Luke 4
BSB1 Then Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, 2 where for forty days He was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and when they had ended, He was hungry. 3 The devil said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread." 4 But Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’ “ 5 Then 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. 7 So if You worship me, it will all be Yours." 8 But Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.’ “ 9 Then 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. 10 For it is written: ‘He will command His angels concerning You to guard You carefully; 11 and they will lift You up in their hands, so that You will not strike Your foot against a stone.’ “ 12 But Jesus answered, “It also says, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’ “ 13 When the devil had finished every temptation, he left Him until an opportune time. 14 Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and the news about Him spread throughout the surrounding region. 15 He taught in their synagogues and was glorified by everyone. 16 Then 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, 17 the 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 captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor." 20 Then He rolled up the scroll, returned it to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fixed on Him, 21 and He began by saying, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing." 22 All spoke well of Him and marveled at the gracious words that came from His lips. “Isn’t this the son of Joseph?” they asked. 23 Jesus 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.’" 24 Then He added, “Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in his hometown. 25 But 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. 26 Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them, but to the widow of Zarephath in Sidon. 27 And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet. Yet not one of them was cleansed—only Naaman the Syrian." 28 On hearing this, all the people in the synagogue were enraged. 29 They 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. 30 But Jesus passed through the crowd and went on His way. 31 Then He went down to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and on the Sabbath He began to teach the people. 32 They were astonished at His teaching, because His message had authority. 33 In 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!" 35 But 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. 36 All 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!" 37 And the news about Jesus spread throughout the surrounding region. 38 After 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, 39 and He stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. And she got up at once and began to serve them. 40 At sunset, all who were ill with various diseases were brought to Jesus, and laying His hands on each one, He healed them. 41 Demons 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. 42 At 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. 43 But 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." 44 And He continued to preach in the synagogues of Judea.
Study Notes — Luke 4
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Luke 4
- Themes from Luke 4
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Luke 4
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Luke chapter 4 begins with the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness, where He was led by the Holy Spirit to be tempted by Satan. Jesus was tempted for 40 days and nights, and He resisted each temptation by quoting Scripture. After the temptation, Jesus returned to Galilee and began His public ministry, preaching the gospel and healing many people. He also called His first disciples, including Simon Peter, and began to teach them about the kingdom of God. The chapter ends with Jesus preaching in the synagogue at Nazareth, where He was rejected by the people. Key verses include Luke 4:1-13, which describes the temptation of Jesus, and Luke 4:18-19, which describes Jesus' ministry in Galilee.
Context for the Chapter
Luke chapter 4 is part of the larger narrative of the life of Jesus, which is recorded in the Gospel of Luke. This chapter follows the baptism of Jesus and the genealogy of Jesus, and it precedes the calling of the disciples and the beginning of Jesus' public ministry. The chapter is also connected to the Old Testament, particularly to the prophecies of Isaiah, which foretold the coming of the Messiah and the ministry of Jesus. In the larger biblical narrative, this chapter is part of the story of God's redemption of humanity, which is fulfilled in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Heart Application
As we read this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of obedience to God and of trusting in His Word. We are also reminded of the power of the Holy Spirit to empower us for ministry and to help us to resist temptation. Let us seek to apply these lessons to our lives, trusting in God's power and provision as we seek to live a life of obedience to Him.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Luke chapter 4 is about the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness and the beginning of His public ministry. Jesus was tempted by Satan, but He resisted each temptation by quoting Scripture. After the temptation, Jesus began to preach the gospel and to heal the sick, calling people to repentance and faith in Himself. As we read this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of obedience to God and of trusting in His Word, as seen in Luke 4:1-13 and Luke 4:18-19.
Voices from the Church
“The temptation of Jesus in the wilderness is a reminder that even the strongest among us can be tempted, but it is also a reminder that with God's help, we can resist temptation and live a life of obedience to Him.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The anointing of the Holy Spirit is a necessary part of our ministry, for without it, we are powerless to preach the gospel or to bring healing to others.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Temptation of Jesus (Luke 4:1-13) — Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness, where He was tempted by Satan for 40 days and nights. He resisted each temptation by quoting Scripture, showing His obedience to God and His trust in God's Word.
