# Overview #Luke Chapter 4 begins with the temptation of [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]] in the wilderness, a pivotal moment in His early ministry. Full of the #HolySpirit, Jesus is led into the wilderness where He fasts for forty days and is tempted by the #devil. The temptations focus on challenging Jesus’ identity as the Son of #God, offering Him physical sustenance, power, and a demonstration of divine protection. In each instance, Jesus responds with the authority of Scripture, quoting from #Deuteronomy to affirm His trust in God and His commitment to His mission. This event highlights Jesus’ sinlessness and steadfastness, setting the stage for His earthly ministry to come. The chapter continues with Jesus' return to #Galilee and His teaching in the synagogues, gaining recognition and praise from those who hear Him. A significant moment occurs in #Nazareth, where Jesus reads from the scroll of #Isaiah, proclaiming the fulfillment of the prophecy concerning the Messiah. His declaration that He is the anointed one sent to bring good news to the poor and freedom to the oppressed is met with skepticism and hostility from His townspeople, who question His authority and familiarity. Despite their rejection, Jesus moves on to #Capernaum, where His teachings and miraculous acts, such as healing the demon-possessed man and #Simon’s mother-in-law, further establish His divine authority and compassion. This chapter underscores Jesus’ role as the promised deliverer and the varying responses of those who encounter His ministry. ## Theological Insights #Luke Chapter 4 provides profound theological insights into the identity and mission of [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]] as the #SonOfGod. This chapter marks the beginning of Jesus' public ministry and sets the foundation for His role as the #Messiah and #Savior. ### The Temptation of Jesus The account of Jesus being led by the #HolySpirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the #devil (Luke 4:1-13) highlights Jesus' sinlessness and His victory over temptation. Unlike #Adam and #Eve in the garden of #Eden (see [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 3]]), who fell into sin, Jesus overcomes the temptations, affirming His role as the new Adam, who ushers in redemption and restoration. His reliance on scripture to counter the devil's temptations (citing #Deuteronomy) underscores the authority and power of the Word of God. ### Fulfillment of Prophecy In #Nazareth, Jesus reads from the book of #Isaiah in the synagogue (Luke 4:16-21), proclaiming the fulfillment of the prophetic words concerning the #Messiah. This declaration reveals Jesus as the anointed one who brings good news, freedom, and healing. His mission aligns with the prophetic vision of the #OldTestament, highlighting God's plan for salvation and restoration through the #Messiah. ### Rejection in Nazareth The rejection of Jesus by His own townspeople (Luke 4:22-30) foreshadows the broader rejection He would face, yet also emphasizes the universality of His mission. Jesus points to the prophets #Elijah and #Elisha, who ministered to #Gentiles, indicating that God's salvation extends beyond #Israel to all nations. This theme of inclusion and the breaking of ethnic and social barriers is a recurring motif in Luke's gospel. ### Authority and Power of Jesus Throughout Luke 4, Jesus' authority is evident in His teaching and miracles. His confrontation with a demon (Luke 4:31-37) and healing of #SimonPeter's mother-in-law and others (Luke 4:38-41) demonstrate His dominion over evil and sickness. These acts not only authenticate His divine authority but also symbolize the in-breaking of God's kingdom, where restoration and wholeness are realized. ### The Kingdom of God The chapter concludes with Jesus' declaration of His purpose to preach the good news of the kingdom of God to other towns (Luke 4:42-44). This mission statement underscores the primary focus of His ministry—proclaiming the kingdom of God, which is characterized by righteousness, peace, and joy in the #HolySpirit (cf. [[Romans/Romans Chapter 14]]). The kingdom message is central to understanding Jesus' work and the call to repentance and faith. In summary, Luke 4 presents Jesus as the divinely appointed Messiah who comes with authority, embodies the fulfillment of prophetic promises, and inaugurates the kingdom of God. His victory over temptation, fulfillment of scripture, and demonstration of divine power invite us to recognize and respond to His lordship. ## Thematic Connections ### Temptation and the Word of God In Luke 4, the temptation of [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]] in the wilderness by #Satan highlights the theme of reliance on the Word of #God to resist