Exploring God’s Word with Brad Thurston

Controlling Freedom

Episode Summary

Luke 13: 1-21 At times, people in position of authority not only try to govern, they often want to control people (some say manage) with the result that they try to consolidate their position and authority with acts of power and coercion. Jesus understands his authority as a means of setting people free from the types of bondages and yokes others use as a means for governing.

Episode Notes

In this passage there is a direct confrontation between two very different world views.  In the first one, you can see that the leaders mentioned control people through different means of coercion.

  1. Pilate is mentioned here for the first time, as the direct confrontation lies in the direct future of this band of travelers on their way to Jerusalem.  Rome had a policy of ruling with direct power and punishment.  They infiltrated other religious groups and cultures with a desire to intermingle and destroy the mindset of the conquered people groups.  They did that with direct force.
  2. The second group is represented by the synagogue leader who wants to keep his understanding of religious control. (As opposed to Rome?) He appears to be compromising by allowing healing, but please keep our religion and culture intact.
  3. Both groups seek to use their abilities to control the freedoms of people and subject them to a particular mindset.

Jesus, in his declaration of the purpose of his ministry has come to set the captives free! (Luke 4:18: ““THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS UPON ME, BECAUSE HE ANOINTED ME TO PREACH THE GOSPEL TO THE POOR. HE HAS SENT ME TO PROCLAIM RELEASE TO THE CAPTIVES, AND RECOVERY OF SIGHT TO THE BLIND, TO SET FREE THOSE WHO ARE OPPRESSED,”)

  1. His approach is very different and is clearly expressed in these verses:
  2. Repentance, not hiding in shame or fear (those who died)
  3. Grace and patience rather than punishment (the fig tree)
  4. Matters of love and caring above rules and regulations (woman who was healed)
  5. His approach leaves us in a position of decision making.
  6. Pilate will be confronted soon.
  7. The synagogue leader either repents or is brought to shame
    The people rejoice at the freedom from bondage and the offer of hope for all
    See bondage, sin, sickness, family relationships, position of women in society
  8. It is for freedom that Christ has set us free Gal. 5:1
  9. Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty 2 Cor. 3:17
  10. No longer slaves to fear (Rom. 8:15)
  11. Walking in love Ep.5:2 and 2 John 1:6
  12. He compares the two types of Kingdoms very clearly here: Kindness and love start small but infiltrate through the whole of society beginning at home and growing through personal relationships.  Overcoming prejudice and rejoicing with those who have been freed, not coerced