Luke 3:1 ¶ Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judaea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene,
Luke 3:2 Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.
Again, this chapter begins with a time identifier that marks the beginning of the ministry of John the Baptist. He marks the 15th year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, a time when Pontius Pilate is governor of Judaea. Luke also notes that Herod, Philip and Lysanias are serving as regional heads in Galilee, Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Abilene respectively. He also notes that Annas and Caiaphas are high priests.
Research indicates that based on the reign of Tiberius Caesar, the time is 26-29 AD, depending on whether you count the time he reigned jointly with Augustus.
I am reminded that the focus of Luke’s gospel is on Jesus the Man. I think all his historical references to rulers and censuses etc. are to emphasize that Jesus was an actual historical figure.
Chuck Smith reveals that Caiphas was the high priest appointed and recognized by Rome; but that Annas, the father-in-law of Caiphas, was still high priest in the eyes of the people.
John 18:13 “And led him away to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, which was the high priest that same year.”
At this point in time is when God decides to speak to the son of Zacharias, (commonly known to us as John the Baptist) who is living in the wilderness. Context indicates that this is when God called him to begin his public ministry of preparing the hearts of the people to receive the Messiah.
Luke 3:3 And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;
Luke 3:4 As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
Luke 3:5 Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth;
Luke 3:6 And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.
John had a specific message—a call for the people to be baptized in testimony to the fact that they were sinners in need of forgiveness.
Luke then tells us that John’s ministry was directly connected to Isaiah’s prophecy.
Isaiah 40:3–5 “The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.”
I think Luke was using a word picture to describe a spiritual truth. It was customary for great pains to be taken to ensure that the route taken by a king as he traveled was cleared of obstacles to ensure the best possible journey. The Messiah was coming to redeem man from sin and offer free forgiveness of sin and eternal salvation. John’s ministry was to encourage people to prepare their hearts through repentance of their sins in readiness to receive the salvation that Jesus would offer.
Obviously, John’s message didn’t get the full results called for in the prophecy; that time is yet future—the time when Jesus ascends His throne in Jerusalem. Though all flesh did not see the salvation of the Lord in Jesus when He came the first time; they certainly will when He comes to establish His Kingdom.
Luke 3:7 Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
Luke 3:8 Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
Luke 3:9 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
Evidently, it wasn’t long before John was garnering an audience of “multitudes.” The context indicates that his message was bold, powerful and “not politically correct.” Luke is so detailed that I am surprised he didn’t give us more of the context for such strong language; Matthew supplies that for us.
Matthew 3:5–10 “Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins. But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.”
John knew that it was the attitude of the Pharisees and Sadducees, the spiritual leaders of the people, that would pose one of the biggest obstacles to his message of repentance. These leaders believed that the fact of their Jewishness secured their relationship before God. John first addresses them with a question that is aimed at their motives for coming to hear him; he was aware of their self-righteous attitudes. He then boldly declared that they needed to acknowledge that they were sinners, repent of their sin and begin living so as to give evidence to the truth of that repentance. He declared that those who do not will face God’s fiery judgment.
Jesus dealt with these same attitudes from these same leaders.
John 8:39–42 “Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham’s children, ye would do the works of Abraham. But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham. Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God. Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.”
Luke 3:10 And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then?
Luke 3:11 He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise.
I think it is telling that the response from the audience was basically to ask how they could earn right standing before God. They were so focused on works and keeping the letter of the law that they couldn’t process the idea that they needed a change of heart. John’s answer was to point to actions that were reflective of a change of heart—to show love and mercy to those in need.
Luke 3:12 Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do?
Luke 3:13 And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you.
I think it is significant that Luke singles out the response of the publicans, the hated tax collectors, from the rest of the crowd. Their question seems to be more reflective of a true desire for repentance. Just to ask the question was indicative of their desire to make a change in their lives; they knew they were treating people wrongly. John’s answer was direct—be honest in your dealings with the people. This would hit the publicans where it hurt the most—in their wallet. To become an honest tax collector would indeed reflect a change of heart.
Luke 3:14 And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.
