Dig In:
Passage: Luke 4
Dig Deeper:
Chapter Summary
v1-13 - After introducing Jesus as the new Son of God, replacing Adam's fallen designation given in 3:38, Jesus undergoes temptation very similar to Adam's: - Both were tempted with food (v3) - Both were given the opportunity to take a short cut and become like God (v5-7) - Both were tempted to make themselves equal to God (v9-11). Unlike Adam, Jesus passed the test, achieving the perfect righteousness our holy God demands. Notice also how important it is that Jesus had scripture memorized and how useful this was at defeating Satan's temptations.
v14-30 - Jesus goes back home to Nazareth. After an initial warm welcome, the crowd turns on Him when instead of performing miracles for them, Jesus points back to Old Testament stories in which God's grace went to Gentiles. This is the first of many indications Jesus gives that salvation has come to the whole world, not just the Jews. The animosity the Jews had towards the Gentiles is evident in how angry the Jewish people suddenly become with Jesus.
v31-37 - After leaving His hometown of Nazareth, Jesus goes to nearby Capernaum. There He casts out a demon who recognized Jesus as the Messiah. Knowing that people are not ready to accept Him as that, Jesus demands the demon stay quiet about His identity.
v38-44 - The word is definitely out now regarding Jesus' miraculous abilities, and the crowds start to build. As is so often the case, Jesus gets up super early in the morning, because He knows how important it is to find times of silence and solitude. This is a discipline we must seek as well.
Old Testament Reference -
Isaiah 61 - Read the exact passage Jesus read in the synagogue telling of how God would usher in justice for His people.
Deuteronomy 6:4-25 - Two of the three rebuttals Jesus gives to Satan come from this passage of commands for God's people.
Discuss:
Use the comment box below to discuss one or more of these questions.
Jesus demonstrates several Spiritual Disciplines in this chapter. See how many you can find (for a short reminder of Spiritual Disciplines, click here and here).
Look at the amazement or astonishment mentioned in verses 32 and 36. What surprises you about the teaching of Jesus?
Follow the AAA Prayer Pattern:
ACKNOWLEDGE WHO GOD IS: Worship the Lord your God (v8a)
ALIGN YOUR LIFE WITH GOD'S WILL: Serve only the Lord your God (v8b) and not your own preconceived notions
ASK GOD FOR WHAT YOU NEED:
