THE GOSPELS: The Ministry of Yeshua the Messiah begins – Luke 4:17-21 The Seven-fold Spirit was upon Him (the Gifts of the Spirit)

4 July 2025

We are studying Luke 4:14-32, Mathew 4:12 and Mark 1:14-15 about the beginning of the MINISTRY of YESHUA THE MESSIAH. And we are still focusing today on Luke 4:17-21

We are mainly reading from the Complete Jewish Study Bible – insight for Jews and Christians. And use the Hebrew name of God, YHVH (Yod-Heh-Vav-Heh) where the word LORD in English is indicated in capital letters in the Scriptures, also referring to Him as Abba Father and use the Hebrew Name Yeshua the Messiah instead of the English Name Jesus Christ translated from the Greek.

Last week we studied the PROPHECY in ISAIAH 58 pertaining to Luke 4:17b-21 and we have touched on the PROPHECY that Yeshua the Messiah read in ISAIAH 61:1-2 as documented in:

In Luke 4:17-21: “Unrolling the scroll, He found the place where it was written, ‘The SPIRIT of YHVH IS ON ME; because He has ANNOINTED ME to ANNOUNCE GOOD NEWS to the POOR; HE has SEND ME to PROCLAIM (declare, pronounce) FREEDOM for the IMPRISONED and RENEWED SIGHT for the BLIND, to RELEASE THOSE who have been CRUSHED, to PROCLAIM a YEAR of the FAVOR of YHVH. After closing the scroll and returning it to the attendant, He sat down; and the eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fixed on Him. He started to speak and say to them: TODAY, as you heard it read, this passage of the Tanakh (the Old Testament) was fulfilled (accomplished)!”

And we further read in Isaiah 61:1a

“The SPIRIT of YHVH is upon me, because YHVH has anointed me to announce GOOD NEWS to the poor. He has sent me to HEAL the BROKENHEARTED;…”

So we are going to study the different elements of this verse.

What it means that the SPIRIT of YHVH is upon me.

• We read about the SEVEN-FOLD SPIRIT of YHVH being on Yeshua the Messiah in the prophecy in Isaiah 11:1-2 identifying the following seven characteristics:

1. THE SPIRIT OF YHVH (the Holy Spirit, the essence of God’s creation, revelation and empowerment).
2.  WISDOM (insight, intelligence, the ability to judge correctly and apply the best course of action based on knowledge and understanding. According to James 3:17 the WISDOM that comes from God is PURE, PEACEFUL, GENTLE and HELPFUL).
3. UNDERSTANDING (ability to discern, comprehend and apply knowledge in accordance with God’s will).
4. COUNSEL (advice, guidance, direction, warning that leads individuals toward righteous living and aligns them with God’s will).
5. POWER (the ability or capacity to act effectively, often associated with divine authority and strength. This power comes from God through the Holy Spirit).
6. KNOWLEDGE (it is a deep understanding and discernment of spiritual truths, moral principles, and the nature of God. It is rooted in reverence for God and involves a relationship with Him).
7. FEARING YHVH (it is a profound reverence/ respect/ admiration/ worship and awe for YHVH, the ALMIGHTY GOD).

The number seven in the WORD of GOD refers to PERFECTION and COMPLETION, therefore the SEVEN-FOLD SPIRIT is a picture of the PERFECT and COMPLETE Holy Spirit of GOD.

In Isaiah 11:1-2 it is prophesied that the MESSIAH would be EMPOWERED by the HOLY SPIRIT of GOD the FATHER in the PERFECTION of YESHUA THE MESSIAH’s MANIFOLD MINISTRY.

We read in Revelation 1:4-5  that the letters addressed to the SEVEN MESSIANIC COMMUNITIES (called the SEVEN CHURCHES in some Bible Versions), are greeted by John with the following words: “Grace and shalom (peace) to you from the capital letter ONE, who was and who is coming (that is referring to GOD THE FATHER); from the SEVEN FOLD (capital letter) SPIRIT before His throne (that is the HOLY SPIRIT) and from YESHUA the MESSIAH, the FAITHFUL WITNESS, the FIRSTBORN from the dead and the RULER of the earth’s kings.”

