1 And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness
2 for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And he ate nothing during those days. And when they were ended, he was hungry.
3 The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.”
4 And Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone.’”
5 And the devil took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time,
6 And the devil said to him, “To you I will give all this authority and their glory, for it has been delivered to me, and I give it to whom I will.
7 If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.
8 And Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.’”
9 And he took him to Jerusalem and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here,
10 for it is written, “‘He will command his angels concerning you, to guard you,’
11 and, “‘On their hands they will bear you up,
lest you strike your foot against a stone.’”
12 And Jesus answered him, “It is said, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’”
13 And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time.
14 And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and a report about him went out through all the surrounding country.
15 And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all.
16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. And as was his custom, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and he stood up to read.
17 And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written:
18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives
and recovering of sight to the blind,
to set at liberty those who are oppressed,
19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
20 And he rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him.
21 And he began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”
22 And all spoke well of him and marveled at the gracious words that were coming from his mouth. And they said, “Is not this Joseph’s son?”
23 And he said to them, “Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb, ‘Physician, heal yourself.’ What we have heard you did at Capernaum, do here in your hometown as well.”
24 And he said, “Truly, I say to you, no prophet is acceptable in his hometown.
25 But in truth, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heavens were shut up three years and six months, and a great famine came over all the land,
26 And Elijah was sent to none of them but only to Zarephath, in the land of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow.
27 And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.”
28 When they heard these things, all in the synagogue were filled with wrath.
29 And they rose up and drove him out of the town and brought him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they could throw him down the cliff.
30 But passing through their midst, he went away.
31 And he went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee. And he was teaching them on the Sabbath,
32 and they were astonished at his teaching, for his word possessed authority.
33 And in the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice,
34 “Ha! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.”
35 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent and come out of him!” And when the demon had thrown him down in their midst, he came out of him, having done him no harm.
36 And they were all amazed and said to one another, “What is this word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out!”
37 And reports about him went out into every place in the surrounding region.
38 And he arose and left the synagogue and entered Simon’s house. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was ill with a high fever, and they appealed to him on her behalf.
39 And he stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her, and immediately she rose and began to serve them.
40 Now when the sun was setting, all those who had any who were sick with various diseases brought them to him, and he laid his hands on every one of them and healed them.
41 And demons also came out of many, crying, “You are the Son of God!” But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew that he was the Christ.
42 And when it was day, he departed and went into a desolate place. And the people sought him and came to him, and would have kept him from leaving them,
43 but he said to them, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose.”
44 And he was preaching in the synagogues of Judea.
The True Meaning of Luke 4
The Gospel of Luke was written by Luke, a physician and companion of the Apostle Paul. Luke, a Gentile convert to Christianity, provides a unique perspective on the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. Jesus faces temptation in the wilderness and proclaims his mission in his hometown of Nazareth, marking the beginning of his public ministry in this chapter.
The chapter opens with Jesus being led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where he is tested by the devil. This echoes the temptation of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, as recorded in Genesis 3. However, unlike our first parents, Jesus resists the devil’s schemes and emerges victorious, foreshadowing his ultimate triumph over sin and death.
After his time in the wilderness, Jesus returns to Galilee and begins his public teaching. He reads from the scroll of the prophet Isaiah in Nazareth, declaring that he is the fulfillment of the Messianic prophecy. This bold proclamation sets the stage for the growing conflict between Jesus and the religious authorities, as seen in the later chapters of Luke’s Gospel.
Luke 4:1-13
The narrative of Jesus being tempted by the devil in the wilderness is presented in Luke 4:1-13. This passage is crucial as it reveals not only Jesus’ identity as the Son of God but also serves as a demonstration of His obedience to God and resistance to temptation. The account begins with Jesus being led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where He fasts for forty days. Fasting for forty days echoes the Israelites’ forty years in the wilderness and Moses’ forty days and nights on Mount Sinai, underlining the significance of this period of preparation and testing.
When the devil approaches Jesus, he cunningly begins by appealing to Jesus’ physical needs, suggesting that He turn stones into bread. Jesus responds by quoting Deuteronomy 8:3, affirming that “man shall not live by bread alone.” This demonstrates Jesus’ reliance on God’s Word and His refusal to misuse His power for personal gain. The devil then tempts Jesus with worldly power and authority, offering Him dominion over all the kingdoms of the world. Jesus upholds the command to worship God alone in response, citing Deuteronomy 6:13, and declaring His allegiance to the Father.
