Luke 4
March Memory Verse: "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." Luke 19:10 NIV
Read: Luke 4
There are so many things we could talk about in Luke 4: from Jesus reading how Isaiah prophesied about Him (v. 17-21), to Jesus healing people (v. 31-40), and to the demons recognizing Jesus (v. 41). All of these are marvelous things that took place in His life and ministry. But whenever I read Luke 4, I am reminded of the importance of God’s Word.
In verses 1-13, we see the temptation of Jesus. The Holy Spirit leads Jesus into the wilderness for 40 days, and during that time, Jesus ate nothing (v. 1-2). I don’t know about you, but after 40 days of not eating, I think I would be pretty hangry (angry + hungry). I also know that I would probably be in my weakest state. A place where I am most vulnerable. And we know that Jesus was just that, because it tells us that He was hungry (v. 2b).
And this is when Satan tries to tempt Jesus: when He is hungry and wanting food. Not only that, but the first thing Satan tempts Jesus with: food (v. 3). Jesus’ response is that “people do not live by bread alone”, which is taken from Deuteronomy 8:3. Jesus uses God’s Word to overcome the temptation of Satan.
This happens twice more: Satan promises to give Jesus earthly kingdoms (v. 5), and Jesus responds with Deuteronomy 6:13. In the last temptation, Satan uses Scripture (v. 10-11) to tempt Jesus, but Jesus knowing the correct answer quotes Deuteronomy 6:16.
Some takeaways for us:
· Be in God’s Word and understand it rightly. Satan misused God’s Word (v. 10-11) and if he can try that on Jesus, he can do it to us too. But if we rightly understand God’s Word then we can recognize the schemes of the Devil.
· Recognize that Satan promises to give us stuff that he has no authority over. Do not fall into his trap.
· Lastly, Jesus used God’s Word to overcome temptation. If Jesus used God’s Word to overcome temptation, how much more do we need to use it?
What stood out to you from Luke 4?
By: Brice Stockton
Read: Luke 4
There are so many things we could talk about in Luke 4: from Jesus reading how Isaiah prophesied about Him (v. 17-21), to Jesus healing people (v. 31-40), and to the demons recognizing Jesus (v. 41). All of these are marvelous things that took place in His life and ministry. But whenever I read Luke 4, I am reminded of the importance of God’s Word.
In verses 1-13, we see the temptation of Jesus. The Holy Spirit leads Jesus into the wilderness for 40 days, and during that time, Jesus ate nothing (v. 1-2). I don’t know about you, but after 40 days of not eating, I think I would be pretty hangry (angry + hungry). I also know that I would probably be in my weakest state. A place where I am most vulnerable. And we know that Jesus was just that, because it tells us that He was hungry (v. 2b).
And this is when Satan tries to tempt Jesus: when He is hungry and wanting food. Not only that, but the first thing Satan tempts Jesus with: food (v. 3). Jesus’ response is that “people do not live by bread alone”, which is taken from Deuteronomy 8:3. Jesus uses God’s Word to overcome the temptation of Satan.
This happens twice more: Satan promises to give Jesus earthly kingdoms (v. 5), and Jesus responds with Deuteronomy 6:13. In the last temptation, Satan uses Scripture (v. 10-11) to tempt Jesus, but Jesus knowing the correct answer quotes Deuteronomy 6:16.
Some takeaways for us:
· Be in God’s Word and understand it rightly. Satan misused God’s Word (v. 10-11) and if he can try that on Jesus, he can do it to us too. But if we rightly understand God’s Word then we can recognize the schemes of the Devil.
· Recognize that Satan promises to give us stuff that he has no authority over. Do not fall into his trap.
· Lastly, Jesus used God’s Word to overcome temptation. If Jesus used God’s Word to overcome temptation, how much more do we need to use it?
What stood out to you from Luke 4?
By: Brice Stockton
8 Comments
'Physician, heal yourself. What we have heard you did at Capernaum, do here in your hometown as well.' (v.23)
The hard-hearted and hostile will not see God, enter into his beautiful gates, see the magnificent glories of heaven, or dwell in Christ's wonderful counsel. And yet Jesus ministered to them anyway to proclaim this is the favorable year of the Lord.
Those who would hear Him, pray for a soft heart, and receive the truth in love.
Thanks, Brice!
I was struck by how quickly his hometown synagogue went from verse 22 to verse 28; from speaking well of him to murderous wrath.
Also the two different reactions from the two synagogues. One wanted him out so much they would have killed him, the other begged him to stay. I pray we can receive him whether he has a rebuke for us or healing. How fickle we humans can be!
It is so important that we are in God's word. That is the only way we will resist the temptations of the devil. I'm glad you pointed out the fact that Jesus was likely in a weak and vulnerable state because he was hungry. It just goes to show how well Jesus had hidden God's word in his heart. Even when weak, vulnerable and tempted, God's word still came through, and he got the victory that day. It shows us that if we can keep God's word in our hearts, he will help us through those temptations as well, even in the difficult times. Great stuff today, Brice!
"...no prophet is accepted in his hometown." As human we become so familiar with someone or something that we see it or them only one way, through our own filter. We fail to see God moving in the familiar, which is why it is so difficult most times to witness to family and friends. Even Jesus had to contend with this, and that comforts me. In the end we know He won over His brother James, and that is encouraging.
Thanks for this, Lindsay. Needed to read that today
I think that every time I read about Jesus healing people it's important for me to realize that I serve the same God that did that healing and He is the same now as he was back then. I think I sometimes think and act like God doesn't play that active of a roll in the world as he did back then but I know that this is incorrect thinking and that he is in control over everything.
People don't live by bread & fish & water, but by every word from God's mouth. How strong has my day-to-day life been lately? How faithful has my nourishment in God's Word been lately? Maybe those questions are just two ways of saying the same thing.
Brice you nailed it for me. Am I using God's Word when tempted? No, I am not and why wouldn't I when his own Son practiced this approach and he was fully God. Wow!!! I'm missing something big here!!!