Thirdmill Study Bible

Notes on Luke 4:9-9:50

Luke 4:9-11

The devil's final effort to tempt Jesus (see note on 4:1-13). Jerusalem. Again, this was probably a vision (see note on vv. 5-7). highest point. This pinnacle of the temple complex was at the southeast corner which overlooked the Kidron Valley. This ravine was about 150 ft. (45 m) below. For it is written. The devil mimicked Jesus by quoting Scripture (Ps. 91:11-12) as the basis of his temptation. However, the passage's meaning is distorted to fit his agenda. While the psalmist rejoiced in God's protection and provision, the devil twisted it into a temptation. If Jesus jumped from this height and was saved from death, it would have been a spectacle that verified his special relationship to God. Jesus was tempted to put God's love to the test, disguising unbelief with false faith. Though Israel failed this test in the past (Exod. 17:1-7; Num. 20:1-13; Ps. 106:33), Jesus remained sinless (v. 12).

Luke 4:12

Jesus quoted Deut. 6:16 as a command that he should obey and as a rebuke to the devil. Believers should never try to force God to show his love. This is especially true for Christians who enjoy the ultimate display of the Father's love (8:31-39).

Luke 4:13

he went away. The devil's response to those that resist his schemes (Jam. 4:7; see Eph. 4:27; 6:11; 1 Pet. 5:8-9). until another time. Satan would remain active during Jesus life and ministry (8:12; 10:17-18; 11:14-22; 13:11-17; 22:28). However, he would not again directly challenge Jesus until his arrest, trial, and crucifixion (22:3, 31, 53). See WLC 48.

Jesus' Ministry in Galilee - Luke 4:14-9:50

Though Jesus previously ministered in Capernaum (4:23), Luke presented the beginning of his public ministry in Galilee (see notes on 1:3). The beginning of Jesus's ministry was marked by authority in preaching, healing, and casting out demons (4:14-44). He also called his disciples, who were a paradigm for the new people of God (5:1–6:16) and explained what life in God's kingdom should look like (6:17-49). While some followed Jesus others rejected him (7:1–9:50).

Sermon at Nazareth - Luke 4:14-30

Only reported by Luke, Jesus declared his mission to those at his hometown synagogue. In doing so, he explained the gospel he would preach (vv. 18-19). It was a time of great grace (v. 22) as well as judgment (vv. 23-27) as he was ultimately rejected there (vv. 28-29).

Luke 4:14-19

See HC 31.

Luke 4:14

returned to Galilee. After Jesus's baptism and temptation, Jesus returned to his home region (1:26). power of the Spirit. Jesus's empowerment of the Spirit was not new or temporary. The Spirit's power filled Jesus's entire life and ministry (1:35; 3:22; 4:1), especially and essentially in his teaching (v. 15).

Luke 4:15

teach. In his ministry as the Christ, Jesus healed diseases, cast out demons, trained disciples, and confronted the false spiritual leaders in Israel. But the heart of his ministry leading up to the cross was preaching and teaching God's word (see 4:32, 6:46-49; Matt. 7:28-29; Mark 1:15). synagogues. These gatherings do not appear in the Old Testament. They most likely began during Israel's exile when the people were cut off from the temple as the central place of worship. A normal synagogue gathering consisted of a recitation of the Shema (Deut. 6:4-9), prayers, readings from the Law and Prophets, followed by a priestly blessing and an exposition of Scripture. praised. A word usually used of God alone. By using it here, Luke emphasized Jesus's deity.

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