Next, we read in Revelation 3:1a “To the angel of the MESSAINIC COMMUNITY of SARDIS, write: ‘Here is the message from the ONE who has the SEVENFOLD SPIRIT of GOD and the seven stars:..” An obvious reference to Yeshua the Messiah.

And in Revelation 4 the THRONE ROOM of GOD the FATHER is described and we read in verse 5: “From the THRONE came forth LIGHTNINGS, VOICES and THUNDERINGS; and BEFORE THE TRHONE were SEVEN FLAMING TORCHES (a picture of the SEVEN BRANCHED MENORAH in the TEMPLE OF GOD), which are the SEVENFOLD SPIRIT OF GOD.” It is confirmed in Zechariah 4:2 that the Holy Spirit is symbolized as a solid gold lampstand (called a MENORAH in Hebrew) with seven lamps on it.

 In Revelation 5:6, still in the THRONE ROOM, we read: “Then I saw standing there with the throne and the four living beings, in the circle of the elders, a (capital letter) LAMB that appears to have been slaughtered. He had SEVEN HORNS and SEVEN EYES, which are the SEVEN FOLD SPIRIT OF GOD sent out into all the earth”. The SEVEN EYES of the LAMB speak of the Holy Spirit of God who is also the SPIRIT of the LAMB’s omniscience (referring to God’s complete and perfect knowledge of all things, including the past, present and future and every person’s thoughts and potential making Him the ultimate source of knowledge) and His omnipresence (referring to God’s presence everywhere at all times, meaning He is not limited by space or time and His power and knowledge extend to all parts of creation, allowing Him to be present in every situation).

• The NINE GIFTS of the SPIRIT

Paul explains in 1 Corinthians 12:4-7: “…there are different kinds of gifts, but the SAME (capital letter) SPIRIT (the Holy Spirit) gives them all. Also there are different ways of SERVING, but it is the SAME MASTER YESHUA being SERVED. And there are different modes of WORKING, but it is the SAME GOD (the FATHER) working them all in everyone. Moreover, to each person is given the particular manifestation (appearance, expression) of the (capital letter) Spirit, that will be for the common good.” He then mentions the following nine gifts in verses 8-10:

1. WORD of WISDOM (meaning a divine impartation of knowledge or guidance).
2. WORD of KNOWLEDGE (meaning divine insight and understanding about people, situations and God’s will that could not be known through natural means. It is characterized by supernatural insight and comprehension of facts or spiritual principles, often manifesting as a revelation that provides clarity or guidance in specific situations and understanding of deep truths).
3. FAITH (a special conviction to be firmly persuaded of God’s power, promise and ability to accomplish His will and purpose and to display such a confidence in Him and His Word that circumstances and obstacles do not shake that conviction. It is rooted in the faith in Yeshua the Messiah as Savior and trust that comes through a close relationship with Him).
4. HEALING (people who receive the gift of Gods healing power, restoring physical, emotional and spiritual well-being through prayer and faith in God’s ability to bring forth restoration and wholeness).
5. WORKING of MIRACLES (this is the carrying out of miraculous feats/ acts thought (presumed) to be impossible according to the natural laws of the world. It often manifests in sync with other spiritual gifts).
6. PROPHECY (this gift allows believers to speak forth the truth of God’s Word. It is about receiving a message of God that can be about anything from warnings to guidance to kind words in tough times. These believers typically have a strong Biblical perspective and an ability to accurately handle Scripture. They are able to discern false doctrines and warn God’s people about deception).
7. ABILITY to JUDGE/ DISCERNS between spirits (a crucial gift that enables believers to discern the origin and nature of spiritual influences, whether they are from God, human or demonic sources).
8. ABILITY to SPEAK in different kinds of TONGUES (the ability a person supernaturally receives to speak to God or other people in a language unknown to them or unknown to the natural world, as Paul refers to in 1 Corinthians 13:1 the language of angels).
9. ABILITY to INTERPRET TONGUES (the ability to understand and explain messages spoken in unknown languages or tongues).