- The Beginning of Jesus' Ministry (Luke 4:14-15) — After the temptation, Jesus returned to Galilee and began His public ministry, preaching the gospel and healing many people.
- Jesus Preaches in the Synagogue at Nazareth (Luke 4:16-30) — Jesus preached in the synagogue at Nazareth, claiming to be the fulfillment of Isaiah 61:1-2, which prophesied the coming of the Messiah. He was rejected by the people, who did not believe in Him or accept Him as the Messiah.
- Jesus Heals a Man with an Unclean Spirit (Luke 4:31-37) — Jesus healed a man with an unclean spirit, showing His power and authority over the forces of evil.
- Jesus Heals Peter's Mother-in-Law (Luke 4:38-41) — Jesus healed Peter's mother-in-law, who was sick with a fever, showing His compassion and care for those in need.
Core Doctrines
- The Deity of Christ
- This chapter teaches that Jesus is the Son of God, who is obedient to His Father and resists the temptations of Satan. As seen in Luke 4:1-13, Jesus' deity is demonstrated through His ability to resist temptation and to fulfill the prophecies of the Old Testament.
- The Work of the Holy Spirit
- This chapter teaches that the Holy Spirit anoints Jesus for His ministry, empowering Him to preach the gospel and to heal the sick. As seen in Luke 4:18-19, the Holy Spirit is essential for the ministry of Jesus and for the spread of the gospel.
- The Authority of Scripture
- This chapter teaches that Scripture is authoritative and powerful, able to resist temptation and to guide us in our lives. As seen in Luke 4:1-13, Jesus uses Scripture to resist the temptations of Satan, demonstrating the importance of knowing and applying God's Word.
- The Importance of Obedience
- This chapter teaches that obedience to God is essential for our lives, and that we must trust in His Word and seek to live a life of obedience to Him. As seen in Luke 4:1-13 and Luke 4:18-19, Jesus' obedience to God is a model for us to follow.
Lessons from Luke 4
- The Importance of Scripture — This chapter teaches us the importance of knowing and applying Scripture in our lives, as Jesus used Scripture to resist temptation and to guide His ministry.
- The Power of the Holy Spirit — This chapter teaches us about the power and authority of the Holy Spirit, who anoints Jesus for His ministry and empowers Him to preach the gospel and to heal the sick.
- The Mission of Jesus — This chapter teaches us about the mission and ministry of Jesus, who came to preach the gospel and to bring healing and liberation to those in need.
- The Rejection of Jesus — This chapter teaches us about the rejection of Jesus by the people of Nazareth, who did not believe in Him or accept Him as the Messiah. This is a reminder that not everyone will accept the gospel or believe in Jesus, but we must continue to preach and to share the good news with others.
- The Call to Obedience — This chapter teaches us about the importance of obedience to God, and the need to trust in His Word and to seek to live a life of obedience to Him.
Themes from Luke 4
- Temptation and Obedience — This theme is seen in Jesus' temptation in the wilderness, where He resisted each temptation by quoting Scripture and trusting in God's Word.
- The Anointing of the Holy Spirit — This theme is seen in the anointing of Jesus by the Holy Spirit, who empowered Him for His ministry and gave Him the power to preach the gospel and to heal the sick.
- The Mission of Jesus — This theme is seen in Jesus' preaching in the synagogue at Nazareth, where He claimed to be the fulfillment of Isaiah 61:1-2 and began His public ministry.
- The Rejection of Jesus — This theme is seen in the rejection of Jesus by the people of Nazareth, who did not believe in Him or accept Him as the Messiah.
- The Power of God — This theme is seen in Jesus' healing of the man with an unclean spirit and Peter's mother-in-law, which demonstrated His power and authority over the forces of evil.
