Jesus Anointed by the Spirit to Preach
Month 3: Come, Follow Me · Walking in the Spirit
Today's Scripture
Read together: Mark 1:14-15 & Luke 4:18
14 After the arrest of John, Jesus went into Galilee and proclaimed the gospel of God. 15 “The time is fulfilled,” He said, “and the kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe in the gospel!” — Mark 1:14-15
18 “The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed, — Luke 4:18
Memory Verse
““Come, follow Me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.””— Mark 1:17 (BSB)
📖 Bible-in-a-Year (optional)
Today's reading: Judges 21; Ruth 1-3
Reading the whole Bible in a year — do this when you have extra time. (Around Day 72 of 365 — Ruth's loyalty shines after the darkness of Judges.)The Heart of It
Before Jesus ever called a single fisherman, something happened to Him. At His baptism the Holy Spirit came down like a dove and rested on Him. Then Jesus went out preaching, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel" (). In the synagogue at Nazareth He opened the scroll and read His own job description. "The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor" (). Jesus is fully God. Yet during His time on earth, He chose to depend on the Holy Spirit's power for everything He did.
That should stop us in our tracks. The sinless Son of God carried out His mission in the power of the Spirit. How much more do we need the Spirit to live the life He calls us to? We can't preach, love, forgive, resist temptation, or share Jesus on our own strength. Not for long, anyway. But here is the good news. The same Spirit who rested on Jesus is the Spirit He promised to His followers. Walking in the Spirit isn't an advanced level for super-Christians. It's the ordinary air the Christian life breathes. Jesus showed us how, and then He offers that same Spirit to us.
Around the Table
God's Holy Spirit helped Jesus do His work. And Jesus gives that same Helper to us!
Let's do it: Float your hand down gently like a dove landing. Then say, "Holy Spirit, help me today!"
Jesus is God, yet He still depended on the Holy Spirit's power. What does that teach us about doing God's work all on our own?
Let's talk: When is something easier to do because someone strong is helping you? How is the Spirit like that?
Jesus preached by the Spirit's power, and He called people to "repent and believe." Why does it matter that the very first message of His ministry was a call to turn and trust?
Let's go deeper: Where are you running on your own willpower instead of asking the Spirit for help? What's one place you could lean on Him this week?
💬 Conversation Starter
What's something you once tried to do "all by myself" that went much better once you got the right helper?
🛡️ Defending the Faith
Jesus' message was "repent and believe." That's a real choice He invited people to make. The gospel comes as a true offer, not a forced fate. God "commands all men everywhere to repent" (), and He does that precisely because the answer is truly ours to give. Be ready to explain () that God's grace woos us. It doesn't run us over.
For Dad · Go Deeper
There's a quiet humility in watching the Son of God do His work in the Spirit's power, instead of simply flexing His own divine strength. And it tears down the myth that the spiritual life is about trying harder. Classic Pentecostal teaching makes the point here. The Spirit who anointed Jesus is the same Spirit poured out at Pentecost. And He is offered to every believer, for power to witness and for Christlike character. Two cautions for the home. First, never chase the Spirit's power while neglecting His fruit. Character always comes before gifting. Second, never shrink Him down to a feeling or a force. He is a Person to walk with. So ask yourself honestly tonight. Is my leadership powered by the Spirit, or is it just well-organized willpower?
Draws on: Roger Stronstad, The Charismatic Theology of St. Luke.
Let's Pray Together
"Father, thank You that Jesus did His work in the power of Your Spirit. Thank You that You give us that same Spirit. Fill us today. Help us lean on You, and not just on ourselves. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen."
If Jesus relied on the Spirit, so will I. He's my power for everything God asks.