We read in Romans 12:3-8 about the GIFTS GOD the FATHER has given to each one of us, each having our own function (purpose, meaning) just as there are many parts composing one body (these are the gifts we are born with/ one can say your personality type) to serve in union with the MESSIAH YESHUA as HIS BODY on earth. There are seven of these gifts, namely:

1.PROPHET– extending (spreading) trust (faith, believe, hope). This is the deliverance of God’s will to the Body of Yeshua the Messiah through the Holy Spirit. It is important to note that current day prophets minister differently from Old Testament prophets. Old Testament prophets were responsible for turning whole nations back to God. Today’s prophets, work mainly through individuals to point them back to Abba Father through Yeshua the Messiah when they stray. They may also minister to groups of people. They serve as mouthpieces of God, speaking His truth in love and humility. They share God’s heart, wisdom and direction with boldness and accuracy, binging clarity to situations and pointing others towards God’s will. Their messages provide guidance, confirmation and encouragement leading believers to deeper spiritual understanding and intimacy with God.

Yeshua our Messiah demonstrated all SEVEN GIFTS – His life and ministry were prophetic in nature. He spoke with divine authority, revealing God’s character, purpose and plan. Yeshua foretold events and His teachings brought spiritual truth and understanding to His followers.

2. SERVANT – serve (help, assist, aid/ support) others effectively and unselfishly. They contribute to the unity and growth of the community and congregation, reflecting the love and compassion of Yeshua the Messiah. They have a strong desire and capacity to meet practical needs and assist others with a servant’s heart. They actively seek opportunities to serve others and are content behind the scenes, finding fulfillment in meeting the practical needs of the congregation or community in general. This gift create an atmosphere of love and care, where needs are met, and burdens are lightened. They play an integral role in fostering unity and enabling other ministries to thrive.

Yeshua is the ULTIMATE SERVANT LEADER who demonstrated the gift of SERVANT throughout His earthly ministry. He washed the disciples’ feet, fed the hungry, healed the sick, and cared for the marginalized, setting an example for all believers to follow.

3.TEACHER – teaches others. They have a unique talent for explaining and imparting Biblical truths and principles in a way that deepens understanding and equips others for spiritual growth. They have a passion for God’s Word and a desire to help others grasp its meaning and significance. They have the ability to communicate complex ideas in a clear and relatable manner, making Scriptures accessible and relevant to others. We are however warned in James 3:1-2 that teachers are judged more harshly by God than the other gifts. This is primarily due to the fact that what they teach can sway or manipulate the faith and actions of those they teach.

Yeshua’s ministry was marked by profound and insightful teaching. He used parables and direct instruction to communicate spiritual truths to Hs disciples and the crowds, imparting wisdom that continues to impact lives today.

4.COUNSELOR/ EXHORTER – gives comfort and exhorts (encourages). They have a unique ability to uplift, inspire and comfort others. Bringing hope and strengthening their faith in God during challenging times. They are skilled in bringing words of affirmation, empathy and support. They actively look for opportunities to build others up, edify their spirits and remind them of God’s faithfulness and love. They foster a culture of love and compassion. They play a vital role in comforting the grieving (the heartbroken), motivating the discouraged and spurring others on in their faith journey.

Yeshua displayed the gift of encouragement throughout His ministry. In John 16:33 He encouraged His disciples, saying, “I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

5.GIVER – give simply and generously. They have a unique desire and capacity to generously contribute their resources, time and talents for the support of God’s work, both within the congregation and aiding those in need. They possess an understanding of stewardship (the responsibility entrusted to individuals to manage everything God has placed under their care, recognizing Him as the ultimate owner) and a compassionate heart for helping others. They joyfully give with a spirit of generosity, seeking to advance God’s kingdom by supporting ministries, missions and the less fortunate. They foster a spirit of generosity and sacrificial giving within a congregation. They inspire others to give and create a supportive environment for funding God’s work.

Yeshua demonstrated the essence of the gift of giving through His selfless sacrifice on the cross. He willingly gave His life to redeem humanity, showing the ultimate act of generosity (kindness) and love.

