The Temptation of Jesus 1Then Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,a 2where for forty days He was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and when they had ended, He was hungry. 3The devil said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” 4But Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’b” 5Then the devil led Him up to a high place and showed Him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. 6“I will give You authority over all these kingdoms and all their glory,” he said. “For it has been relinquished to me, and I can give it to anyone I wish. 7So if You worship me, it will all be Yours.” 8But Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.’c” 9Then the devil led Him to Jerusalem and set Him on the pinnacle of the temple. “If You are the Son of God,” he said, “throw Yourself down from here. 10For it is written: ‘He will command His angels concerning You 11and they will lift You up in their hands, so that You will not strike Your foot against a stone.’d” 12But Jesus answered, “It also says, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’e” 13When the devil had finished every temptation, he left Him until an opportune time. Jesus Begins His Ministry 14Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and the news about Him spread throughout the surrounding region. 15He taught in their synagogues and was glorified by everyone. The Rejection at Nazareth 16Then Jesus came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. As was His custom, He entered the synagogue on the Sabbath. And when He stood up to read, 17the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. Unrolling it, He found the place where it was written: 18“The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captivesf and recovery of sight to the blind, 19to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”g 20Then He rolled up the scroll, returned it to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fixed on Him, 21and He began by saying, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” 22All spoke well of Him and marveled at the gracious words that came from His lips. “Isn’t this the son of Joseph?” they asked. 23Jesus said to them, “Surely you will quote this proverb to Me: ‘Physician, heal yourself! Do here in Your hometown what we have heard that You did in Capernaum.’” 24Then He added, “Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in his hometown. 25But I tell you truthfully that there were many widows in Israel in the time of Elijah, when the sky was shut for three and a half years and great famine swept over all the land. 26Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them, but to the widow of Zarephath in Sidon. 27And there were many lepersh in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet. Yet not one of them was cleansed—only Naaman the Syrian.” 28On hearing this, all the people in the synagogue were enraged. 29They got up, drove Him out of the town, and led Him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw Him over the cliff. 30But Jesus passed through the crowd and went on His way. Jesus Expels an Unclean Spirit 31Then He went down to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and on the Sabbath He began to teach the people. 32They were astonished at His teaching, because His message had authority. 33In the synagogue there was a man possessed by the spirit of an unclean demon. He cried out in a loud voice, 34“Ha! What do You want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!” 35But Jesus rebuked the demon. “Be silent!” He said. “Come out of him!” At this, the demon threw the man down before them all and came out without harming him. 36All the people were overcome with amazement and asked one another, “What is this message? With authority and power He commands the unclean spirits, and they come out!” 37And the news about Jesus spread throughout the surrounding region. Jesus Heals at Peter’s House 38After Jesus had left the synagogue, He went to the home of Simon, whose mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever. So they appealed to Jesus on her behalf, 39and He stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. And she got up at once and began to serve them. 40At sunset, all who were ill with various diseases were brought to Jesus, and laying His hands on each one, He healed them. 41Demons also came out of many people, shouting, “You are the Son of God!” But He rebuked the demons and would not allow them to speak, because they knew He was the Christ. Jesus Preaches in Judea 42At daybreak, Jesus went out to a solitary place, and the crowds were looking for Him. They came to Him and tried to keep Him from leaving. 43But Jesus told them, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well, because that is why I was sent.” 44And He continued to preach in the synagogues of Judea.i Footnotes: 1 a Or in the wilderness 4 b Deuteronomy 8:3; BYZ and TR on bread alone, but on every word of God. 8 c Deuteronomy 6:13; BYZ and TR “Get behind Me, Satan! For it is written... 