Questions for Meditation
- What can we learn from Jesus' temptation in the wilderness, and how can we apply these lessons to our lives?
- How does the anointing of the Holy Spirit empower us for ministry, and what role should the Holy Spirit play in our lives?
- What does Jesus' preaching in the synagogue at Nazareth reveal about His mission and ministry, and how does this relate to our own calling to share the gospel with others?
- How does Jesus' healing of the man with an unclean spirit and Peter's mother-in-law demonstrate His power and authority, and what does this mean for our own lives and ministries?
- What are some ways that we can seek to live a life of obedience to God, and how can we trust in His Word and seek to apply it to our lives?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Temptation of Jesus (Luke 4:1-13)
| Luke 4:1 | Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan. |
| Luke 4:2 | Jesus was tempted for 40 days and nights, and He ate nothing during that time. |
| Luke 4:3 | Satan tempted Jesus to turn a stone into bread, but Jesus resisted by quoting Scripture. |
| Luke 4:4 | Jesus said that man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God. |
| Luke 4:5 | Satan took Jesus to a high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world. |
| Luke 4:6 | Satan offered to give Jesus all the kingdoms of the world if He would worship him. |
| Luke 4:7 | Jesus refused to worship Satan, saying that we must worship God only. |
| Luke 4:8 | Jesus said that we must serve God only, and not any other god. |
| Luke 4:9 | Satan took Jesus to the temple and tempted Him to throw Himself down. |
| Luke 4:10 | Satan said that God would command His angels to protect Jesus, but Jesus refused to tempt God. |
| Luke 4:11 | Jesus said that we must not put God to the test, but rather trust in His Word and obey Him. |
| Luke 4:12 | Satan left Jesus, and Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Holy Spirit. |
| Luke 4:13 | Jesus began His public ministry, preaching the gospel and healing many people. |
2. The Beginning of Jesus' Ministry (Luke 4:14-15)
| Luke 4:14 | Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Holy Spirit, and news of Him spread throughout the region. |
| Luke 4:15 | Jesus taught in the synagogues, and everyone praised Him. |
3. Jesus Preaches in the Synagogue at Nazareth (Luke 4:16-30)
| Luke 4:16 | Jesus went to the synagogue at Nazareth, where He had grown up, and stood up to read. |
| Luke 4:17 | The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to Him, and He unrolled it to the place where it was written. |
| Luke 4:18 | Jesus read from the scroll, saying that the Spirit of the Lord was upon Him to preach the gospel to the poor. |
| Luke 4:19 | Jesus said that He had been sent to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed. |
| Luke 4:20 | Jesus rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant, and the eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fixed on Him. |
| Luke 4:21 | Jesus began to say to them, 'Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.' |
| Luke 4:22 | All spoke well of Him and marveled at the gracious words that came from His lips. |
| Luke 4:23 | Jesus said to them, 'No doubt you will quote to me this proverb, 'Physician, heal yourself!' |
| Luke 4:24 | Jesus said that no prophet is accepted in his hometown, and that He would do in Nazareth what He had done in Capernaum. |
| Luke 4:25 | Jesus said that there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, but Elijah was sent to none of them except to a widow in Zarephath. |
| Luke 4:26 | Jesus said that there were many lepers in Israel in the time of Elisha, but none of them were cleansed except Naaman the Syrian. |
| Luke 4:27 | The people in the synagogue were filled with rage when they heard these things, and they rose up and drove Jesus out of the city. |
| Luke 4:28 | They led Him to the brow of the hill on which their city was built, so that they could throw Him down the cliff. |
| Luke 4:29 | But Jesus passed through the midst of them and went away. |
| Luke 4:30 | Jesus went to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and taught them on the Sabbath. |
4. Jesus Heals a Man with an Unclean Spirit (Luke 4:31-37)
| Luke 4:31 | Jesus came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and taught them on the Sabbath. |
| Luke 4:32 | They were astonished at His teaching, for His word was with authority. |
| Luke 4:33 | In the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice. |
| Luke 4:34 | The demon said, 'Let us alone! What business do we have with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are - the Holy One of God!' |
| Luke 4:35 | Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, saying, 'Be silent and come out of him!' |
