LUKE 4

Jesus, ready to embark on His public ministry, is led into the wilderness, where He is tempted by Satan. Jesus fasts for 40 days, so He is hungry, humanly-speaking. He has been alone; just imagine the mental strain of a 40-day period such as this. Any food, any pleasure would be very tempting. The author of Hebrews tells us (2:14) that He understands our temptation. Satan used the flesh, the eyes, and pride to tempt Jesus.

How does one defeat such temptation? Jesus used the Word, each and every time, quoting scripture that Satan already knew. Satan just twisted other parts of it to throw in Jesus’ face. The Word triumphs, and Jesus begins preaching; He’s about 30 years old here.

We see Him in his home town of Nazareth. Certainly He will be seen as a hero here, a prophet from one of their own. He goes to the synagogue, and is handed the Isaiah scroll. He opens it to what we know as Isaiah 61, and he reads verses 1-2a. He sits, and declares this scripture fulfilled that day as of His reading. This is by far my favorite story in the New Testament. He reads what He wrote, and declares it fulfilled by Him. I wonder how much nervous laughter there was in the synagogue that day.

Note: He did not complete the passage, for the rest of that verse 2 reads “…and the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn,” This portion had not yet been fulfilled, and so He stopped with proclaiming the favorable day of the Lord. God’s redemptive plan to that day was fulfilled, and the rest is still yet to come. His vengeance will be on those who oppose God.

The comment is made about him being Joseph’s son, and we don’t get this, but this was a personal affront to him and no doubt the rumors of Him being illegitimate, being that Mary was pregnant before they were married, and Joseph was not the biological father. They did not yet get the big picture.

Jesus takes it in stride, and relates the story of Elijah, who could have easily gone to Israel to find widows to help, but he went to Zarephath, northeast of Samaria and Judah, in the land of Sidon, to a widow who was part of a group of people not liked much by people of Israel. Why go there? Well, besides being sent by God, it was clear that Elijah’s message would be received there, much moreso than in Israel. By relating this story, Jesus made it clear that many outside of Israel, outside of God’s chosen people, would take to His message much more readily that those of Israel. Kind of a “right back atcha” comment, and His was true.

The chapter finishes with the demon-possessed at Capernaum, the healings of Peter’s mother-in-law, and the healing of many others, including more demons being cast out. It is clear that the demons know who Jesus is. Think about it, they were created by Him, they were originally in Heaven with Him when they were created, and then they fell by following Satan. Bad choice, and they begin to realize that.

Jesus is at full speed now in His ministry, spending time in synagogues desperately trying to reach those who should most recognize the Messiah.

SO WHAT…?

So, I should remember that Isaiah 61:2b and following is yet to come. If life is a bit tough now for the sake of following Christ, He will make the effort worth it when He returns.

So I, too am tempted by what is seen by my eyes, what my flesh desires, and what my prideful self prefers. Jesus showed the ability to overcome by using the Word. It’s so simple and yet not so easy.

So, the gospel is for everyone, from the widow at Zarephath, to the non-Jews on the other side of the Sea of Galilee. It can be discouraging when someone who should get it doesn’t, and it can be surprising when someone you think will never get it does. So I must always remember to share the gospel, just share it, with everyone I can. God can work out the details.