Chapter 2

“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;” Isaiah 61:1.

While attending the Synagogue in Nazareth, Jesus was invited to read the Scriptures where He turned to Isaiah 61.

At the conclusion of the Scripture in which Isaiah spoke of the coming of the Messiah, Jesus declared “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” Many marveled at His wisdom, and said “Is not this Joseph’s son?” Jesus replied “Truly, I say to you, no prophet is acceptable in his hometown.”

Angel Gabriel brought the good news to Mary that she will conceive through the Holy Spirit and bear a son, Jesus. She was also informed that her cousin Elizabeth was six months pregnant, so Mary went to visit her.

“And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” Luke 1:41-42.

“And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine?”” Luke 17:12-17.

“Soon afterward he went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a great crowd went with him. As he drew near to the gate of the town, behold, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow, and a considerable crowd from the town was with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.” Then he came up and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.” And the dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has arisen among us!” and “God has visited his people!”” Luke 7:11-16.

“While he was still speaking, someone from the ruler’s house came and said, “Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the Teacher any more.” But Jesus on hearing this answered him, “Do not fear; only believe, and she will be well.” And when he came to the house, he allowed no one to enter with him, except Peter and John and James, and the father and mother of the child. And all were weeping and mourning for her, but he said, “Do not weep, for she is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. But taking her by the hand he called, saying, “Child, arise.”  And her spirit returned, and she got up at once. And he directed that something should be given her to eat.” Luke 8:49-55.

When Jesus was informed that Lazarus had died, He felt the human grief and compassion and He wept. Jesus was also divine, and upon getting to the tomb He raised Lazarus from the dead.

“Jesus wept.” John 11:35.

While many miracles demonstrate the dual nature of Jesus as both human and divine, none is as powerful as His resurrection. His human body was crucified and died. His triumphant resurrection on the third day affirmed His divinity as the Son of God.