A THEOLOGY OF SUFFERING & JUSTICE, FALL 2012: SESSION 07 NOTES LUKE: THE GOSPEL OF JUSTICE - STUART GREAVES

I. INTRODUCTION AND BASIC PREMISE A. Compared to most of the gospels of the New Testament, the gospel of Luke really highlights signs and wonders, prayer, Israel and the glory of God. There are 20 parables that are only found in the gospel of Luke. The people groups and the social demographics that are targeted the most by Luke are: the poor, the oppressed and the marginalized. Jesus work of Justice includes the removal of personal and social sins. He came to deliver us from our personal sins and to set up the throne of David to establish righeousness in every sphere of society. But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins. Mat. 1:20-21
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B.

C.

and shall call His name JESUS. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. 33 And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end. Lk. 1:31-32
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I was watching in the night visions, And behold, One like the Son of Man, Coming with the clouds of heaven! He came to the Ancient of Days, and they brought Him near before Him. 14 Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, That all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, And His kingdom the one which shall not be destroyed. Dan. 7:13-14
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For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. Isa. 9:6-7
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II.

THE JESUS OF THE GOSPEL OF LUKE A. B. C. D. E. The perfect Man. The sinners savior. Firstborn of the new race (the just ones), Micah 6:8. The genealogy of Luke concerning Christ establishes his humanity (Servant King of Isaiah). Jesus is not just a good man but He is The Perfect Man Intercessor (Isa. 59:15-16).

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A THEOLOGY OF SUFFERING & JUSTICE, FALL 2012: SESSION 07 NOTES LUKE: THE GOSPEL OF JUSTICE - STUART GREAVES
F. G. We are sinners by nature. Because of acts of sin, imputed guilt of Adam is upon the human race. Jesus not a sinner: he did not sin or inherit sin nature, nor was guilt imputed to him (God is His Father).

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H.

Luke reveals the perfect Man that God looked for regarding the release and the establishment of justice in the earth (Isa. 60-66).

III.

TO PREACH GOOD TIDINGS TO THE POOR The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, because He has anointed Me, to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD. Lk. 4:18-19 A. In Isaiah 61:1-3 we see the seven-fold operation of the King to bring about transformation to the earth in establishing justice. This operation of the Spirit has been present since the first coming of Christ but will be brought to eschatological fullness when the King returns to the earth, establishing His theocratic kingdom in Zion. Christ will establish Gods theocratic government (His throne). and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end. Lk. 1:33 C. The first and second coming of Christ are the hope of justice being established in the earth as He will set up His throne in Jerusalem. Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you. Ps. 89:14 Clouds and thick darkness surround him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne. Ps. 97:2 D. Christ preached the kingdom of God. But he said, "I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent." Lk. 4:43 Now it came to pass, afterward, that He went through every city and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with Him, and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmitiesMary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons, and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herods steward, and Susanna, and many others who provided for Him from their substance. Lk. 8:1-3 But when the multitudes knew it, they followed Him; and He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who had need of healing. Lk. 9:11

B.

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A THEOLOGY OF SUFFERING & JUSTICE, FALL 2012: SESSION 07 NOTES LUKE: THE GOSPEL OF JUSTICE - STUART GREAVES
E.

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The kingdom of God is the hope for all the redeemed, in particular the poor and the marginalized. Looking at his disciples, he said: "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Lk. 6:20 And He said, To you it has been given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God, but to the rest it is given in parables Lk. 8:10 Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Fathers good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Lk. 12:32 But Jesus called them to Him and said, Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it. Lk. 18:16-17 And I bestow upon you a kingdom, just as My Father bestowed one upon Me Lk. 22:29 that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. Lk. 22:30 Then he said to Jesus, Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom. Lk. 23:42 Now behold, there was a man named Joseph, a council member, a good and just man. He had not consented to their decision and deed. He was from Arimathea, a city of the Jews, who himself was also waiting for the kingdom of God. This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Lk. 23:50-52

F.

