‏ Luke 4

The Temptation in the Wilderness

This section describes how Jesus, right after his baptism, was led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness where he was tempted by the devil. It shows how Jesus, though truly God's Son, experienced real trials and overcame temptation. The passage teaches us about resisting evil, trusting God, and the importance of knowing God’s word. Jesus’ victory over temptation is an example and encouragement for all believers.

v. 1: Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan River and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness. This reminds us that sometimes God’s Spirit leads us into difficult situations, not just easy ones. Jesus was spiritually prepared for what would come next.

v. 2: For forty days, Jesus was tempted by the devil. During this time, he ate nothing, so he became very hungry. This long time of fasting shows his self-control and dedication to God. The devil waited until Jesus was physically weak to attack him, which teaches us that temptation often comes when we feel tired or vulnerable.

v. 3: The devil said to Jesus, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.” The devil tried to get Jesus to doubt his identity and use his power selfishly. Temptations can seem reasonable—like satisfying hunger—but they can lead us away from God’s plan.

v. 4: Jesus answered, “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God” (Deuteronomy 8:3 ^a). Jesus quoted Scripture to show that obedience to God is more important than physical needs. We should remember God’s word when we are tempted.

v. 5–7: The devil led Jesus to a high place and showed him all the kingdoms of the world. He said he would give all this power and glory to Jesus if Jesus would worship him. The devil often tempts people with promises of power, fame, or wealth—if only we will compromise our loyalty to God.

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v. 8: Jesus replied, “It is written, You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve” (Deuteronomy 6:13 ^b). Jesus refused to worship anyone but God, teaching us to put God first, no matter what others offer us.

v. 9–11: Then the devil took Jesus to Jerusalem, set him on the highest point of the temple, and said, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written, He will command his angels concerning you to guard you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone” (Psalm 91:11-12 ^c). The devil even quoted Scripture, but he twisted its meaning, trying to get Jesus to test God by doing something reckless.

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v. 12: Jesus answered, “It is said, You shall not tempt the Lord your God” (Deuteronomy 6:16 ^d). Jesus teaches us not to put God to the test by doing foolish things and expecting him to rescue us. Real faith trusts and obeys God’s word without demanding signs.

v. 13: After the devil finished all his tempting, he left Jesus until another time. This shows that victory over temptation is possible, but temptations can return in the future. We must always stay alert and rely on God’s strength and word to overcome evil.

Christ in the Synagogue of Nazareth; Christ Driven from Nazareth

This section tells how Jesus returned to Galilee, full of the Holy Spirit’s power, and began teaching in the synagogues. He gained a good reputation among the people. When he visited his hometown, Nazareth, he read from the prophet Isaiah in the synagogue and declared that he was the fulfillment of that prophecy. However, the people of Nazareth rejected him, and even tried to harm him. This story shows how Jesus’ ministry began in humility and how people’s expectations often blinded them to God’s true work.

v. 14-15: Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread throughout the region. He taught in the synagogues, and everyone praised him. This shows that Jesus was guided and strengthened by the Holy Spirit. At first, people responded well to his message and admired his teaching.

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v. 16: Jesus went to Nazareth, where he had grown up. As was his custom, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day. He stood up to read the Scriptures. This tells us that Jesus regularly attended public worship and respected the traditions of his people. It is an example for us to honor God by joining with others in worship.

v. 17-19: He was given the scroll of the prophet Isaiah and found the place where it is written: The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom to the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor (Isaiah 61:1-2 ^e). Jesus chose this passage because it perfectly described his mission: to bring hope, healing, and freedom.

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v. 20-21: After reading, Jesus rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. Everyone in the synagogue was watching him closely. He began to say, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” Jesus boldly declared that he was the promised Savior whom Isaiah wrote about. He showed that the time of God’s salvation had come.

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v. 22: All spoke well of Jesus and were amazed at his gracious words. But they began to ask, “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?” Although they were impressed, they doubted that someone so familiar—someone they had seen grow up—could be the Messiah. Familiarity sometimes makes it hard for people to see God’s work.

v. 23-24: Jesus told them, “Surely you will quote this proverb to me: ‘Physician, heal yourself! Do here in your hometown what we heard you did in Capernaum.’” He explained that prophets are often not accepted in their own hometowns. Jesus knew they wanted him to perform miracles to prove himself, but he also knew they would not truly believe.

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v. 25-27: Jesus reminded them of two Old Testament stories: Elijah was sent to help a widow in Zarephath, not to the widows in Israel; and Elisha healed Naaman the Syrian, not the many lepers in Israel ( ^f). He showed that God’s mercy reaches beyond one nation to all people who have faith. Sometimes those closest to God’s messengers miss out because of unbelief.

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v. 28-30: When the people in the synagogue heard this, they became furious. They drove Jesus out of town and tried to throw him off a cliff, but he walked right through the crowd and went on his way. This shows that people can quickly turn from admiration to anger when their expectations are challenged. Jesus was protected because his mission was not finished yet, and God was still with him.

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The Expulsion of a Demon; Christ's Departure from Capernaum

After Jesus was rejected in Nazareth, he went to Capernaum in Galilee. There, he taught the people and performed miracles. This passage shows both the power of Jesus’ teaching and his authority over evil spirits and sickness. It also describes how Jesus moved from place to place, spreading the good news to many people.

v. 31–32: Jesus taught in the synagogue on the Sabbath days (Luke 4:31 ^g). The people were amazed at his teaching because his words had power and authority. His message was different from others; it touched people’s hearts and changed their lives.

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v. 33–37: In the synagogue, a man with an unclean spirit cried out, recognizing Jesus as the Holy One of God. The demon was afraid that Jesus had come to destroy him. Jesus rebuked the demon, saying, Be silent and come out of him!The demon threw the man down but did not hurt him. Everyone was amazed at Jesus’ authority over evil spirits, and his fame spread throughout the region (Luke 4:36-37 ^h). This showed that even the demons knew who Jesus was and had to obey him.

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v. 38–39: After leaving the synagogue, Jesus went to Simon’s house. Simon’s mother-in-law was very sick with a high fever. They asked Jesus to help her. He stood over her, rebuked the fever, and it left her immediately. She got up at once and began to serve them. This miracle shows Jesus’ care for people and his power to heal any sickness.

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v. 40–41: That evening, many people brought their sick friends and family to Jesus. He laid his hands on each one and healed them, no matter what disease they had (Luke 4:40 ⁱ). He also cast out many demons. The demons shouted, You are the Christ, the Son of God!but Jesus would not let them speak, because he did not want people to believe in him just because of the demons’ words (Luke 4:41 ^j).

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v. 42–44: Early the next morning, Jesus went to a quiet place to pray. The people searched for him and tried to keep him from leaving. But Jesus said, I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to other towns also, because that is why I was sent.So he traveled and preached in the synagogues throughout Galilee (Luke 4:44 ^k). Jesus wanted everyone to hear the message, not just one city or group of people.