6.LEADER – lead with diligence and zeal (enthusiasm, passion and eagerness). Those with this gift possess the capacity to guide and influence others, motivating them to work together towards a common vision and purpose. They demonstrate confidence, vision and a heart for serving others. They provide direction, make wise decisions and inspire others to fulfill their potential, ultimately glorifying God through effective leadership. They create an environment of growth where individuals are encouraged to use their gifts and talents for God’s kingdom.

Yeshua exemplifies the gift of leadership through His role as the Good Shepherd. He led with compassion, wisdom, and a clear vision of God’s kingdom, empowering His disciples to continue His mission after His departure.

7.MERCY – do acts of mercy cheerfully. They show deep compassion and empathy towards those who are suffering or in distress, offering love, understanding and support. Thy have sensitive tender hearts, easily moved by the pain and struggles of others. They actively seek to alleviate suffering and bring comfort, demonstrating God’s compassion to those in need. They foster an atmosphere of love and care where individuals find solace and understanding during difficult times. They become a source of comfort and hope for those facing hardships.

Yeshua exemplifies the gift of mercy throughout His ministry. He showed compassion to the sick, the needy, and the broken, healing the hurting and welcoming the outcast with open arms.

We further read in Ephesians 4:7-13 Yeshua gave gifts to mankind when He ascended to heaven. These are called the FIVE-FOLD MINISTRY GIFTS or OFFICE GIFTS and have to do with the WORK a BELIEVER is called to do, like:

1.EMISSIARIES/ APOSTLES (representatives, ambassadors).They are appointed and sent forth as messengers with a specific mission to establish and strengthen congregations, spread the Gospel and nurture spiritual growth among believers. They are visionary leaders who exhibit a strong sense of mission and a pioneering (groundbreaking, revolutionary, innovative) spirit. They possess the ability to plant and oversee congregations, disciple new believers and train and equip leaders for ministry.

Yeshua our Messiah again is our example in all FIVE MINISTIRY GIFTS. He demonstrated apostolic characteristics in His ministry. He commissioned the twelve disciples to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19), and He empowered them to continue His work after His ascension.

2.PROPHETS – The office of prophet is very different from the gift of prophecy. The prophet standing in office is meant to teach the congregation how to hear the voice of God more clearly. They may do this by providing words to the leaders of the congregation of how to stay on track, training, equipping, giving direction, redirection, correction, warning and governing. They frequently and regularly remind people of the covenant love and commitment of God and stir the congregation to respond with faithfulness and holiness through repentance if required.

3. PROCLAIMERS OF THE GOOD NEWS/ EVANGELISTS – They possess a passion and natural ability for sharing the GOSPEL of Yeshua the Messiah with others, leading them to faith in Him. They are enthusiastic and passionate in their desire to reach the lost with the message of salvation. They have a compelling ability to communicate the love of the Messiah, addressing spiritual questions and extend invitations to embrace a personal relationship with God. They spark a passion for reaching the unreached and bring a focus on sharing the gospel both locally and globally. They inspire and equip others to participate in the Great Commission.

Yeshua embodies the gift of evangelism throughout His ministry. He proclaimed the Kingdom of God, shared parables to explain spiritual truths and called people to repentance and faith in God.

4.SHEPHERDS/ PASTORS – Those with this gift possess a deep love and concern for God’s people, providing nurturing care, spiritual guidance and support to help believers grow in their faith. They have a natural inclination to care for others, spiritually feeding and protecting the flock of God. They possess strong teaching and counselling abilities (gifts of the Spirit), fostering a sense of community and belonging among believers. They create a loving and nurturing environment where individuals can mature in their faith and find support during life’s challenges.

Yeshua as the GOOD SHEPHERD, exemplified this gift throughout His ministry. He cared for His disciples, sought out the lost and provided spiritual nourishment to all who followed Him.

5.TEACHERS –The teacher ensures the congregation is spiritually mature and equipped with knowledge and understanding. The teacher partners with the prophets by bringing scriptural anchoring and unpacking revelation by showing complementary and reinforcing scriptural principles. And they partner with apostles by conveying the scriptural endorsement of the mission of God and with evangelists explaining the gospel and equipping pastors with truths they need in their role as shepherds.