The disciples were sent forth with the same Luke 4:18 mandate. He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. Lk. 9:2 Jesus said to him, Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and preach the kingdom of God. Lk. 9:60 Whatever city you enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you. And heal the sick there, and say to them, The kingdom of God has come near to you. Lk. 10:8-9

G.

The focal point of intercession is the kingdom (justice and righteousness) Lk 18:8, Isa 59:15-16. Now it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. So He said to them, When you pray, say: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Lk. 11:1-2 But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you. Lk. 12:31

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A THEOLOGY OF SUFFERING & JUSTICE, FALL 2012: SESSION 07 NOTES LUKE: THE GOSPEL OF JUSTICE - STUART GREAVES
H. The mystery of a growing kingdom.

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Then He said, What is the kingdom of God like? And to what shall I compare it? It is like a mustard seed, which a man (Jesus) took and put in his garden (Israel, Isaiah 5); and it grew and became a large tree (Isa 4:2, 11:1, 61:3, Jer 23:5, Zech 3:8, 6:12), and the birds of the air nested in its branches. And again He said, To what shall I liken the kingdom of God? It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal till it was all leavened. Lk. 13:18-20 I. The gentiles will come to the kingdom. They (gentiles) will come from the east and the west, from the north and the south, and sit down in the kingdom of God. Lk. 13:29 J. The Isaiah 25 Kingdom and feast is post-resurrection. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just. Now when one of those who sat at the table with Him heard these things, he said to Him, Blessed is he who shall eat bread in the kingdom of God! Then He said to him, A certain man gave a great supper and invited many Lk. 14:14-16 for I say to you, I will no longer eat of it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God. Lk. 22:16 for I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes. Lk. 22:18 K. The kingdom includes an internal reality. Christ seeks to establish justice in the inner-man first as the foundation of the kingdom. Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, See here! or See there! For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you. Lk. 17:20-21 L. Jesus proclaimed the future of the kingdom. When they are already budding, you see and know for yourselves that summer is now near. So you also, when you see these things (end-time events) happening, know that the kingdom of God is near. Lk. 21-30-31 IV. TO HEAL THE BROKENHEARTED A. Jesus heals the soul and forgives sins. When He saw their faith, He said to him, Man, your sins are forgiven you. Lk. 5:20 But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins He said to the man who was paralyzed, I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house. Lk. 5:24 have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance. Lk. 5:32

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Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little. Then He said to her, Your sins are forgiven. Lk. 7:47-48 B. The disciples were sent forth with the same Luke 4:18 mandate The church is mandated to proclaim the remission of sins. and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. Lk. 24:47 V. TO PROCLAIM LIBERTY TO THE CAPTIVES AND RECOVERY OF SIGHT TO THE BLIND A. Demons manifested themselves at the presence and preaching of Christ. And demons also came out of many, crying out and saying, You are the Christ, the Son of God! And He, rebuking them, did not allow them to speak, for they knew that He was the Christ. Lk. 4:41 and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmitiesMary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons Lk. 8:33 B. The disciples were sent forth with the same Luke 4:18 mandate. Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. Lk. 9:1 Now John answered and said, Master, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow with us. Lk. 9:49 Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name. Lk. 10:17 C. Jesus looses and releases the captives. Now He was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. And behold, there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bent over and could in no way raise herself up. But when Jesus saw her, He called her to Him and said to her, Woman, you are loosed from your infirmity. And He laid His hands on her, and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God. Lk. 13:10-12 D. The casting out of demons is a manifestation of the in-breaking of Gods kingdom. But if I cast out demons with the finger of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you. Lk. 11:20 E. Jesus heals those who are plagued and held captive by infirmity. Now He arose from the synagogue and entered Simons house. But Simons wifes mother was sick with a high fever, and they made request of Him concerning her. So He stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. And immediately she arose and served them. Lk. 4:38-39