| Luke 4:36 | The demon threw the man down in their midst, and came out of him without doing him any harm. |
| Luke 4:37 | They were all amazed and spoke among themselves, saying, 'What a word this is! For with authority and power He commands the unclean spirits, and they come out.' |
5. Jesus Heals Peter's Mother-in-Law (Luke 4:38-41)
| Luke 4:38 | Jesus arose from the synagogue and entered Simon's house. Now Simon's mother-in-law was ill with a high fever, and they made request of Him concerning her. |
| Luke 4:39 | He stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her, and immediately she arose and waited on them. |
| Luke 4:40 | While the sun was setting, all those who had any sick with various diseases brought them to Him; and laying His hands on each one of them, He healed them. |
| Luke 4:41 | Demons also came out of many, shouting, 'You are the Son of God!' But rebuking them, He did not allow them to speak, because they knew Him to be the Christ. |
6. Jesus Preaches in the Cities (Luke 4:42-44)
| Luke 4:42 | When it was day, He departed and went to a deserted place. And the multitudes sought Him and came to Him, and they tried to keep Him from leaving them. |
| Luke 4:43 | But He said to them, 'I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also, because for this purpose I have been sent.' |
| Luke 4:44 | And He was preaching in the synagogues of Galilee. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Jesus' temptation in the wilderness?
Jesus' temptation in the wilderness is significant because it shows His obedience to God and His trust in God's Word. It also demonstrates His power and authority over Satan and the forces of evil, as seen in Luke 4:1-13.
What is the meaning of the phrase 'the Spirit of the Lord is upon Me' in Luke 4:18?
The phrase 'the Spirit of the Lord is upon Me' in Luke 4:18 refers to the anointing of Jesus by the Holy Spirit for His ministry. It signifies that Jesus has been empowered by the Holy Spirit to preach the gospel and to bring healing and liberation to those in need, as seen in Luke 4:18-19.
Why was Jesus rejected by the people of Nazareth?
Jesus was rejected by the people of Nazareth because they did not believe in Him or accept Him as the Messiah. They were also offended by His words and actions, which challenged their traditional understanding of the Scriptures and their place in society, as seen in Luke 4:16-30.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luke 4:1 → Matthew 4:1 | Both Luke 4:1 and Matthew 4:1 describe the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness, highlighting His obedience to God and His trust in God's Word. |
| 2 | Luke 4:18 → Isaiah 61:1-2 | Luke 4:18 quotes Isaiah 61:1-2, which prophesied the coming of the Messiah and the anointing of the Holy Spirit. This connection highlights Jesus' fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and His mission to preach the gospel and to bring healing and liberation to those in need. |
| 3 | Luke 4:24 → John 4:44 | Both Luke 4:24 and John 4:44 describe Jesus' statement that a prophet is not accepted in his own hometown, highlighting the rejection of Jesus by the people of Nazareth and the importance of faith and obedience to God. |
| 4 | Luke 4:31 → Mark 1:21-28 | Both Luke 4:31 and Mark 1:21-28 describe Jesus' teaching in the synagogue at Capernaum and His healing of a man with an unclean spirit, demonstrating His authority and power over the forces of evil. |
| 5 | Luke 4:38 → Matthew 8:14-15 | Both Luke 4:38 and Matthew 8:14-15 describe Jesus' healing of Peter's mother-in-law, highlighting His compassion and care for those in need and His authority over disease and sickness. |
| 6 | Luke 4:42 → John 4:35 | Both Luke 4:42 and John 4:35 describe Jesus' statement that the fields are white for harvest, highlighting the importance of evangelism and the spread of the gospel to all people. |
| 7 | Luke 4:43 → Acts 10:38 | Both Luke 4:43 and Acts 10:38 describe Jesus' ministry and the anointing of the Holy Spirit, highlighting the connection between Jesus' ministry and the spread of the gospel to all people. |
| 8 | Luke 4:44 → Matthew 4:23 | Both Luke 4:44 and Matthew 4:23 describe Jesus' preaching in the synagogues of Galilee, highlighting the importance of teaching and preaching the gospel to all people. |
| 9 | Luke 4:1-13 → Deuteronomy 8:3 | Luke 4:1-13 quotes Deuteronomy 8:3, which describes the temptation of Israel in the wilderness and the importance of trusting in God's Word and obeying His commands. |
| 10 | Luke 4:18-19 → Isaiah 61:1-2 | Luke 4:18-19 quotes Isaiah 61:1-2, which prophesied the coming of the Messiah and the anointing of the Holy Spirit. This connection highlights Jesus' fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and His mission to preach the gospel and to bring healing and liberation to those in need. |