11 d Psalm 91:11–12 12 e Deuteronomy 6:16 18 f BYZ and TR He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives 19 g Or to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord; Isaiah 61:1–2 (see also LXX) 27 h A leper was one afflicted with a skin disease. See Leviticus 13. 44 i BYZ and TR Galilee; see Mark 1:39. Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub  Luke 4 Summary The Temptation of JesusVerses 1–13 – The Wilderness Temptation Verses 14–15 – Spirit-Powered Return to Galilee Verses 16–30 – Rejection at Nazareth’s Synagogue Verses 31–37 – Authority Demonstrated in Capernaum Verses 38–39 – Peter’s Mother-in-Law Healed Verses 40–41 – Sunset Healings and Silenced Demons Verses 42–44 – Mission to Other Towns Luke 4 narrates a series of significant events early in Jesus' ministry: His victory over temptation in the wilderness, His proclamation of fulfilled prophecy, and His subsequent rejection in His hometown, Nazareth. Despite the rejection, Jesus' authority and power manifest as He drives out demons and heals the sick in Capernaum. Historical Context: Between the Jordan and Galilee Luke 4 bridges Jesus’ baptism (Jordan River) with His broad Galilean ministry. The chapter places Him in three locations—wilderness, Nazareth, Capernaum—showing a steady advance from private testing to public proclamation. Geography and Archaeology • Wilderness of Judea: barren hills southeast of Jerusalem; caves bear traces of first-century habitation and remind readers of Israel’s 40-year desert sojourn. • Nazareth: a small ridge village (population maybe 400). Excavations show first-century house pits, wine presses, and a synagogue foundation beneath later structures. • Capernaum: lakeside fishing hub on the Via Maris trade route. Basalt house walls, including the probable “House of Peter,” sit steps from the white-limestone synagogue built on an earlier black-basalt foundation likely seen by Jesus. The Forty-Day Temptation Luke stresses Jesus’ lineage in chapter 3, then proves the Last Adam’s obedience under pressure. Forty recalls Moses’ 40-day fast (Exodus 34:28) and Israel’s 40-year discipline (Deuteronomy 8:2). Jesus passes where Israel failed. Hebrews 4:15 confirms He was “tempted in every way, yet without sin.” Satan’s Three Tests 1. Stone-to-bread: personal need—Deuteronomy 8:3. 2. Worldly kingdoms: shortcut to glory—Deuteronomy 6:13. 3. Temple leap: misuse of Psalm 91—Deuteronomy 6:16. Jesus meets every test with Scripture, modeling Ephesians 6:17, “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Old Testament Echoes and Fulfillments • Isaiah 61:1-2 cited in vv.18-19. • Elijah and the widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17) and Elisha with Naaman (2 Kings 5) highlight God’s concern for outsiders. • Jubilee language (“year of the Lord’s favor”) echoes Leviticus 25, where debts were canceled and slaves freed. Jesus proclaims a spiritual Jubilee now, complete at His return. Synagogue Life and Scroll Reading In a first-century synagogue, the reader stood, read Hebrew, likely offered an Aramaic paraphrase, then sat to teach. Luke’s note “He sat down” (v.20) marks the start of exposition. The Isaiah scroll—found among Dead Sea Scroll copies—ran thirty feet; selecting Isaiah 61 required purposeful rolling, underscoring divine intent. Nazareth’s Offense and the Cliff Local pride—“Is this not Joseph’s son?”—clashes with Jesus’ divine mission. The synagogue crowd’s shift from wonder to wrath shows how swift human opinion turns when confronted with uncomfortable truth. Modern visitors view Mount Precipice, a sheer drop near Nazareth tradition associates with the attempted execution. Capernaum: Base of Operations Capernaum offers strategic advantages: • Roman toll station along trade routes (Matthew 9:9). • A mixed Jewish-Gentile populace, setting the stage for wider mission. • Peter’s family home provides headquarters (Luke 4:38). Jesus’ Authority Over Demons Luke lists more exorcisms than any Gospel. Key observations: • Demons recognize His identity (James 2:19 parallels): “the Holy One of God” (v.34). • He silences them, avoiding premature or distorted publicity (compare Mark 1:34). • Physical effects—convulsions, screams—leave instantly when He commands. Healing Ministry and Messianic Signs Isaiah 35:5-6 predicted blind eyes opened and the lame leaping. Luke 4 shows those promises beginning. Note the personal touch: “He laid His hands on each one” (v.40). No illness is too trivial, no demon too fierce. Preaching Tour Strategy Jesus balances solitude (v.42) with public ministry. His statement in v.43 sets priorities: preaching the kingdom outranks local popularity. Luke will later record seventy-two disciples going two by two (Luke 10), reflecting this outward vision. Connections to Other Scriptures • Matthew 4 parallels the temptation narrative; subtle order differences stress distinct emphases. • 2 Corinthians 4:4 calls Satan “the god of this age,” matching his claim over worldly kingdoms. • Acts 10:38, also by Luke, condenses chapter 4: “God anointed Jesus…He went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil.” • Revelation 1:18 answers Satan’s offer with the risen Lord holding “the keys of Death and Hades.” Practical Insights for Believers • Spiritual victory draws from Scripture memorized and believed. • God’s call may face hometown skepticism; obedience eclipses local approval. • Authority to serve flows from intimacy with the Father; Jesus withdraws before advancing. • Mercy ministries (healing, deliverance) validate kingdom proclamation—word and deed remain inseparable. Key Takeaways 1. Jesus defeats temptation where humanity fell, proving Himself the sinless Savior. 