temptation. Jesus’ responses to Satan’s temptations are drawn directly from Scripture, specifically from the Book of #Deuteronomy ([[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 8|Deuteronomy 8:3]], [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 6|Deuteronomy 6:13]], and [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 6|Deuteronomy 6:16]]), illustrating the power and authority of God’s Word. This theme is echoed in other biblical narratives where individuals rely on God’s promises and commands to withstand trials, such as [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 39|Joseph]] when facing temptation from Potiphar’s wife. ### Fulfillment of Prophecy Jesus’ reading from the scroll of #Isaiah in the synagogue of #Nazareth and His declaration that “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” ([[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 61|Isaiah 61:1-2]]) underscores the theme of fulfillment of prophecy. This connection emphasizes Jesus as the Messiah who fulfills the prophetic writings of the #OldTestament, aligning with the broader narrative of Luke where Jesus is presented as the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan, as seen in earlier references to [[Malachi/Malachi Chapter 3|Malachi 3:1]] and [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 40|Isaiah 40:3]]. ### Rejection and Acceptance The mixed response to Jesus’ message in Nazareth, where He is initially received with wonder but then rejected, echoes the theme of division between acceptance and rejection of God’s messengers. This is seen in the history of the prophets, who often faced resistance from their own people, such as [[Jeremiah/Jeremiah Chapter 11|Jeremiah]] and [[Ezekiel/Ezekiel Chapter 2|Ezekiel]]. This theme of rejection yet eventual acceptance is also reflected in the broader ministry of Jesus, culminating in His crucifixion and resurrection, as well as the early church’s experiences in the Book of [[Acts/Acts Chapter 14|Acts]]. ### The Authority and Power of Jesus The chapter also underscores the authority and power of Jesus, demonstrated through His teaching, exorcisms, and healings. The casting out of demons and healing of the sick highlight His mastery over both physical and spiritual realms, resonating with the authority given to figures like [[Moses/Exodus Chapter 14|Moses]] and [[Elijah/1 Kings Chapter 17|Elijah]] but surpassing them as the Son of God. This theme is further developed throughout Luke’s Gospel, emphasizing Jesus’ divine authority, as seen in narratives like [[Luke/Luke Chapter 7|Luke 7]], with the healing of the centurion's servant. ### The Good News for All People Jesus’ emphasis on the inclusion of outsiders, as illustrated by His references to #Elijah and #Elisha ministering to non-Israelites, underscores the theme of the Gospel’s reach beyond ethnic and cultural boundaries. This prefigures the universal mission of the church, as later seen in the Book of [[Acts/Acts Chapter 10|Acts 10]] with Peter’s vision and the inclusion of the Gentiles. This theme aligns with the overarching message of Luke’s Gospel, where the salvation offered by Jesus extends to all humanity, fulfilling God’s promise to bless all nations through [[Abraham/Genesis Chapter 12|Abraham]]. ## Prophetic Fulfillments ### The Temptation in the Wilderness In Luke 4, Jesus' temptation in the wilderness fulfills the typology of the faithful #Israelite. This event echoes #Israel's 40 years of testing in the wilderness found in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 16]] and [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 8]]. Jesus, as the true and faithful #Son of God, succeeds where Israel failed, resisting the devil's temptations by relying on Scripture, thus fulfilling the role of the obedient Son as described in [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 42|Isaiah 42:1-4]]. ### The Ministry in Galilee Jesus' proclamation of the good news in #Galilee fulfills the prophecy in [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 61|Isaiah 61:1-2]], which speaks of the anointed one bringing good news to the poor, binding up the brokenhearted, and proclaiming liberty to the captives. Jesus himself reads this passage in the synagogue of #Nazareth and declares its fulfillment, emphasizing his role as the promised #Messiah who inaugurates the year of the Lord's favor. ### Rejection at Nazareth The rejection of Jesus by the people of #Nazareth, his hometown, aligns with the prophecies concerning the suffering servant in [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 53]], who would be despised and rejected by men. This rejection is also a fulfillment of the expectation that a prophet is not accepted in his own country, as illustrated in the