It’s hard to imagine, though not impossible, that these soldiers would refer to Gentile Roman soldiers. It seems much more likely to be referencing those Jews in the ranks of the temple soldiers such as were sent to arrest Jesus. I think it unlikely that Gentiles would have been convicted of a message to repentance before experiencing the miracles of Jesus and His disciples that testified to a message of truth and power that can make a difference in one’s life.
John’s answer to the soldiers was three-fold—1) do no violence to others, 2) make no false accusations, and 3) be content with your wages. Like the tax collectors, these soldiers had power and authority that posed the temptation to take advantage of their position for selfish gain—much like those in the ranks of the police and judiciary in America today. John is basically telling them to comport themselves with integrity and compassion—again, evidences of a change in one’s heart.
Luke 3:15 ¶ And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not;
Luke 3:16 John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:
Luke 3:17 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable.
John’s bold message delivered with such authority caused the people to wonder whether he was the long-awaited Christ, the Messiah. John very quickly discounted such thinking, though He acknowledged the importance of his message concerning the need for being baptized with water in acknowledgement of the need for repentance. John declared himself unworthy to even “untie the laces of the shoes” of the One who would come after him who would baptize them with the Holy Ghost (Spirit) and with fire. This man would possess the power and authority to separate those serving God from a pure heart vs. those who are serving Him in pride in the flesh. He pictured this truth using the process of separating the wheat from chaff. The wheat would be safely stored for His use, and the chaff would be destroyed.
The prophet Ezekiel had declared that the day was coming when God would put His Spirit into the hearts of His people.
Ezekiel 36:26–28 “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God.”
In context, he is implying that it is this coming one that is the Christ.
Luke 3:18 And many other things in his exhortation preached he unto the people.
Luke 3:19 But Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him for Herodias his brother Philip’s wife, and for all the evils which Herod had done,
Luke 3:20 Added yet this above all, that he shut up John in prison.
With these verses Luke basically summarizes the ministry of John the Baptist. Though he does not tell us about John’s death, he tells us about the imprisonment that leads to his death. It is a continuing testimony to the boldness of John’s preaching. He didn’t shy away from pointing out the sin in the life of the king.
This again brings up a weakness in the church today. As a whole, the church is embracing a “politically correct” message, one that focuses on the love of Christ without touching on sin and the judgment of sin. People need to be confronted with their sin to understand the need for repentance that leads to salvation. John wasn’t worried about what the people thought about his message; he was more concerned about being obedient to the One who commissioned him to share that message—no matter the personal cost.
Luke 3:21 ¶ Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened,
Luke 3:22 And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.
I think Luke is basically saying that John’s ministry was ending as Jesus’ ministry was beginning. Jesus’ baptism was basically a public commissioning of His ministry in the person of the Son of God. God gave His blessing by sending the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove to light upon Him accompanied by a discernible Divine verbal affirmation. Both Matthew and Mark record this event, but Matthew gives the most information.
Matthew 3:13–17 “Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
Evidently, John knew that Jesus was the Messiah and was uncomfortable at the thought of baptizing Jesus—One who did not need to repent. I think that Jesus’ baptism was an early declaration that He understood how His ministry would culminate from the beginning—as the bearer of my sin and your sin on the cross. Matthew’s account seems to indicate that only John was aware of the presence of the Spirit in the dove and heard God pronounce His blessing on His Son.
I think this was probably significant to John considering what would lead to his death. Still, his imprisonment caused him to send his disciples to Jesus for one more confirmation that He was the Christ. The Lord answered Him by quoting from Isaiah’s prophecy that foretold what the Messiah would do.
Matthew 11:2–6 “Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another? Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.”
I think it is significant to note that Luke tells us that Jesus was praying as He was baptized. I think this information could only come through the inspiration of the Spirit. Jesus is ever pictured in the gospels as making it a priority to spend time in prayer and fellowship with His Father. I think it testifies to the relationship that He had developed with His Father, God the Father in heaven, that He would be praying as He was being publicly commissioned for His ministry.