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When the sun was setting, all those who had any that were sick with various diseases brought them to Him; and He laid His hands on every one of them and healed them. Lk. 4:40 However, the report went around concerning Him all the more; and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by Him of their infirmities. Lk. 5:15 Now it happened on a certain day, as He was teaching, that there were Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting by, who had come out of every town of Galilee, Judea, and Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was present to heal them. Lk. 5:17 And the whole multitude sought to touch Him, for power went out from Him and healed them all. Lk. 6:19 And that very hour He cured many of infirmities, afflictions, and evil spirits; and to many blind He gave sight. Lk. 7:21 And behold, there was a certain man before Him who had dropsy. And Jesus, answering, spoke to the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath? But they kept silent. And He took him and healed him, and let him go. Lk. 14:2-4 Then it happened, as He was coming near Jericho, that a certain blind man sat by the road begging. And hearing a multitude passing by, he asked what it meant. So they told him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by. And he cried out, saying, Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me! Then those who went before warned him that he should be quiet; but he cried out all the more, Son of David, have mercy on me! So Jesus stood still and commanded him to be brought to Him. And when he had come near, He asked him, saying, What do you want Me to do for you? He said, Lord, that I may receive my sight. Then Jesus said to him, Receive your sight; your faith has made you well. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God. Lk. 18:35-43 But Jesus answered and said, Permit even this. And He touched his ear and healed him. Lk. 22:51 VI. TO SET AT LIBERTY THOSE WHO ARE OPPRESSED A. The poor, the oppressed and the marginalized are invited as guests to the great banquet (Isa. 25). So that servant came and reported these things to his master. Then the master of the house, being angry, said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in here the poor and the maimed and the lame and the blind. Lk. 14:21 B. Jesus gives hope to the poor. Then He lifted up His eyes toward His disciples, and said: Blessed are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Lk. 6:20 C. The poor have the gospel preached to them.

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Jesus answered and said to them, Go and tell John the things you have seen and heard: that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the gospel preached to them. Lk. 7:22 D. Jesus gives dignity and honor to the poor and the oppressed. But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind. Lk. 14:13 So He said, Truly I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all. Lk. 21:3 E. Jesus speaks up for the poor and mandates His potential followers with the Lk 4:18 mandate. So when Jesus heard these things, He said to him, You still lack one thing. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me. Lk. 18:22 VII. TO PROCLAIM THE ACCEPTABLE YEAR OF THE LORD A. Jesus forgives sins. When He saw their faith, He said to him, Man, your sins are forgiven you. Lk. 5:20 Then He said to her, Your sins are forgiven. Lk. 7:48 B. Jesus calls His followers to the Lk 4:18 mandate to forgive and extend the Lords favor. Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Lk. 6:37 Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. Lk. 17:3 C. The Lords favor creates a culture of love. Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little. Lk. 7:47 D. Jesus intercession for forgiveness. Then Jesus said, Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do. And they divided His garments and cast lots. Lk. 23:34 E. We can ask for forgiveness and extend forgiveness. And forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. Lk. 11:4 VIII. JESUS THE INTERCESSOR A. He became the intercessor He was looking for Isaiah 59:16, Isaiah 62:1. So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed. Lk. 5:16

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Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. Lk. 6:12 And it happened, as He was alone praying, that His disciples joined Him, and He asked them, saying, Who do the crowds say that I am? Lk. 9:18 B. He has set watchmen on the wall, Isaiah 62:6. Then He said to them, The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest. Lk. 10:2 Now it came to pass, about eight days after these sayings, that He took Peter, John, and James and went up on the mountain to pray. As He prayed, the appearance of His face was altered, and His robe became white and glistening. Lk. 9:28-29 Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart. Lk. 18:1
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out, He went to the Mount of Olives, as He was accustomed, and His disciples also followed Him. 40 When He came to the place, He said to them, Pray that you may not enter into temptation. Lk. 22:39 And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. Lk. 22:44 Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man. Lk. 21:36 C. Jesus has zeal for the place of prayer. Then He went into the temple and began to drive out those who bought and sold in it, saying to them, It is written, My house is a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves. And He was teaching daily in the temple. But the chief priests, the scribes, and the leaders of the people sought to destroy Him Lk. 19:45-47 D. The gospel of Luke starts with prayer and ends with prayer.
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And the whole multitude of the people was praying outside at the hour of incense. Lk. 1:10

And they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, 53 and were continually in the temple praising and[j] blessing God. Amen. Lk. 24:52-53

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