lives of previous prophets like #Elijah and #Elisha, who were sent to non-Israelites due to unbelief in Israel, as referenced in Luke 4:25-27. ### The Healing Miracles The healing miracles performed by Jesus, such as the casting out of demons and the healing of Simon's mother-in-law, fulfill the Messianic expectations found in [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 35|Isaiah 35:5-6]], where it is prophesied that the eyes of the blind shall be opened, the ears of the deaf unstopped, and the lame shall leap like a deer. These acts of healing demonstrate Jesus' authority and identity as the foretold #Messiah who brings restoration and wholeness. ## Verses - **Luke 4:1** - "Then [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]], full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan River. He was led by the Spirit in the wilderness," - See also [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 4#Matthew 4:1]], [[Mark/Mark Chapter 1#Mark 1:12]] - **Luke 4:2** - "where he was tempted by the devil for forty days. Jesus ate nothing all that time and became very hungry." - See also [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 34#Exodus 34:28]], [[1 Kings/1 Kings Chapter 19#1 Kings 19:8]] - **Luke 4:3** - "Then the devil said to him, 'If you are the Son of God, change this stone into a loaf of bread.'" - See also [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 3#Genesis 3:1]], [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 4#Matthew 4:3]] - **Luke 4:4** - "But Jesus told him, 'No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone.’'" - See also [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 8#Deuteronomy 8:3]] - **Luke 4:5** - "Then the devil took him up and revealed to him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time." - See also [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 4#Matthew 4:8]] - **Luke 4:6** - "'I will give you the glory of these kingdoms and authority over them,' the devil said, 'because they are mine to give to anyone I please.'" - See also [[John/John Chapter 12#John 12:31]] - **Luke 4:7** - "'I will give it all to you if you will worship me.'" - See also [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 4#Matthew 4:9]] - **Luke 4:8** - "Jesus replied, 'The Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.’'" - See also [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 6#Deuteronomy 6:13]] - **Luke 4:9** - "Then the devil took him to Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, and said, 'If you are the Son of God, jump off!'" - See also [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 4#Matthew 4:5]], [[Psalm/Psalm Chapter 91#Psalm 91:11-12]] - **Luke 4:10** - "For the Scriptures say, ‘He will order his angels to protect and guard you.'" - See also [[Psalm/Psalm Chapter 91#Psalm 91:11]] - **Luke 4:11** - "And they will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.'" - See also [[Psalm/Psalm Chapter 91#Psalm 91:12]] - **Luke 4:12** - "Jesus responded, 'The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God.’'" - See also [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 6#Deuteronomy 6:16]] - **Luke 4:13** - "When the devil had finished tempting Jesus, he left him until the next opportunity came." - See also [[James/James Chapter 4#James 4:7]] - **Luke 4:14** - "Then Jesus returned to Galilee, filled with the Holy Spirit’s power. Reports about him spread quickly through the whole region." - See also [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 4#Matthew 4:12]], [[John/John Chapter 4#John 4:43-45]] - **Luke 4:15** - "He taught regularly in their synagogues and was praised by everyone." - See also [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 4#Matthew 4:23]] - **Luke 4:16** - "When he came to the village of Nazareth, his boyhood home, he went as usual to the synagogue on the Sabbath and stood up to read the Scriptures." - See also [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 13#Matthew 13:54]] - **Luke 4:17** - "The scroll of Isaiah the prophet was handed to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where this was written:" - See also [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 61#Isaiah 61:1-2]] - **Luke 4:18** - "'The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free," - See also [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 61#Isaiah 61:1]], [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 42#Isaiah 42:7]] - **Luke 4:19** - "and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come.'" - See also [[Leviticus/Leviticus Chapter 25#Leviticus 25:10]] - **Luke 4:20** - "He rolled up the scroll, handed it back to the attendant, and sat down. All eyes in the synagogue looked at him intently." - **Luke 4:21** - "Then he began to speak to them. 