Chapter # 4 Paragraph # 2 Study # 5
August 27, 2006
Lincolnton, N.C.
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<274> Thesis:  The fundamental focus of the ministry of Jesus is to be found in the impact of His actions and words upon the "blind". Introduction:  There is, in the record of Jesus' return to Nazareth, a definitive statement made by Jesus, Himself, that the "point" of His coming to earth was to "restore" sight to the blind. This morning we are going to take our study time to look into Jesus' use of Isaiah and Luke's subsequent use of Jesus' use of Isaiah. In some ways, there is nothing more important to understanding than the proper "context". [Illustrate by Hazel's misunderstanding of my comments about going to look at the church building in Crouse and mention the reason for our "Developing Perspective" series.] This has already been a major focus in our studies in Luke -- particularly the "name him John" thesis -- and, last week, it came out very strongly because the "reading" of the Scriptures is either useful, or dangerous, depending upon one's "theological context". Therefore, this morning we are going to do some "stage setting" for our future studies in Luke by looking at Luke's record of Jesus' use of Isaiah when He went to the synagogue in Nazareth.