Lastly, the devil tempts Jesus to test God’s protection by throwing Himself from the pinnacle of the temple. Jesus counters by quoting Deuteronomy 6:16, stating, “You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.” Through these temptations, the devil aimed to incite doubt, pride, and disobedience in Jesus, trying to derail His mission. However, Jesus’ unwavering faith and knowledge of Scripture enabled Him to overcome these temptations, setting an example for His followers to follow when confronted with trials.
This passage highlights the importance of spiritual preparedness, reliance on God’s Word, and the resistance to temptations that can lead one astray. Jesus’ victory over temptation serves as a model for believers to rely on the truth of Scripture and the power of the Holy Spirit when facing trials and challenges. The account of Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness also reinforces the theme of spiritual warfare present throughout the Bible, as believers are called to be vigilant against the schemes of the enemy and stand firm in their faith. This episode in Luke 4 sets the stage for Jesus’ earthly ministry, emphasizing His unwavering commitment to fulfill God’s will and His ultimate triumph over sin and death. It echoes the Genesis account of Adam and Eve’s temptation in the Garden of Eden, where they yielded to the serpent’s lies, resulting in the Fall. Jesus, often referred to as the “second Adam” in the New Testament (1 Corinthians 15:45), emerges victorious over temptation, embodying the perfect obedience that restores humanity’s broken relationship with God. The temptation of Jesus in the wilderness not only portrays His divine nature and steadfastness but also underscores the timeless message of obedience, reliance on God’s Word, and victory over temptation for all believers. This passage serves as a powerful reminder of the spiritual battles Christians face and the assurance that through Christ, we have the strength to overcome all trials and emerge victorious in our faith journey.
Luke 4:14-21
Several crucial sections are present in Luke 4:14-21. Jesus’ return to Galilee in the power of the Spirit: This signifies a significant moment in Jesus’ ministry. The power of the Spirit had descended upon Him after His baptism and the subsequent temptation in the wilderness (Luke 3:21-22; Luke 4:1-13). This return to Galilee wasn’t just a physical return but a spiritual manifestation of His calling and authority. The Spirit empowers Jesus for the work ahead, foreshadowing the miracles, teachings, and ultimately the sacrifice He would make for humanity’s redemption.
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Rejection at Nazareth: When Jesus arrives in Nazareth and reads from the scroll of Prophet Isaiah, the verses He chose to read (Isaiah 61:1-2) are messianic in nature, announcing the Messiah’s mission to bring good news to the poor and oppressed, to proclaim liberty and freedom. Jesus is unveiling His divine identity and mission before His hometown by reading these specific verses. The initial response is curiosity and amazement, yet it swiftly turns to rejection and disbelief when they realize He is insinuating that He is the fulfillment of this prophecy. Jesus acknowledging that ‘today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing’ is a powerful statement implying that salvation and redemption are present in Him – a truth that they find difficult to accept due to their familiarity with His human origins.
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The Messianic Mission: Jesus’ declaration of fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah serves as a pivotal moment not only in His ministry but also in biblical history. It signifies the inauguration of the Messianic age, where the promises of God begin to be fulfilled through Jesus Christ. Jesus establishes His authority, divinity, and purpose by identifying Himself with the Messiah of Isaiah’s prophecy to bring salvation, healing, and liberation to all. This mission extends beyond the physical realm to the spiritual redemption of humanity from sin and death (Isaiah 53:4-5; John 3:16). It highlights God’s unwavering faithfulness in sending His Son to fulfill His redemptive plan for all of humanity. Luke 4:14-21 marks a crucial turning point in Jesus’ ministry, revealing His divine authority, fulfilling prophecies, and initiating His mission to bring salvation to the world. Jesus’ acknowledgment of His messianic identity and the response of the people in Nazareth foreshadows the greater rejection He would face but also underscores the urgency and significance of His redemptive work. This passage serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness, the fulfillment of His promises, and the transformative power of Christ’s mission for all who believe in Him.