In this next section Luke introduces the genealogical record of Jesus by telling us that He was about 30 years of age at the time of His baptism. This too I think is an important fact since it corresponds to the age God had established as making one eligible to serve as a priest.
Numbers 4:47 “From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old, every one that came to do the service of the ministry, and the service of the burden in the tabernacle of the congregation….”
Luke 3:23 And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, which was the son of Heli,
Luke 3:24 Which was the son of Matthat, which was the son of Levi, which was the son of Melchi, which was the son of Janna, which was the son of Joseph,
Luke 3:25 Which was the son of Mattathias, which was the son of Amos, which was the son of Naum, which was the son of Esli, which was the son of Nagge,
Luke 3:26 Which was the son of Maath, which was the son of Mattathias, which was the son of Semei, which was the son of Joseph, which was the son of Juda,
Luke 3:27 Which was the son of Joanna, which was the son of Rhesa, which was the son of Zorobabel, which was the son of Salathiel, which was the son of Neri,
Luke 3:28 Which was the son of Melchi, which was the son of Addi, which was the son of Cosam, which was the son of Elmodam, which was the son of Er,
Luke 3:29 Which was the son of Jose, which was the son of Eliezer, which was the son of Jorim, which was the son of Matthat, which was the son of Levi,
Luke 3:30 Which was the son of Simeon, which was the son of Juda, which was the son of Joseph, which was the son of Jonan, which was the son of Eliakim,
Luke 3:31 Which was the son of Melea, which was the son of Menan, which was the son of Mattatha, which was the son of Nathan, which was the son of David,
Luke 3:32 Which was the son of Jesse, which was the son of Obed, which was the son of Booz, which was the son of Salmon, which was the son of Naasson,
Luke 3:33 Which was the son of Aminadab, which was the son of Aram, which was the son of Esrom, which was the son of Phares, which was the son of Juda,
Luke 3:34 Which was the son of Jacob, which was the son of Isaac, which was the son of Abraham, which was the son of Thara, which was the son of Nachor,
Luke 3:35 Which was the son of Saruch, which was the son of Ragau, which was the son of Phalec, which was the son of Heber, which was the son of Sala,
Luke 3:36 Which was the son of Cainan, which was the son of Arphaxad, which was the son of Sem, which was the son of Noe, which was the son of Lamech,
Luke 3:37 Which was the son of Mathusala, which was the son of Enoch, which was the son of Jared, which was the son of Maleleel, which was the son of Cainan,
Luke 3:38 Which was the son of Enos, which was the son of Seth, which was the son of Adam, which was the son of God.
The scripture contains two genealogies of Jesus—one through Joseph in Matthew and one through Mary in Luke. Some dispute this understanding, but it is the most reasonable explanation to me of the differences in the two records according to the purposes of the authors. Matthew’s purpose was to present Jesus as the Jewish King and Luke to present Him as the Son of man. Matthew focused on His descent from Abraham through the royal line of David, while Luke focused on His descent from Adam through the royal line of David. Luke specifically points out that Joseph was known as Jesus’ father, but indeed was not as shown by the phrase “as was supposed.”
For both Matthew and Luke to take such pains to list the genealogy of Jesus is another strong testimony to the truth of His existence; He was a real man!
I think it is also interesting that Luke declares Adam to be from God—a statement of His direction creation. It was the failure of the first Adam that led to the necessity for the coming of Jesus as the second Adam. Paul declares this truth clearly in his letters to the Romans and the Corinthians.
Romans 5:12–19 “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many….Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.”
1 Corinthians 15:21–22 “For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.”
Luke 4:1 ¶ And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,
Luke 4:2 Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered.
I think the wording indicates that it was at His baptism that Jesus was anointed with the power of the Holy Spirit, the baptism of the Spirit. It is always hard to keep an understanding of Jesus the man who became of “no reputation” as Paul worded it and Jesus—God in flesh. Following is an excerpt from my journal on Philippians.
Philippians 2:7–8 “But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”
“made himself of no reputation” and “He humbled Himself” – These phrases emphasize that Jesus came willingly in obedience to the Father to provide the sacrifice needed to redeem man. He affirmed that truth to His disciples during His time of ministry as told us by the Apostle John in one of my favorite chapters in scripture.
