As Was His Custom

Fellowship – Snacks or a Meal (10 minutes with snacks; longer, obviously, if there is a meal).

Gathering Time (5-10 minutes). In pairs or groups of three, have participants answer, "What were your family's religious or spiritual customs, traditions, or practices when you were growing up?"

Group Dialogue (Approximately 30 minutes). Read Luke 4:14-21.

• After the temptation in the wilderness (Luke 4:1-13), Where does Jesus go? What impact had he already made? [Jesus goes to Galilee, where his reputation has spread. He is praised for his teachings.]
• After he left Galilee, where does Jesus go? What day is it? [Jesus goes to Nazareth, his hometown, on the Sabbath to worship at the synagogue.]
• Why did Jesus choose to read from the book of Isaiah? What message did he share? [Jesus chose to read from Isaiah 61:1-2, a passage that speaks of good news for the poor, release for captives, recovery of sight for the blind, and freedom for the oppressed. This message aligns with his mission to bring spiritual and physical liberation.]
• “Jesus let the scroll roll up in his hand like a window blind and then handed it to the dazed attendant, and then he sat down—not because he was done. That’s what it sounds like to us. But no, rabbis taught sitting down. You stand to read out of respect for the Word, but then you sit to explain and expound and apply. … They expected a lecture on the text when Jesus sat down. Instead, they got a nine-word sermon: “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing” (1/26 Sermon note).

• What is the importance of Jesus claiming to fulfill this prophecy? [By claiming fulfillment, Jesus identifies himself as the promised Messiah who brings God’s salvation and liberation.]

• Jesus speaks of bringing good news, release, and recovery to those in need. How might you embody this message in your community? Think about specific people or situations where you could bring hope or assistance.

Prayer (10 minutes). Share prayer requests and respond appropriately.

Sending Forth (2 minutes). End with the following prayer, a similar prayer, or the Lord’s Prayer:

Holy God, as we leave this gathering, may Your Spirit guide us to live out Jesus’ call to love, serve, and liberate. Open our eyes to see the needs around us; open our hearts to respond with grace. Send us as messengers of Your hope and peace. Amen.

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This content was created by Discipleship Ministries staff with assistance from AI tools.

Rev. Motoe Yamada Foor, Director of Adult Discipleship, served in local churches for twenty years. She has a wealth of experience at a variety of organizational levels of The United Methodist Church as well as in ecumenical organizations such as the World Council of Churches (WCC). She also enjoys serving as a coach to help people and churches grow.