Worship Preparation - February 8, 2026
Read the sermon text: Luke 4:31-44
Read the sermon summary: Last Sunday we saw Jesus' sermon at the synagogue in his hometown. He announced that with his presence, Isaiah 61 had been fulfilled. In our passage this week, we see two specific episodes of healing and a general statement of his continued ministry activity. Jesus is doing exactly what he said he came to do: he sets at liberty those who are oppressed by unclean spirits and sickness. He is going to outcasts and religious outsiders. By the use of repetition, Luke emphasizes that Jesus' "word" possesses "authority." Interestingly, this is applied once to his teaching (v. 32) and once to his commanding unclean spirits to come out (v. 36). In contrast to the people of Nazareth who drive Jesus out of the town, the people of Capernaum try to keep him from leaving. But Jesus is compelled by his purpose: he must preach the kingdom to other towns as well. Jesus demonstrates that in this year of the Lord's favor, the devil's kingdom of oppression is already beginning to crumble and will soon come to an end.
Read the following song lyrics in relation to the sermon:
How Great Is Our God
Verse 1
The splendor of the King
Clothed in majesty
Let all the earth rejoice
All the earth rejoice
He wraps Himself in light
And darkness tries to hide
And trembles at His voice
And trembles at His voice
Chorus
How great is our God
Sing with me
How great is our God
And all will see how great
How great is our God
Verse 2
And age to age He stands
And time is in His hands
Beginning and the End
Beginning and the End
The Godhead three in one
Father Spirit Son
The Lion and the Lamb
The Lion and the Lamb
Bridge
Name above all names
Worthy of all praise
My heart will sing
How great is our God
CCLI Song #4348399
Chris Tomlin | Ed Cash | Jesse Reeves
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