John 10:17 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.
John 10:18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.
The Greek for no reputation emphasizes the truth that He emptied Himself; He lived in the flesh as a man; He lived in dependence upon the Spirit—just as we are supposed to. He didn’t cease being God; He just chose to live with the limitations of a man, albeit a sinless man indwelt by the Spirit—just as Adam was created and intended to live. (I know I am repeating myself, but I think this truth is very important.) I think this truth is the basis for Paul’s statement in chapter 15 of 1Corinthians.
1Cor. 15:20-22 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
He also boldly declared His equality with the Father.
John 10:30 I and my Father are one.
John 14:9-11 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake.
Although Christ chose to empty Himself, He never quit being God. He humbled Himself in obedience, but He always remained the Son of God, inseparable part of the triune God. I don’t know how to say it any more clearly………and I don’t really know how to understand it. My little granddaughter made the statement one day shortly before she was four, “Jesus is God, and God is God; and that is hard to understand.” Such an amazing truth from a child!
[end excerpt]
Jesus lived as a sinless man, as Adam was first created to be, in possession of the same Spirit that Adam had before he sinned. Because Jesus did not sin, He had the Spirit indwelling Him and the power of the Spirit available to Him just as surely as do we who accept Him as our Savior by faith today. I’m often reminded of Jesus’ words that if we but had the faith of a mustard seed, we could move mountains. Well, I believe Jesus’ faith in His Father was far greater than that mustard seed.
I believe this time in the wilderness was a time of testing for the “man” Jesus in preparation for His ministry according to God’s plan. Matthew, Mark and Luke all emphasize that Jesus was led into the wilderness by the Holy Spirit.
Hebrews 2:17–18 “Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.”
I think Satan couldn’t wait to “tempt” the man Jesus. I think he actually thought he might get Jesus to yield to the flesh since he knew that Jesus had “emptied Himself.” He actually thought he knew where Jesus would be most vulnerable.
Luke tells us that Jesus was tempted for 40 days, but we are only told of three overtures on the part of Satan during that time. Matthew’s account indicates that the three temptations came after the 40 days of fasting.
I think it is significant that Jesus denied the flesh for the whole 40 days by abstaining from food. His reliance was on spiritual sustenance from the Holy Spirit. The humanity of Jesus is again emphasized by the fact that He was hungry at the end of the forty days.
Luke 4:3 And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread.
Luke 4:4 And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.
This first temptation, if correct in chronological sequence, could only be a temptation if Jesus were hungry and accords with Matthew’s account. Satan knows that Jesus is to live as a sinless “man” if He is to qualify as the perfect, acceptable sacrifice for sinful man. He is tempting Jesus to provide for Himself rather than trust God for His provision.
Jesus is very quick to use the word of God as His defensive weapon. He quotes from the book of Deuteronomy.
Deuteronomy 8:1–3 “All the commandments which I command thee this day shall ye observe to do, that ye may live, and multiply, and go in and possess the land which the LORD sware unto your fathers. And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no. And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live.”
God never changes. His ways are consistent. Jesus believed this. God declared Himself sufficient for the needs of the people of Israel, and He would be no less sufficient for the needs of His Son.
Luke 4:5 And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.
Luke 4:6 And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it.
Luke 4:7 If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine.
Luke 4:8 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
With this temptation, Satan uses some of his supernatural abilities. He takes the Lord up to a high mountain to get a vision of all the kingdoms of the world “in a moment of time.” I think we sometimes forget the mighty powers that God allows Satan to use in accordance with His plan. Satan is making full use of those powers and of the authority that man yielded to him when he yielded to his temptation. He probably figured that by now Jesus was eager to take control of His kingdom without having to suffer for it. One little catch—He would have to worship Satan.
Again, the Lord Jesus uses the word of God, the first commandment, to answer Satan’s temptation, and He basically tells Satan to get lost. Jesus’ answer reminds me of the words of James.
