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Sermon Recap+ Jan. 26th 2025

Writer's picture: Mario BolivarMario Bolivar

This sermon was filled with scripture, acting like a roadmap guiding us through key passages. We started with Luke 4:14-21, then moved to Isaiah 61:1-2, followed by Revelation 19:11, Matthew 25:31-40, and concluded with 1 Corinthians 12:14-31.



In our reading from Luke 4:14-21, Jesus stands in the synagogue and reads from the scroll of Isaiah. He announces that the Spirit of the Lord is upon him, and that he has come to bring good news to the poor, proclaim freedom for the prisoners, give sight to the blind, and set the oppressed free. Jesus then says, "Today, this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing." This is a powerful moment where Jesus reveals his mission and sets the tone for his ministry.


I wanted to highlight how, much like music, there are different songs and tunes in life, and sometimes, if we're not paying attention, we might miss the deeper meaning. Just like the hymn “All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name” has different tunes, life can present different "tunes" or directions, and it’s important to know which one we should follow. Sometimes we get lost in the noise, but God’s tune is the one we are called to follow.


In a world filled with division, anger, and frustration, there are many voices and messages that try to lead us. A song like "Rich Men North of Richmond" speaks about the struggles many feel with the political and social system. But, while this frustration is real, we must remember that Jesus came to offer us a different tune, one that brings healing, hope, and justice.


Jesus’ message in Luke 4 comes from Isaiah 61, but Jesus doesn’t quote all of it. He stops short of mentioning the part about God’s vengeance because the time for judgment hasn’t come yet. See, Revelation 19... Instead, we are still in the season of grace, where Jesus invites us to participate in his mission of bringing good news and freedom.


As we think about the mission of Jesus, we are called to follow that same tune. Are we helping the poor? Are we helping to free those who are captive, whether physically, emotionally, or spiritually? Are we opening the eyes of the blind, and helping those who are oppressed? These are the questions we need to ask ourselves. It’s not about doing these things out of guilt or fear; it’s about doing them because of our love for Jesus.


I shared a personal story about my love for my wife, Mel, and how it led me to buy a jersey for her favorite team, even though it was hard for me. My actions reflected my love for her, and the same is true for our love for Jesus. We serve and care for others not because we’re afraid of what might happen if we don’t, but because our love for Jesus compels us to do so.


Now, not everyone can be a preacher or do the same things I do, but we all have different gifts and talents that God has given us. In 1 Corinthians 12, we are reminded that the body of Christ is made up of many members, each with different roles. The important thing is that we all contribute to the mission in the way that we are called to. The body doesn’t function if everyone tries to do the same thing.


Life Application

Consider the ways in which you are already following God’s tune.

  • Are you using your unique gifts to care for others?

  • Are you serving in ways that reflect your love for Jesus?


Questions to Reflect On:

  1. How can you serve others in ways that bring good news to the poor and freedom to the oppressed?

  2. What gifts and talents do you have that you can offer to the church and the world?

  3. Are you allowing your love for Jesus to shape the way you live and serve others?


As you go about your week, listen for the tune of God’s call in your life. Pay attention to how you can be a part of bringing healing and hope to those around you. And know that, whatever your role, you are a vital part of the body of Christ. Let your love for Jesus guide you as you serve others.





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