.
Acts 10:38 attests to the fact that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how He went about doing good and healing all who were under the power of the Devil, because God was with Him.
The synagogue scene in Nazareth marks the inauguration of Jesus’ ministry, even though He had already been teaching and healing in other towns of Galilee (v. 23). It tells of the Messiah’s ministry of preaching and healing to meet every human need __ the purpose for which He was anointed. This proclamation can be described as Jesus’ manifesto. It is synonymous to the practice of the priest in the Old Testament time who would sound the trumpet to announce the Year of Jubilee to the people of God (Leviticus 25:8-17). He made this proclamation on two major grounds; He was called and sent (commissioned) by the Father to do all these mighty works. Noteworthy in the passage also is the proclamation of a special year of the Lord’s favour, a reference to the Year of Jubilee (Leviticus 25:8-55), which was usually celebrated once in fifty years. It was a time when debts were cancelled, Hebrew slaves were set free and lands were returned to their original owners. However, in the account of Isaiah, the Year of Jubilee is in the context of restoration of Israel after the nation’s enemies had humbled her (Isaiah 61:2). Therefore, Jesus made the declaration in regard to the new day or freedom, salvation and healing that He would bring, as the anointed servant and Messiah. Interestingly, Jesus fulfilled these ministries to the glory of God.
Discussion Time 1
1. Why did Jesus start His ministry in His hometown?
2. Explain how Jesus fulfilled His ministry in verses 18 to 20.
B. The People’s Amazement Luke 4:20-22
Jesus’s life and ministry always caused people to marvel because of the uniqueness of His words and works. Having read the Scriptures, He rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The action caused amazement thus the eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him (v. 20). He made an impression in the hearts of His listeners to prove that all prophecies (Scriptures) are pointing and speaking about Him (John 5:39). He said, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing" (v. 21b), which implies that the prophecy of Jubilee, according to Prophet Isaiah is fulfilled in Him. Everybody spoke well of Him and marvelled at the gracious words, which proceeded from His mouth…. In their amazement, they asked "Is this not Joseph's son?" Similarly, people were amazed at His understanding and answers in the temple courts, where He sat among the teachers, listening and asking them questions (Luke 2:47). Obviously, the question suggests the fact that nothing good could come from Him probably because of:
• His hometown: Jesus Christ came from Nazareth, a small and insignificant town that was looked down upon in Galilee (John 1:45-46), whereas such a powerful message of hope would have been received with thanksgiving.
• His background: Jesus had a poor background. His earthly father, Joseph was an ordinary carpenter who probably was of low repute in the community; therefore, He was the Son of a Mr Nobody.
God is not man and His choice of instrument does not depend on physical things. He is sovereign and has the prerogative to call and use whoever He considers fit for His work. Paul spoke from this point of view that human qualification is inconsequential in kingdom assignment (1 Corinthians 1:25-29). Despite the fact that Jesus’ origin and background were not attractive by human standard, He was called and anointed to proclaim liberty, salvation and justice to the people. Those who have accepted Him as Saviour and Lord are saved and sure of eternal life.
Discussion Time 2
1. Compare and contrast the importance of the Year of Jubilee and the freedom Jesus brought.
2. What is the implication of the people’s question, “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?”
Fellowship and Ministry Building Activity
• Encourage the class members to re-write Jesus’ proclamation in verses 18 to 20 in their own words.
• Lead them to make a commitment to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with others in the course of the week.
Take Home
• Jesus Christ was born and called to bring freedom, which political leaders cannot give.
• Christians should be ready to stand with Jesus, even when others reject His claims.
• Jesus’ message is still relevant today, especially to the poor and incapacitated.
• We should not undermine anyone based on their background.
• God is faithful to fulfil His promises.
• Christians must be willing to proclaim God’s love to others.
Reviewed by Muyiwa Abodunrin (Muyilight)
on
January 03, 2021
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