'The Scripture you’ve just heard has been fulfilled this very day!'" - **Luke 4:22** - "Everyone spoke well of him and was amazed by the gracious words that came from his lips. 'How can this be?' they asked. 'Isn’t this Joseph’s son?'" - See also [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 13#Matthew 13:55]] - **Luke 4:23** - "Then he said, 'You will undoubtedly quote me this proverb: ‘Physician, heal yourself’—meaning, ‘Do miracles here in your hometown like those you did in Capernaum.’'" - See also [[John/John Chapter 4#John 4:44]] - **Luke 4:24** - "'But I tell you the truth, no prophet is accepted in his own hometown.'" - See also [[John/John Chapter 4#John 4:44]], [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 13#Matthew 13:57]] - **Luke 4:25** - "'Certainly there were many needy widows in Israel in Elijah’s time, when the heavens were closed for three and a half years, and a severe famine devastated the land.'" - See also [[1 Kings/1 Kings Chapter 17#1 Kings 17:9]] - **Luke 4:26** - "Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them. He was sent instead to a foreigner—a widow of Zarephath in the land of Sidon." - See also [[1 Kings/1 Kings Chapter 17#1 Kings 17:9]] - **Luke 4:27** - "And many in Israel had leprosy in the time of the prophet Elisha, but the only one healed was Naaman, a Syrian." - See also [[2 Kings/2 Kings Chapter 5#2 Kings 5:1-14]] - **Luke 4:28** - "When they heard this, the people in the synagogue were furious." - **Luke 4:29** - "Jumping up, they mobbed him and forced him to the edge of the hill on which the town was built. They intended to push him over the cliff," - **Luke 4:30** - "but he passed right through the crowd and went on his way." - **Luke 4:31** - "Then Jesus went to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and taught there in the synagogue every Sabbath day." - See also [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 4#Matthew 4:13]] - **Luke 4:32** - "There, too, the people were amazed at his teaching, for he spoke with authority." - See also [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 7#Matthew 7:28-29]] - **Luke 4:33** - "Once when he was in the synagogue, a man possessed by a demon—an evil spirit—began shouting at Jesus," - See also [[Mark/Mark Chapter 1#Mark 1:23]] - **Luke 4:34** - "'Go away! Why are you interfering with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!'" - See also [[Mark/Mark Chapter 1#Mark 1:24]] - **Luke 4:35** - "Jesus cut him short. 'Be quiet! Come out of the man,' he ordered. At that, the demon threw the man to the floor as the crowd watched; then it came out of him without hurting him further." - See also [[Mark/Mark Chapter 1#Mark 1:25-26]] - **Luke 4:36** - "Amazed, the people exclaimed, 'What authority and power this man’s words possess! Even evil spirits obey him, and they flee at his command!'" - See also [[Mark/Mark Chapter 1#Mark 1:27]] - **Luke 4:37** - "The news about Jesus spread through every village in the entire region." - See also [[Mark/Mark Chapter 1#Mark 1:28]] - **Luke 4:38** - "After leaving the synagogue that day, Jesus went to Simon’s home, where he found Simon’s mother-in-law very sick with a high fever. 'Please heal her,' everyone begged." - See also [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 8#Matthew 8:14]], [[Mark/Mark Chapter 1#Mark 1:29-30]] - **Luke 4:39** - "Standing at her bedside, he rebuked the fever, and it left her. And she got up at once and prepared a meal for them." - See also [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 8#Matthew 8:15]], [[Mark/Mark Chapter 1#Mark 1:31]] - **Luke 4:40** - "As the sun went down that evening, people throughout the village brought sick family members to Jesus. No matter what their diseases were, the touch of his hand healed every one." - See also [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 8#Matthew 8:16]] - **Luke 4:41** - "Many were possessed by demons; and the demons came out at his command, shouting, 'You are the Son of God!' But because they knew he was the Messiah, he rebuked them and refused to let them speak." - See also [[Mark/Mark Chapter 1#Mark 1:34]] - **Luke 4:42** - "Early the next morning Jesus went out to an isolated place. The crowds searched everywhere for him, and when they finally found him, they begged him not to leave them." - See also [[Mark/Mark Chapter 1#Mark 1:35]] - **Luke 4:43** - "But he replied, 'I must preach the Good News of the Kingdom of God in other towns, too, because that is why I was sent.'" - See also [[Mark/Mark Chapter 1#Mark 1:38]] - **Luke 4:44** - "So he continued to travel around, preaching in synagogues throughout Judea." - See also [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 4#Matthew 4:23]]