2. He announces the long-awaited freedom foretold by Isaiah, offering it to all who believe. 3. His authority over demons, disease, and public opinion demonstrates the present reality of God’s kingdom. Connections to Additional Scriptures Temptation and Scripture Matthew 4:1-11 parallels the temptation of Jesus, emphasizing the use of Scripture in spiritual warfare. The Role of the Holy Spirit Acts 1:8 highlights the empowerment of the Holy Spirit for ministry. Rejection of Prophets John 1:11 speaks of Jesus being rejected by His own, similar to His experience in Nazareth. Authority over Evil Ephesians 6:10-18 discusses the armor of God, equipping believers to stand against spiritual forces. Teaching Points The Temptation of JesusJesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness (Luke 4:1). Jesus' temptation underscores the importance of being Spirit-led. Jesus responds to each of Satan's temptations with Scripture, demonstrating the power and authority of God's Word (Luke 4:4, 8, 12). The temptations address physical needs, power, and identity, reflecting common human struggles. Jesus' Ministry in Galilee Jesus begins His ministry in Galilee, teaching in synagogues and being praised by all (Luke 4:14-15). In Nazareth, Jesus reads from Isaiah and declares, Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing (Luke 4:21), affirming His messianic mission. Rejection at Nazareth Despite initial admiration, the people of Nazareth reject Jesus, illustrating the challenge of unbelief even among those familiar with Him (Luke 4:22-30). Authority over Demons and Sickness Jesus demonstrates His authority by casting out demons and healing the sick, showing His power over both spiritual and physical realms (Luke 4:31-41). Practical Applications Rely on ScriptureJust as Jesus used Scripture to counter temptation, we should immerse ourselves in God's Word to stand firm against the challenges we face. Be Spirit-Led Seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in all aspects of life, trusting that He will lead us according to God's will. Persevere in Mission Like Jesus, we may face rejection or misunderstanding, but we must remain steadfast in our God-given mission. Exercise Spiritual Authority Recognize the authority given to us through Christ to overcome spiritual battles and minister to others. People 1. JesusJesus is the central figure in Luke 4. He is described as being "full of the Holy Spirit" and led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where He is tempted by the devil (Luke 4:1). He later returns to Galilee and begins His public ministry, teaching in synagogues and performing miracles. 2. The Devil The devil, also known as Satan, is the tempter who challenges Jesus during His 40 days in the wilderness. He presents three temptations to Jesus, each of which Jesus resists by quoting Scripture (Luke 4:2-13). 3. The Holy Spirit While not a person in the traditional sense, the Holy Spirit is a significant presence in this chapter. The Spirit leads Jesus into the wilderness and empowers Him throughout His ministry (Luke 4:1, 14). 4. The People of Nazareth The people of Nazareth, Jesus' hometown, are mentioned when Jesus reads from the scroll of Isaiah in the synagogue. Initially, they marvel at His words, but they later become enraged and attempt to throw Him off a cliff (Luke 4:16-30). 5. Simon (Peter) Simon, also known as Peter, is mentioned indirectly when Jesus heals his mother-in-law. This event occurs in Simon's house, indicating his presence (Luke 4:38-39). 6. Simon's Mother-in-law She is the recipient of one of Jesus' healing miracles. She is suffering from a high fever, and Jesus rebukes the fever, resulting in her immediate recovery (Luke 4:38-39). 7. The Demons Demons are mentioned as Jesus casts them out of many people. They recognize Jesus as the "Son of God" and are rebuked by Him (Luke 4:33-41). 8. The Crowds The crowds are the people who follow Jesus, seeking His teaching and healing. They try to keep Him from leaving them, showing their desire for His presence and miracles (Luke 4:42). Each of these figures plays a role in the narrative of Luke 4, contributing to the unfolding of Jesus' early ministry and the demonstration of His authority and mission. Places 1. The WildernessDescription: This is where Jesus was led by the Spirit to be tempted by the devil for forty days. The wilderness, or "ἔρημος" (erēmos) in Greek, often symbolizes a place of testing and spiritual preparation. Scripture: "Then Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness" (Luke 4:1). 