James 4:7 “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
Matthew lists this temptation last, and I tend to think that probably correct in light of Jesus’ answer.
Luke 4:9 And he brought him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down from hence:
Luke 4:10 For it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee:
Luke 4:11 And in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
Luke 4:12 And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.
Satan tries another tactic; this time he appeals to Jesus pride. Satan encourages Jesus to make a great display of His power and authority by jumping off the pinnacle of the temple and proving the scripture. Problem is—as is always the case—Satan (and those who serve him) always take God’s word out of context to suit their own purposes. His quote is from the Psalms.
Psalms 91:9–12 “Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.”
The context clearly qualifies God’s deliverance to the fact that one has made God His “habitation,” from a root that means “to dwell together.” You can’t dwell with God without yielding to Him as your refuge, your source of hope and trust, as did the psalmist.
Again, Jesus quotes from Deuteronomy, the same section He quoted in answer to the previous temptation.
Deuteronomy 6:13–16 “Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name. Ye shall not go after other gods, of the gods of the people which are round about you; (For the LORD thy God is a jealous God among you) lest the anger of the LORD thy God be kindled against thee, and destroy thee from off the face of the earth. Ye shall not tempt the LORD your God, as ye tempted him in Massah.”
Massah is where God first provided water for His people by having Moses strike the rock.
Exodus 17:7 “And he called the name of the place Massah, and Meribah, because of the chiding of the children of Israel, and because they tempted the LORD, saying, Is the LORD among us, or not?”
Scripture qualifies the actions of the people of Israel as questioning whether God was with them or not. Satan is basically goading Jesus to prove He is Immanuel, God with us, by His command of the angels. It is not God’s plan for Him to reveal Himself as God at this time and He knows it. God does not have to prove Himself to anyone; that He chooses to do so in so many ways gives evidence of His love, mercy and grace.
Temptations always come in one of three ways…
the lust of the flesh
the lust of the eyes
the pride of life
…and Satan attacked Jesus in each area.
1 John 2:16 “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.”
Luke 4:13 And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season.
Matthew adds another bit of information: Matthew 4:11 “Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.”
Jesus the man empowered by the Holy Spirit came through His time of testing with flying colors. He was determined to live wholly dependent on His Father through the provision of His Spirit and according to the truth of His word.
The angels came and ministered to Jesus, the Captain of our salvation, just as surely as they minister to us, the heirs of salvation, as directed by the Father.
Hebrews 1:13–14 “But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?”
Hebrews 2:9–10 “But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.”
I think it is significant to note that the devil departed—but only for a season. He would be back when Jesus faced His darkest hours as a man.
Luke 4:14 ¶ And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about.
This seems to be a summary verse regarding the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, since Luke is yet to record a single miracle that caused Jesus to become so well known. Matthew seems to make the same kind of summary statement including more supporting context.
Matthew 4:23–24 “And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.”
The Greek for “in the power of the Spirit” indicates that He exhibited a divine capacity for working miracles as recorded by Matthew.
Historical note from Smith’s Bible Dictionary: “From Rev. Selah Merrill's late book (1881) with this title, we glean the following facts: Size . --It is estimated that of the 1000 square miles in Palestine west of the Jordan, nearly one-third, almost 2000 square miles, belongs to Galilee. Population --The population is between 2,000,000 and 3,000,000. Dr. Merrill argues for the general correctness of Josephus' estimates, who says there were 204 cities and villages in Galilee, the smallest of which numbered 15,000 inhabitants.”
Luke 4:15 And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all.
Luke 4:16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.
Luke 4:17 And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written,
Luke 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,
Luke 4:19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.
Luke 4:20 And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him.
Luke 4:21 And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.
Although the indication is that Jesus has been making the rounds teaching in the synagogues in the region, I think it is significant that the first specific incident Luke records concerns the reading from the scroll of Isaiah in the synagogue in Nazareth, His hometown. I think we can see the sovereign hand of God at work in that He is given the book of Isaiah to read; He didn’t choose it. He did, however, choose a very specific portion to read. I have used this incident often as a reference point to understanding that biblical prophecy often embraces great gaps of time in a single prophecy. Jesus read the portion from Isaiah 61 that in context is talking about the coming of the Messiah. He does not read the whole prophecy, however. He stops in mid-sentence before the part that speaks of His coming in vengeance to establish His kingdom. He then closes the book and sits down and basically declares that He is the fulfillment of what He just read.