ALL the GIFTS must be controlled by LOVE as set out in 1 Corinthians 13

Paul explains in 1 Corinthians 13:1-3

• One may have the GIFT to speak in TONGUES of men and even angels but if we LACK LOVE, it becomes just a blaring (deafening or shrieking) brass and cymbal clanging (sharp ringing and hard harsh sounds) without any meaning or effect. LOVE NEVER ENDS, because GOD IS LOVE (1 John 4:16), but TONGUES will eventually cease at the end.
• One may have the GIFT of PROPHECY and understand all mysteries, know all things and have all faith, enough to move mountains, but if we LACK LOVE, we are NOTHING, our gift of prophecy will not accomplish anything. And again LOVE NEVER ENDS, because GOD IS LOVE (1 John 4:16), but PROPHECIES and KNOWLEDGE will pass for our KNOWLEDGE is PARTIAL (incomplete, limited, restricted), but when the perfect comes (Yeshua the Messiah), the PARTIAL will pass. For now we see obscurely (unclearly) in a mirror, but then it will be face to face. Now we know partly; then we will know fully, just as GOD the FATHER has fully known us.
• One may have the GIFT of GIVING and give away everything we own, even hand over our bodies to be burned, but if we LACK LOVE, we will gain nothing by it – it will be to no advantage.

The type of GODLY LOVE we read about in 1 Corinthians 13, REQUIRED to EXECUTE our GIFTS SUCCESSFULLY is:

• Being PATIENT (it is a fruit of the Spirit and a divine attribute that believers are called to cultivate. It involves self-restraint and an active faith driven strength that builds resilience and transforms character).
• Being KIND (again kindness is a fruit of the Spirit. It is defined as a fundamental virtue of the character of God and is exemplified in the life of Yeshua the Messiah. It involves acting with compassion, generosity and consideration toward others regardless of their status or relationship to you).
• NOT being JEALOUS (we are called not to be envious of someone who has something that we do not have. Being jealous is a sign that we are still being controlled by our own desires. When we cultivate an attitude of thankfulness for what God has given us and we accept that He gives us what is best for us, we can overcome jealousy and actually be joyful with other people for what they have received from God.)
• NOT being BOASTFUL (Being boastful has to do with being arrogant. It is an overt display of one’s own self-importance. This attitude destroys our relationships. The Word encourages us to be humble and to love others as we love ourselves. Therefore, doing unto them as we would like them to do unto us. We can overcome this by being thankful of what God allows us to achieve in our lives and focusing on celebrating the achievements of others).
• NOT being PROUD (God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. So again we have to cultivate a humble spirit. Putting others first and knowing God will give us grace and contentment).
• NOT being RUDE (to be rude is to be bad-mannered, impolite/ disrespectful and offensive/ aggressive. When we learn to see others as valuable and each person being a masterpiece of God and special in their own unique way. We can practice being polite and treat them with consideration and respect).
• NOT being SELFISH (selfishness contradicts the principle of love, service and humility. It involves putting one’s own interests above those of others. The Word of God encourages us to be selfless and generous to others. Selflessness is portrayed as putting the needs of others above our own. Again, we will need to practice humility to be able to do this. Learning to put God first, putting His will above ours, and being willing to become less so that He can become more in our lives. We will reap the benefits, and it will become easier to love others and to focus on their needs).
• NOT easily ANGERED (there are two types of anger according to the Word of God: righteous anger and human anger. Righteous anger is being angry about evil and things in opposition to God. Sin, evil and injustice should therefore make us angry and motivate us to take righteous actions. Human anger toward family, friends and strangers is usually anger that lacks compassion, humility and love and it gives way to evil according to Psalm 37:8. The roots of human anger should be uncovered and addressed in our lives – roots like being annoyed/ irritated/ aggravated, hurt or offended that often times are based on unforgiveness of some sort – when we can get rid of these roots, we will be able to conquer anger. James 1:19-20 encourages us, to be slow to become angry for a person’s anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness.
• It keeps NO RECORD of WRONGS (when we keep a record of wrongs, it again indicates unforgiveness. Holding onto these wrongs will lead to bitterness, discord/disagreement and conflict and self-righteousness damaging our relationships and our own health. If we apply Matthew 6:14-15 and want the Father’s forgiveness for all the wrongs we commit on a daily basis, we also have to set those who wrong against us free by forgiving them. Not to keep a record of wrongs require a genuine attribute of selfless love.
• It does NOT GLOAT over other people’s SINS (gloating is enjoying other people’s misfortunes, hardships and troubles. Enjoying it when other people stumbles or when your enemy falls. God requires from us humility and compassion for others. We can overcome this by remembering God is the Judge and applying what Yeshua our Messiah taught us in Matthew 5:44 by loving our enemies. We must also remember that we need God’s grace in the same way that our enemies needs it and therefore we should extend grace to them. God applies the principle of what we sow we will reap – therefore if we gloat about other people’s misfortunes, it might just in turn pursue us!
• It takes DELIGHT in the TRUTH (this emphasizes the joy, satisfaction and spiritual nourishment we find in the Word of God, described as THE TRUTH. Yeshua our MESSIAH is the WORD of GOD and described as the WAY, the TRUTH and THE LIFE (John 14:6).
• It ALWAYS BEARS UP (this means to cover and protect, suggesting that LOVE acts as a shield against harm and wrongdoing. And also choose to protect people rather than to expose their faults, thus not meaning keeping them in their sinful ways, but protecting them against slander and assisting them in overcoming their difficulties. This aligns with God’s protective love as seen in Psalm 91:4 where He covers us with His feathers).
• It ALWAYS TRUSTS (this means love gives the benefit of the doubt. It is a faith that is not gullible but rather hopeful and optimistic. This mirrors the faithfulness of God, who remains steadfast despite human feelings as seen in Hebrews 11:1 which defines faith as confidence in what we hope for. Love’s belief is not blind but rooted in the hope of redemption and transformation).
• It ALWAYS HOPES (hope is a central theme in a believers life, reflecting the assurance of God’s promises. Hope is a source of strength amidst trials and uncertainty. It is the expectation of good things aligning with the Word of God. This hope is not passive but active, encouraging believers to look forward to the fulfilling of God’s Kingdom based on His promises).
• It ALWAYS ENDURES (endurance is a symbol of a believer’s perseverance. It is a steadfastness in trails. It is reflective of Yeshua the Messiah’s own suffering and perseverance as seen in Hebrews 12:2-3 where Yeshua is described as enduring the cross for the joy set before Him. Endurance is a testament to the transformative power of LOVE, which mirrors the enduring nature of God’s covenant with His people).