Sermons on Luke 4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Casting Out Unclean Spirits by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jesus calming the storm and casting out unclean spirits. He emphasizes the importance of Jesus using parables to teach the mult |
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2006 Heart-Cry - Prayer by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of persevering in prayer and not losing heart. He refers to a parable given by Jesus to demonstrate the need for continuous pr |
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Cost of Worship - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker begins by describing how he was sitting on the front seat in the synagogue. He then repeatedly emphasizes the importance of reading the gospel of Luke. |
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The Burdens of Ravenhill - Part 2 (Compilation) by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being anointed by God to preach the word. He highlights the brokenness and suffering in the world and the need for God's h |
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Deliverance to the Captives by Smith Wigglesworth | In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal experience of encountering a man who was distressed and believed he had committed the unpardonable sin. Through the guidance of the H |
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Chasing the Dragon 1 of 2 by Jackie Pullinger | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the encounter between Jesus and a rich young man as described in Mark chapter 10. The young man approaches Jesus and asks what he must do to |
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Arrogant, Overfed, and Unconcerned by Jackie Pullinger | In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a young girl named Karen who faces many challenges in her life. Despite her difficult circumstances, Karen takes on responsibilitie |
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Today Inherit the Mind of Christ by Kathryn Kuhlman | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding that God is a person. They highlight the significance of Jesus being God in the flesh and how he revealed the |
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The Way of Cain by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of relying on God's defense rather than trying to defend oneself. He refers to the story of Moses and the rebellion of Korah, |
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Eyes to See (1 of 2) by Jackie Pullinger | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of seeing and having a clear vision from the beginning. They share personal experiences of witnessing the plight of the unborn |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Luke 4
In this chapter, we see the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness, where He was led by the Holy Spirit to be tempted by Satan. Jesus resisted each temptation by quoting Scripture, showing His obedience to God and His trust in God's Word. We also see the beginning of Jesus' public ministry, where He preached the gospel and healed many people. Jesus' preaching in the synagogue at Nazareth is particularly notable, where He claimed to be the fulfillment of Isaiah 61:1-2 and began His public ministry. This chapter highlights Jesus' divinity and His mission to save humanity, and it reminds us of the importance of obedience to God and of trusting in His Word. As Matthew Henry notes, 'Christ's temptations were real, and His victories were real; and therefore we may be sure that His sympathies with us in our temptations are real, and that His help and deliverance will be real.' Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Temptation of Jesus
Notice how Jesus resisted each temptation by quoting Scripture, showing His obedience to God and His trust in God's Word. This is a model for us as we face temptation and seek to live a life of obedience to God.
The Anointing of the Holy Spirit
Notice how the Holy Spirit anointed Jesus for His ministry, empowering Him to preach the gospel and to heal the sick. This is a reminder of the importance of the Holy Spirit in our lives as we seek to serve God and to live a life of obedience to Him.
The Rejection of Jesus
Notice how Jesus was rejected by the people of Nazareth, who did not believe in Him or accept Him as the Messiah. This is a reminder that not everyone will accept the gospel or believe in Jesus, but we must continue to preach and to share the good news with others.