Note that the prophecy basically outlines Jesus’ ministry:
to preach the gospel, the good news of salvation
to heal the brokenhearted—which He did through His miracles
to preach deliverance to the captives—deliverance from the captivity of sin
to recover sight to the blind—which He did physically through miracles and spiritually through His teaching of the correct understanding of God’s word
to set at liberty them that are bruised—a specific reference to providing forgiveness of sins and a brand new start in life
to preach the acceptable year of the Lord—a message of God’s favor in that Messiah has come
Luke 4:22 And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph’s son?
Luke 4:23 And he said unto them, Ye will surely say unto me this proverb, Physician, heal thyself: whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in thy country.
It seems that the people first responded with great admiration for the way He delivered His message with such grace. Grace is defined as God’s divine influence upon the heart; so, it seems that they instinctively recognized that His words had spiritual significance. They seemed to be surprised that this message came from one who had grown up among them, Joseph’s son; one they knew had received no special training.
Jesus’ next words seem to be responding to what He perceived to be their unasked question. My paraphrase—Considering your declaration, why aren’t you doing miracles here in your hometown like you did in Capernaum?
This definitely implies that news of miracles He had performed in Capernaum had reached Nazareth before this time.
Luke 4:24 And he said, Verily I say unto you, No prophet is accepted in his own country.
Luke 4:25 But I tell you of a truth, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elias, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when great famine was throughout all the land;
Luke 4:26 But unto none of them was Elias sent, save unto Sarepta, a city of Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow.
Luke 4:27 And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian.
Jesus makes a valid observation—“No prophet is accepted in his own country.” He then goes on to back up His assertion with examples from the Old Testament.
In the days of Elijah God sent a great famine that lasted for 3.5 years as a judgment against His people who were following the lead of their evil king Ahab who had turned against God to worship idols. God provided for Elijah by sending him to a Gentile woman of Sidon who shared her last provisions with him in response to a promise of provision from God if she would grant his request (1Kings 17). Her faith was rewarded, and God provided an unending supply of food for the duration of the famine.
Elisha followed in the footsteps of Elijah. 2Kings 5 records the story of Naaman, Captain of the armies of Syria, whose leprosy was healed when he obeyed (though reluctantly) the directions of Elisha. Naaman came to Elisha because of the witness of a faith-filled Israelite maid. Point is made that there were many lepers among the people of Israel, yet not one of them sought healing from the God of Israel through faith like this Gentile soldier did.
I think these examples were significant in that they highlighted God’s compassion on the Gentiles. The Jews had been singled out as God’s chosen people to example before the nations the blessing of living in faith and obedience to God. They had somehow developed the idea that God loved them to the exclusion of the other people of the world. Luke is making the point that God’s love and compassion is extended to all, Jew or Gentile, who would put their faith in Him.
Luke 4:28 And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath,
Luke 4:29 And rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong.
Luke 4:30 But he passing through the midst of them went his way,
Luke 4:31 ¶ And came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and taught them on the sabbath days.
Luke 4:32 And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power.
Doesn’t sound like Jesus believed in being “seeker sensitive” as is so popular today. As is often the case when confronted with our sin, the people became angry. They immediately forced Jesus out of the city to the top of a cliff with the intent of throwing Him to His death.
“But he passing through the midst of them” – As is always the case, God’s servant is under His special protection until his/her ministry is completed. It is true for us no less than it was for God’s Son.
Jesus now heads back to Capernaum, the place that seemed to serve as home base during the time of His ministry. Considering the miracles described below, I think it likely that Peter’s home was that base. We are told that He taught on the Sabbath days, indicating a regular schedule for at least a while.
Luke makes special note of the fact that how Jesus delivered His message made a significant impact on those that heard Him. He taught with a power and authority that was distinct from all other teachers.