2. Nazareth Description: Jesus' hometown, where He grew up. It is significant as the place where He began His public ministry by reading from the scroll of Isaiah in the synagogue. Scripture: "Then Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and the news about Him spread throughout the surrounding region. He taught in their synagogues and was glorified by everyone. Then Jesus came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up." (Luke 4:14-16). 3. Capernaum Description: A town in Galilee where Jesus performed miracles and taught with authority. Capernaum becomes a central hub for His ministry. Scripture: "Then He went down to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and on the Sabbath He began to teach the people." (Luke 4:31). Events 1. The Temptation of Jesus (Luke 4:1-13)Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, is led into the wilderness where He fasts for forty days and is tempted by the devil. The devil challenges Jesus to turn stones into bread, to worship him in exchange for the kingdoms of the world, and to throw Himself down from the temple. Jesus responds to each temptation with Scripture, emphasizing reliance on God's word and worshiping God alone. 2. Jesus Begins His Ministry in Galilee (Luke 4:14-15) Jesus returns to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about Him spreads throughout the region. He teaches in synagogues and is praised by everyone. 3. Jesus Rejected at Nazareth (Luke 4:16-30) Jesus visits Nazareth, His hometown, and reads from the scroll of Isaiah in the synagogue, proclaiming the fulfillment of the prophecy. Initially, the people are amazed, but they soon become skeptical and hostile, leading to an attempt to throw Him off a cliff. Jesus, however, passes through the crowd unharmed. 4. Jesus Drives Out an Unclean Spirit (Luke 4:31-37) In Capernaum, Jesus teaches with authority in the synagogue and drives out a demon from a man. The people are astonished at His authority over unclean spirits, and His fame spreads further. 5. Jesus Heals Many (Luke 4:38-41) Jesus heals Simon Peter's mother-in-law of a fever. Later, at sunset, people bring many who are sick or demon-possessed to Jesus, and He heals them all, demonstrating His compassion and divine power. 6. Jesus Preaches in the Synagogues (Luke 4:42-44) Despite the crowds seeking Him, Jesus withdraws to a solitary place. When the people find Him, He declares His mission to preach the good news of the kingdom of God to other towns as well, fulfilling His divine purpose. Lessons from Luke 4 1. The Power of Scripture in Temptation 2. The Importance of Spiritual Preparation 3. Recognizing and Resisting Temptation 4. The Authority of Jesus 5. The Mission to Proclaim Good News 6. The Rejection of Jesus 7. The Power of Healing 8. The Importance of Solitude and Prayer 9. The Call to Follow Jesus 10. The Kingdom of God is at Hand Topics 1. The Temptation of Jesus (Luke 4:1-13)Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, is led into the wilderness where He fasts for forty days and is tempted by the devil. The temptations focus on physical needs, power, and testing God. Jesus responds to each temptation with Scripture, emphasizing reliance on God's Word. The Greek term "πειράζω" (peirazō) is used for "tempt," indicating a test or trial. 2. Jesus Begins His Ministry (Luke 4:14-15) Jesus returns to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, teaching in synagogues and gaining a positive reputation. The emphasis is on the Spirit's empowerment for ministry, highlighting the Greek word "δύναμις" (dynamis) for "power." 3. Jesus Rejected at Nazareth (Luke 4:16-30) In Nazareth, Jesus reads from Isaiah in the synagogue, proclaiming the fulfillment of the prophecy. Initially, the people marvel, but they soon reject Him, leading to an attempt to throw Him off a cliff. The passage underscores the fulfillment of Messianic prophecy and the Greek term "χρίω" (chriō) for "anointed." 4. Jesus Drives Out an Unclean Spirit (Luke 4:31-37) In Capernaum, Jesus teaches with authority and casts out a demon from a man in the synagogue. The crowd is amazed at His authority over unclean spirits, highlighting the Greek word "ἐξουσία" (exousia) for "authority." 5. Jesus Heals Many (Luke 4:38-41) Jesus heals Simon's mother-in-law and many others with various diseases. He also casts out demons, who recognize Him as the Son of God. The passage emphasizes Jesus' compassion and power to heal, with the Greek term "θεραπεύω" (therapeuō) for "heal." 6. Jesus Preaches in the Synagogues (Luke 4:42-44) Despite the crowds seeking Him, Jesus prioritizes preaching the good news of the kingdom of God in other towns. This section highlights His mission and the Greek word "εὐαγγελίζω" (euangelizō) for "preach the good news." Themes 1. The Temptation of JesusJesus is led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where He is tempted by the devil. This theme highlights Jesus' sinlessness and His reliance on Scripture to counter temptation. The Greek word for "tempted" (πειράζω, peirazō) emphasizes a testing of character (Luke 4:1-13). 