08: Beginning of the ministry: Nazareth rejection & Capernaum confusion (Luke 4:14 – 44)

Most people either reject the gospel or seek earthly blessings. These are two typical responses of the world toward the gospel.

👉 Read Luke 4:14 - 44

Q1. Jesus read a Messianic prophecy from Isaiah in the synagogue at Nazareth and proclaimed that it had been fulfilled that day. According to the prophecy, what was the Messiah's role? (18–19)

ANS: To bring the Year of the Lord’s favor. The ministry of the cross also proclaims the salvation of God through forgiveness. Salvation is not based on merely hearing about the cross, but on coming before the cross in faith. That is why the Holy Spirit was with Jesus in this ministry.

Q2. Why did the people in Nazareth reject Jesus?

ANS: They saw Jesus only as Joseph’s son. We should see through the eyes of faith in God’s Word, not rely solely on our personal experience. The people of Nazareth were given the first opportunity to be acquainted with Christ, yet they became the first to reject Him—just as the Jews became the first nation who refused Christ. Therefore, Jesus moved to Capernaum and stayed there.

Q3. As Jesus’ hometown people did not believe Him, He told them they would not experience salvation—just like Old Testament people who did not experience God’s power due to lack of faith. Who are the two Gentiles who experienced God’s power? (v25–27)

ANS: The widow at Zarephath and Naaman from Syria. 

It was not Jesus’ ability to heal the sick that they failed to believe, but His words. The Lord’s power to heal is not the object of belief, because they had already witnessed it. People should have believed His message of resurrection, but they did not. Faith is believing in the Lord’s Word rather than merely experiencing His power. That is why the Lord instructed people not to publicize the healings, so that they would focus on the gospel rather than be fascinated by miracles.

Q4. They were astonished when Jesus taught in the Capernaum synagogue because He had ( ) in His teaching. Jesus’ healing and exorcisms confirmed it. Verses 35 and 39 show that there is ( ) in His words.

ANS: authority

Q5. Jesus’ words and actions are sometimes hard to understand. He forbade the evil spirits from disclosing His identity (v35, 41). Jesus insisted on leaving for other towns, even though the people wanted Him to stay (42). Why? (v43)

ANS: Jesus did not want the focus to be on Himself. He came to proclaim the kingdom of God. To ensure people focused on the gospel—not just physical healing but holistic reconciliation with God—He kept His identity concealed until the appointed time. He came to preach the gospel of the kingdom of God.