LUKE 4
JESUS TEMPTED IN THE WILDERNESS + BEGINS HIS PUBLIC MINISTRY
After being baptized, Jesus is led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness where He fasts for forty days and forty nights. The devil—also called Satan, the enemy, the tempter, or the accuser—comes to Jesus to challenge Him.
Attempting to provoke Jesus and take advantage of His hunger, the devil questions His ability to turn stone into bread. Jesus responds to the test of the enemy by quoting Scripture, saying that “Man shall not live on bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Deuteronomy 8:3).
The devil then takes Jesus to the mountain overlooking the kingdoms. Satan offers to give Him all the land and all their glory if Jesus would bow down and worship him. Once again, Jesus quotes Scripture, saying that He will worship God alone and only serve Him (Deuteronomy 6:13). Jesus knows that Satan is offering something that isn’t his to give! The enemy lies and entices with false promises.
The devil takes Jesus to Jerusalem and places Him on the highest point of the temple. Again, the devil attempts to provoke Him, this time questioning His trust in God’s saving power. Quoting Psalm 91:11, the devil tells Jesus to throw Himself off the temple, for surely “God will send His angels concerning you.” Jesus responds, also quoting Scripture, saying that He will not put God to the test (Deuteronomy 6:16).
Jesus is able to combat the enemy’s attacks because of His knowledge of Scripture. It is important to note that the devil also knows Scripture and distorts it to challenge Jesus.
After Jesus rebukes the devil, the enemy departed from Him, waiting to return at an opportune time. The timing of the enemy’s attacks are not accidental or coincidental, but instead very intentional.
Jesus begins His ministry speaking at a synagogue in His hometown of Nazareth. He reads the words of Isaiah 61:1-2 to the people of Nazareth, telling them He has come to fulfill this prophecy and serve all people. At first the people of Nazareth are thrilled, but they quickly become outraged by His bold statements and want to kill Him! Jesus knows they will respond with anger and states that no prophet is accepted within their hometown. He sneaks away from Nazareth, heading towards the city of Capernaum near the Sea of Galilee.
Jesus is able to perform miracles, including casting out demonic spirits and healing the sick. He cures Simon’s mother-in-law who was ill with a high fever. Because of His astounding abilities, the news of Jesus travels fast and many people hear of His great works. Some recognize Him as the Son of God and trust that He is the Christ.
Before preaching in Galilee, Jesus spends time alone in prayer. Throughout the Gospels, there are multiple occasions where He retreats by Himself to spend time in solitude and prayer. Jesus plans to travel to many cities, speaking in the synagogues of Judea.
