Week 1

Look Back

Jesus was sent to be a loving king who freely invites everyone into his kingdom. What kind of king did you allow him to be in your life this past week?

Look Up

Read Luke 4:14-21

1. What do you think Luke means when he says that Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit’s power in verse 14? Why do you think he points this out?
2. What do these verses say Jesus was doing before he came to Nazareth? What does this say about Jesus?
3. Why do you think Jesus read this specific short passage from the writings of Isaiah? What point do you think Jesus was trying to make by reading this specific passage?

Read Isaiah 61:1-3

1. Most of what Isaiah wrote were messages from God - how would you summarize God’s message in these verses for someone who is not currently following God?
2. Which one of the promises and assurances in this passage is most meaningful to you right now? Which one is most difficult for you to believe or accept? Why?

Read Isaiah 49:5-6

1. How does this prophecy differ from Isaiah 61? Why is this significant and how does it relate to Jesus?

Overall (Discovery Bible Study)

• What do these scriptures say about God?
• What do they say about people?
• How will I apply this to my life?

Look Ahead

In what ways are you needing good news, freedom or insight from Jesus? Who else do you know who needs this?

Notes

The Bible tells us that Jesus spent a lot of time teaching people while He lived on this earth. However, His teaching provides us with much more than wisdom and insight. Jesus was a prophet and His message of hope is consistent with what God said through Isaiah to the nation of Israel hundreds of years earlier. The difference is that Jesus came from God to fulfill the prophecies of Isaiah and bring hope and salvation to all people. Take time to reflect on what this really means to you personally, and to think about others who need to hear this message of hope right now.