It grieves me that there are few in comparison today that are able to discern teachers who serve in the power and authority of God vs. those that serve in the charisma and power of the flesh.
Luke 4:33 And in the synagogue there was a man, which had a spirit of an unclean devil, and cried out with a loud voice,
Luke 4:34 Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy One of God.
Luke 4:35 And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. And when the devil had thrown him in the midst, he came out of him, and hurt him not.
Luke 4:36 And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out.
Luke 4:37 And the fame of him went out into every place of the country round about.
Luke now records a miracle that happened one day while Jesus was teaching in the synagogue. A man was in attendance that was demon-possessed. The demon recognized Jesus and loudly declared His identity as “the Holy One of God” (obviously through the speech of the man). He evidently knew that his reign of terror was limited and questioned if Jesus had come to destroy them (the demon and the man). Jesus immediately rebuked him and commanded him to be quiet and come out of the man, and he immediately obeyed—throwing the man down in the process; the man was not injured however. Everyone who saw the incident was amazed! They wondered at a man who had authority and power over the unclean spirits. With this miracle His fame grew exponentially.
It is always interesting to me that Satan and the demons are well aware of the word of God and of the power and authority of Jesus and God the Father. Still, they continue in their rebellion and their attempt to deceive as many as possible. They are truly possessed by their sin in spite of what they know. I think they have become so self-deceived due to the extended time that they have been allowed to continue in their rebellion, that they actually think they have a chance at succeeding in usurping the throne of God and avoiding eternal punishment. I think we are much like the fallen angels in this regard; continued rebellion and rejection of God only hardens one’s heart, one’s spirit.
Luke 4:38 And he arose out of the synagogue, and entered into Simon’s house. And Simon’s wife’s mother was taken with a great fever; and they besought him for her.
Luke 4:39 And he stood over her, and rebuked the fever; and it left her: and immediately she arose and ministered unto them.
After leaving the synagogue, Jesus went to Simon Peter’s house. Upon arriving, He was met with a request to heal Peter’s mother-in-law who was suffering from a high fever. Without fanfare, He stood over her bed and rebuked the fever and it left her. Healing was immediate; she got right up and started tending to their needs.
Mark adds that Andrew lived in the house as well and that Jesus took the woman by the hand and lifted her up in process of healing her. He also tells us that James and John were with them, which is natural considering they were partners in business.
Luke 5:10 “And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon.”
I think it is also interesting that both Mark and Luke emphasize that the woman was Simon Peter’s wife’s mother in light of the Catholic requirement of celibacy for Pope and priests since they claim that Peter was the first Pope.
Luke 4:40 Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto him; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them.
Luke 4:41 And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. And he rebuking them suffered them not to speak: for they knew that he was Christ.
Luke 4:42 And when it was day, he departed and went into a desert place: and the people sought him, and came unto him, and stayed him, that he should not depart from them.
Luke 4:43 And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent.
Luke 4:44 And he preached in the synagogues of Galilee.
That evening crowds gathered seeking healing for loved ones with all kinds of diseases—and Jesus laid hands on every one of them and healed them. When Jesus appeared in public, He always healed those who came to Him for healing. He didn’t pick and choose or interview them to decide who He would heal and who He would not, and He certainly didn’t charge them money.
Jesus also freed many of unclean spirits, many of whom yelled out that he was the Messiah, the Son of God. He always forbade them from doing so again. I think that the demon who had been cast out of the man at the synagogue spread the word in the spirit world that Jesus did not want them to do that; so, of course, they took perverse pleasure in doing just that.
Early in the morning Jesus went out for some alone time. It didn’t work for long; the people sought Him out and begged Him to stay with them. What a different reception than that in His hometown!
Jesus told them that He was sent to preach the kingdom of God to other cities as well, so he traveled throughout the Galilee preaching in the synagogues. The fact that He was “sent” implies a sender, and we know that the Sender was God the Father.
John 3:17 “For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”
John 5:23–24 “That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.”
John 6:35–40 “And Jesus said unto them….For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.”