2. The Power of the Spirit Jesus returns to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, underscoring the importance of the Holy Spirit in His ministry. The Greek word for "power" (δύναμις, dynamis) indicates divine strength and authority (Luke 4:14). 3. Fulfillment of Prophecy In the synagogue at Nazareth, Jesus reads from Isaiah and declares, "Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing" (Luke 4:21). This theme emphasizes Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, particularly the messianic prophecies. 4. Rejection by His Own Despite His authoritative teaching, Jesus is rejected by the people of Nazareth. This theme reflects the broader rejection of Jesus by His own people, as prophesied in the Hebrew Scriptures (Luke 4:22-30). 5. Authority over Demons Jesus demonstrates His authority over unclean spirits by casting out a demon in Capernaum. The Greek term for "authority" (ἐξουσία, exousia) signifies His divine right and power over spiritual forces (Luke 4:31-37). 6. Healing and Compassion Jesus heals many, including Simon's mother-in-law and others with various diseases. This theme highlights His compassion and divine ability to heal, fulfilling the messianic role as a healer (Luke 4:38-41). 7. Proclamation of the Kingdom Jesus declares His mission to preach the good news of the kingdom of God. The Greek word for "preach" (εὐαγγελίζω, euangelizō) means to proclaim the gospel, emphasizing the centrality of His message (Luke 4:42-44). Prayer Points Pray for strength and wisdom to resist temptation, using Scripture as our guide.Ask for the Holy Spirit's leading in every decision and action. Seek courage and perseverance to fulfill God's calling, even in the face of opposition. Pray for discernment and authority in spiritual matters, to minister effectively to those in need. As we reflect on Luke 4, may we be inspired by Jesus' example and empowered to live out our faith with conviction and purpose. Answering Tough Questions 1. How can Jesus be “led by the Spirit” yet encounter direct temptation from the devil (Luke 4:1)? 2. Is it scientifically possible for Jesus to survive 40 days without food (Luke 4:2)? 3. Did Satan literally show Jesus “all the kingdoms of the world” in an instant (Luke 4:5)? 4. Why does the sequence of temptations in Luke 4:1–13 differ from Matthew 4:1–11? 5. How did Jesus simply walk away from a mob intent on killing him (Luke 4:28–30)? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does Jesus resist temptation, and what can we learn from His approach? 2. Why do you think Jesus chose the particular passage from Isaiah to read in the synagogue? 3. What factors contribute to Jesus' rejection in His hometown, and what can this tell us about human nature? 4. How does Jesus' authority manifest in His teaching and miracles? 5. Why does Jesus insist on going to other towns to preach, even when the people in Capernaum want Him to stay? 6. How do Jesus’ actions in this chapter demonstrate His mission and purpose? 7. How does Jesus' rejection at Nazareth reflect on how we might be received when we share the gospel? 8. How does Jesus' response to the devil's temptations inform our own approach to spiritual warfare? 9. Why might the people of Nazareth, who knew Jesus from His childhood, find it harder to accept Him as the Messiah? 10. How does Jesus' handling of the situation in Nazareth model grace and courage in the face of opposition? 11. How does Jesus balance His time between healing, casting out demons, and preaching? 12. What does Jesus' retreat to a solitary place reveal about His spiritual practices, and how can we apply this to our lives? 13. How does the crowd's reaction to Jesus' message in Nazareth differ from their reaction in Capernaum, and what might this suggest about acceptance of the gospel message? 14. How does the authority of Jesus contrast with the religious leaders of His day, and what does this tell us about true spiritual authority? 15. How do the various responses to Jesus in this chapter inform our understanding of the range of reactions to His message today? 16. How does the episode in the synagogue in Nazareth inform our understanding of Jesus' mission? 17. How does Jesus' interaction with the demonic realm in this chapter inform our understanding of His power and authority? 18. In the light of Jesus' healing miracles, how can we understand and approach illness and healing in a contemporary context? 19. How can we apply the lessons from Jesus' rejection at Nazareth in our personal contexts when we face rejection for our faith? 20. In what ways does Jesus' example in this chapter provide guidance for dealing with temptation, rejection, and the demands of ministry in our lives? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
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