Luke 4:22-30
Jesus returns to his hometown of Nazareth and teaches in the synagogue in Luke 4:22-30. The people are initially amazed by his words, recognizing his wisdom and the miracles he had performed in other places. However, their amazement quickly turns to skepticism and rejection when Jesus speaks about how prophets are often not accepted in their own towns. The people witness the initial positive reaction of Jesus in the first part of this passage. They speak well of him and are impressed by his words. This reaction is reflective of human nature’s tendency to be impressed by outward displays of wisdom and power. However, as Jesus delves deeper into his message and points out the people’s lack of faith, their attitude towards him changes. This shift serves as a reminder that true faith in God requires more than just admiration for miraculous signs; it demands a willingness to believe even when things do not fully make sense to us.
When Jesus refers to the prophets Elijah and Elisha in the Old Testament, both of whom were sent to non-Israelites during times of famine, it understandably angers the people. They are offended that Jesus seems to be suggesting that God’s blessings could extend beyond the boundaries of Israel. This reaction highlights the danger of pride and exclusivity, which can blind us to the universal nature of God’s love and grace. Jesus’ message challenges the notion that God’s favor is limited to a select group, emphasizing that faith is what truly matters in receiving God’s blessings.
The rejection of Jesus by his own townspeople foreshadows the broader rejection he will face from the religious leaders and eventually his crucifixion. This rejection underscores the theme of persecution and suffering that runs throughout the Bible, particularly in the lives of prophets and followers of God. Jesus’ words in this passage serve as a reminder that following God often comes with challenges and opposition from those who do not understand or accept his message. Luke 4:22-30 showcases the complexity of human response to Jesus’ teachings and miracles. It reveals the themes of faith, rejection, and the universal nature of God’s love. It challenges readers to examine their own beliefs and prejudices, urging them to embrace a faith that transcends boundaries and expectations. This passage serves as a poignant reminder of the cost of discipleship and the importance of remaining steadfast in one’s faith, even in the face of rejection and opposition.
Luke 4:31-37
Jesus demonstrates his authority and teaching powerfully in Capernaum in Luke 4:31-37. The passage starts by mentioning that Jesus went down to Capernaum, a town in Galilee. Capernaum was a significant location in Jesus’ ministry, serving as a base for much of his activities in the region. It was a place where Jesus performed many miracles and preached to the people who gathered there.
The people in Capernaum were astonished by Jesus’ teaching because His message was unlike that of the scribes and Pharisees. Jesus spoke with authority, which was in stark contrast to the religious leaders of the time who relied on tradition and laws. This authority came from His divine nature as the Son of God. Jesus was revealing the true meaning of the Scriptures and showing that He was the fulfillment of the prophecies regarding the Messiah through His teaching. A man possessed by an evil spirit is encountered in this passage. The demon within the man recognizes Jesus and cries out in fear, acknowledging Jesus as the “Holy One of God.” This event highlights the spiritual warfare that is present in the world and demonstrates Jesus’ power and authority over evil forces. Jesus rebukes the demon and commands it to come out of the man, which it does without harming him. This displays Jesus’ power over the spiritual realm and His ability to deliver people from the bondage of sin and oppression.
The response of the people to this miracle was amazement and recognition of Jesus’ authority. They were filled with awe and wondered about the source of His power. This event not only demonstrated Jesus’ authority over evil spirits but also solidified His reputation as a miraculous healer and powerful teacher. The fame of Jesus spread throughout the region because of His deeds, fulfilling prophecies such as Isaiah 61:1-2, which spoke of the anointed one who would bring good news to the afflicted and bind up the brokenhearted. This passage from Luke 4:31-37 emphasizes Jesus’ divine authority, His power over evil forces, and His ability to bring liberation and healing to those in need. It serves as a reminder of the central message of the Gospel – that Jesus is the Son of God who came to save and redeem humanity from sin. The events in Capernaum showcased Jesus’ compassion for the oppressed and His willingness to confront evil directly, setting the stage for the transformative work He would continue to do throughout His ministry.
