Sunday School Lesson March 3, 2024

Subject: The Mission of Jesus

The Point: Jesus came to deliver the good news of salvation for all people.

Scriptures: Luke 3:1-6. 4:14-21

Study The Bible: Luke 3:1-6

1). John prepared the way.

1. In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, while Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod was tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Phillip tetrarch of the region of Iturea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene,
2. during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, God’s word came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness.
3. He went into all the vicinity of the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins,
4. as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah: A voice of one crying out in the wilderness: Prepare the way for the Lord; make his paths straight!
5. Every valley will be filled, and every mountain and hill will be made low; the crooked will become straight, the rough ways smooth,
6. and everyone will see the salvation of God.

Lasting truths from: Luke 3:1-6

* God is at work in the context of human history.

* God calls out individuals to declare His Word.

* The gospel is a call to repentance and the promise of forgiveness.

* The ancient promises of God’s salvation are fulfilled in the coming of the Christ of the gospel.

2). Isaiah prophesied His purpose.

Luke 4:14-19

14. Then Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread throughout the entire vicinity.
15. He was teaching in their synagogues, being praised by everyone.
16. He came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. As usual, he entered the synagogue on the Sabbath day and stood up to read.
17. The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him, and unrolling the scroll, he found the place where it was written;
18. 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 release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free the oppressed,
19. to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.

Lasting truths from: Luke 4:14-19

*  Jesus was anointed by the Holy Spirit to carry out the work the Father sent Him to do.

* Our gathering to worship provides us an opportunity to hear a word from the Lord and have a personal encounter with Him.

* The promises of God are fulfilled in Christ Jesus.

* Christ Jesus can set the oppressed free.

3). Jesus declared who He was.

Luke 4:20-21

20. He then rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. And the eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fixed on him.
21. He began by saying to them, “Today as you listen, this Scripture has been fulfilled.”

Lasting truths from:  Luke 4:20-21

*  Jesus deserves our attention; we are to fix our eyes on Him in anticipation of what He will say to us.

* The promises of God are fulfilled in Jesus.

* Jesus came to do the work of His Father on our behalf.  

As you reflect on this session, respond to the following questions:

1. What are some popular, contemporary perceptions about the things Jesus did? Though accurate in some ways, where do they fall short in identifying the true mission of Jesus?
2. How does the witness of John, the words from Isaiah, and the declaration by Jesus Himself blend to provide a comprehensive message of why Jesus came to dwell among humankind for a season?
3. How has the good news Jesus came to deliver made a difference in your life?

Closing Prayer:

“Dear God, I know I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died on the cross to forgive me of my sins and rose from the dead to give me new life. I’m sorry for all the wrong I’ve done and ask You to forgive me. I now accept Your gift of eternal life. Thank You for Your love, forgiveness, and a new life in Jesus Christ. From this day forward, I choose to follow You. In Jesus’ name Amen.”

“If this lesson has been a blessing to you, leave us a comment.”