Living as the “They”

This week’s texts from Scripture are:

• Isaiah 61:1-4

• Luke 4:18-21

Sermon Outline:

1. The Right Use of Lent

   • Misuse should not lead to disuse

   • The destination shapes the journey

   • Lent moves toward resurrection

   2. Jesus’ Mission Statement

   • Jesus reads Isaiah 61 in Nazareth

   • “Today this Scripture is fulfilled.”

   • Spirit-anointed good news for the poor, captive, broken

   3. The Shift from “Me” to “They.”

   • Isaiah 61:1–3 — first person (Christ)

   • Isaiah 61:4 — third person (“They”)

   • The Spirit who anointed Christ now fills His Church

   4. Living as the “They” This Lent

   • Receive the Spirit (continual filling)

   • Remember the Mission (make the Gospel visible)

   • Join the Work (practical embodiment in community)

Application Questions…

Comprehension Questions

(These will help you open the scriptures and understand the text.)

1. How does understanding Easter as Lent’s destination reshape how we view the season?

2. Why does Jesus’ reading of Isaiah 61 in Luke 4 function like a “mission statement”?

3. What specific ministries are described in Isaiah 61:1–3?

4. What is significant about the shift from “me” (vv.1–3) to “they” (v.4)?

5. How does Romans 8:11 connect Christ’s mission to the Church’s life?

1. Life Application

1. In what ways have you misunderstood or underused Lent in the past?

2. What would it look like for you to approach Lent with resurrection hope instead of heaviness?

3. Where in your life do you need to freshly “receive the Spirit” rather than strive in your own strength?

4. What habits could help you cultivate continual filling with the Spirit this season?

5. Who are the “poor,” “captive,” or “brokenhearted” in your immediate context?

6. How might God be inviting you to participate in rebuilding “ancient ruins” in your community?

7. What practical step could you take this Lent to make the Gospel more visible in your church?

8. How does sitting closer, welcoming newcomers, or joining a community reflect Isaiah 61:4 in action?

9. Where are you tempted to separate personal piety (prayer, fasting) from outward mission?

10. If Good Shepherd fully lived into being the “they” of Isaiah 61, what would look different one year from now?

If you have questions about this sermon, please don't hesitate to reach out to David.

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