Luke 4:38-41
Jesus heals Simon Peter’s mother-in-law from a high fever in Luke 4:38-41. Let’s break down this verse into its important sections:
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Simon Peter’s mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever. This detail is significant because it shows the concern and care that Simon Peter had for his family. Fever in ancient times could be life-threatening, and by bringing Jesus to heal his mother-in-law, it showcases Peter’s faith and trust in Jesus’s healing power.
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Jesus rebuked the fever, and it left her. This act of healing demonstrates Jesus’s authority over sickness and disease. It highlights his divine power to heal and brings to light the miracles that he performed during his earthly ministry. Jesus was able to bring about a miraculous healing by merely speaking a word, emphasizing his role as the Son of God.
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Not only did Jesus heal Simon Peter’s mother-in-law, but he also healed many others who were suffering from various illnesses and demons. This passage underscores the compassion and mercy that Jesus had for those who were suffering. It demonstrates his mission to bring about healing and restoration, both physically and spiritually, to those in need.
The overarching message of this passage in Luke 4:38-41 is that Jesus is the healer and the one who brings wholeness to our lives. It reminds us of Jesus’s compassion for the sick and suffering and his desire to bring about restoration and healing. This narrative underscores the importance of faith in Jesus’s healing power and his ability to bring about miraculous transformations in our lives.
This passage also aligns with other verses in the Bible that portray Jesus as a healer, such as Matthew 4:23-24, which states, “Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed; and he healed them.” This connection reinforces the idea that Jesus’s healing ministry was a central aspect of his earthly work and mission.
Luke 4:42-44
We observe a crucial moment in the ministry of Jesus in Luke 4:42-44. Identify the subject: “We”
Rewritten sentence: “We will break down these verses into important sections and delve into their deeper meanings.” Jesus withdrew to a solitary place after a long day of teaching and performing miracles in verse 42. This act of seeking solitude was a recurring theme in Jesus’ life and ministry. It allowed Him to connect with God in prayer, recharge His spiritual energy, and find clarity in His mission. This emphasizes the importance of retreat and prayer in our own lives. Just as Jesus took time away from the demands of ministry to commune with God, we too should make space for quiet reflection and prayer to stay connected with our own calling and purpose. Jesus proclaims that He must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to other towns as well as we move on to verse 43. This statement reveals the primary focus of Jesus’ mission on earth – to proclaim the good news of salvation and the kingdom of God. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus consistently emphasized the importance of repentance, faith, and the arrival of God’s kingdom. This proclamation was not limited to a certain group of people or region but was meant for all nations. The universal nature of Jesus’ message highlights the inclusivity and love that God extends to all people, regardless of their backgrounds or circumstances. Jesus travels and preaches in synagogues throughout Judea in the final verse, verse 44. This active engagement in teaching and proclaiming the kingdom of God exemplifies Jesus’ commitment to His mission. Despite facing opposition and rejection, Jesus continued to spread the message of hope and salvation. His unwavering dedication to fulfilling God’s will serves as a powerful example for us to persevere in our own journeys of faith, even when faced with challenges and obstacles. We are reminded of the timeless message of Jesus’ ministry when examining these verses in Luke 4:42-44. His reliance on prayer, the universal scope of His message, and His steadfast commitment to sharing the good news all serve as inspiration for believers today. Just as Jesus prioritized prayer and proclaimed the kingdom of God to all, we are called to emulate His example by seeking spiritual nourishment, sharing the gospel with others, and staying steadfast in our faith journey. Jesus states in Mark 1:38, “Let us go somewhere else – to the nearby villages – so I can preach there also,” resonating with other passages in the Bible, such as those in Luke. That is why I have come.” This reaffirms the purpose-driven nature of Jesus’ ministry and His unwavering dedication to spreading God’s message.
After Luke 4
Jesus was tempted by the devil in the wilderness in this chapter. Despite facing great trials and temptations, Jesus remained steadfast in his faith and commitment to God. He resisted the devil’s temptations and emerged victorious, showing us the power of staying true to our beliefs even in the face of adversity. We too will encounter challenges in our lives as we reflect on the trials Jesus faced. Just as Jesus relied on the strength of God to overcome temptation, we too can find strength and guidance through prayer and faith. We can hold fast to our beliefs and trust in God’s plan for us, knowing that with His help, we can overcome any obstacle that comes our way.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.