MORE THAN A MAN
Luke 4:31-37

Introduction:     It is amazing the difference in the reception of Jesus at Capernaum in that of Nazareth . Jesus will not force Himself upon any, but with reception will minister to all. There are some things man can do, but there are many things man cannot do. When we examine Jesus from this point on we find He is more that a man! Look with me today at three roles Jesus portrays in this text.

I.           JESUS AS TEACHER (VV.31-32)
Rejected in Nazareth He moves to Capernaum . If one crowd won’t listen, he moves to another. Jesus is more than a man as a teacher because of:

A.           His Persistence (v.31)

·        Opportunity is passing by. (Some opportunities come that will not come again). The folks in Nazareth would not change so Jesus went to Capernaum .

·        Some people will not change. Some will not listen. But some will. (Illus. never give up on these people. We need this type of persistence).

B.                 His Power (v.32)

·        Jesus wasn’t like the other teachers that came to their synagogue. He was different. What was the difference?

·        The way He presented to truth…”I say.” 

·        Jesus spoke with authority! The Words of Jesus are still powerful today! (Illus: the need for an authoritative voice today that will deliver the message, “This is what the Bible says…what Jesus said.” – the Bible teaches us that sin (expound) is wrong).

II.         JESUS AS SAVIOR
There is a man that needs to get delivered in the synagogue. Someone here today needs deliverance. Notice just how sneaky the devil’s tactics are – he’s not coming out until Jesus comes in. The good news is that Jesus is in the house – He’s more than a man (religion).

A.                 Uses Manipulation (v.33)

·        Demon spirits will manipulate you. This man was in Church. He thought he was alright. He “cried out” – Things get uncomfortable for demons in the presence of Jesus.

·        Believers cannot be possessed, but they can be manipulated. (Illus: we watch and listen to things and do things that open the door and say, “come on in demon.”)

·        Why are there so many distractions in church? (expound)

B.         Uses Imitation (v.34)

The devil knows just what to say. These evil spirits had convinced this man, but not Jesus. (Illus: in the presence of Jesus every demon is exposed).

·        They know there is a hell.

·        They know Jesus is Holy.

·        They know Jesus is the only Savior.

III.       JESUS AS WARRIOR (VV.35-37)
Jesus speaks with power and authority…Jesus came to seek and to save – to deliver…Jesus also came as a warrior to fight and overcome Satan.

            A.        The Lord’s Attitude (v.35)

·        He “rebuked” him. They were saying the right words. But not from a redeemed heart.

·        “Hold thy peace” = muzzle yourself; keep your mouth shut. They were saying the right things, but the Lord is not interested in hearing words that are not backed up by heart decision. The devil wants to shackle you. Jesus came to set you free. You need more than a man to break the shackles of sin in your life.

B.         The People’s Announcement (vv.36-37)

·        They rehearsed this power and blessing with each other. Where the presence of Jesus is there is joy!

·        They went everywhere saying He’s more than a man!

Conclusion:       So many people have missed God because they do not recognize who He is. Man cannot help you with deliverance from the shackles of sin - you need Jesus. The Lord Jesus has the power to save and cleanse anyone who comes to Him.