Paul then concludes in 1 Corinthians 13:13 that ONLY THREE THINGS LAST, and that are: TRUST (faith), HOPE and LOVE and the GREATEST of these is LOVE. Therefore he encourages us to PURSUE LOVE! And we know what this means – exactly what GOD tells us in HIS TEN COMMANDMENTS, later reiterated by YESHUA the MESSIAH in Matthew 22:36-40 to LOVE GOD with all our heart, soul and all our strength by obeying Commandments 1-4 And to love other people as we love ourselves by obeying Commandments 5-10. Also read how Paul explains this LOVE in ACTION in Romans 13:8-10 saying: “Don’t owe anyone anything – except to LOVE one another; for whoever LOVES his fellow human being has fulfilled TORAH (Genesis to Deuteronomy summed up in the Ten Commandments). For the COMMANDMENTS, ‘Don’t commit adultery’, Don’t murder’, Don’t steal’, Don’t covet’, and any others are summed up in this one rule: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’. Love does not do harm to a neighbor; therefore LOVE is the fullness of Torah.”

Romans 8:28 reminds us that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who LOVE GOD (and remember we LOVE Him by obeying Him, read Yeshua’s words in John 14:15), and are CALLED in accordance to His purpose. And in turn we are told in Romans 8:37-39: “…in all things we are super conquerors, through the (capital letter) One who has loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor other heavenly rulers, neither what exists nor what is coming, neither powers above nor powers below, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us form the love of God which comes to us through the Messiah Yeshua, our Lord.”