Category Archives: Bible passages

Luke

Luke 5:1-16

So they left everything and followed him.

Context

Checking off where Luke has brought us so far, we know that Jesus is the promised Messiah who will bring freedom and redemption to God’s people. The birth of Jesus and of John were both surrounded by acts of God and promises fulfilled and the baptism of Jesus introduced the 30 year old child of Mary as a man approved by God. Ready for ministry and proven to reject the tests of the devil, Jesus began preaching in Synagogues around Judea and people were blown away by his words, saying that he spoke with authority and power. People equally loved his ability to heal and cast out impure spirits. Word of Jesus was spreading fast and he was freely able to speak although not everybody loved what he had to say. This man from a poor family in Nazareth was making an impression on all the people in the country areas of Galilee.

Observation

Structure

  • 1-5 Jesus takes on fishing
  • 6-11 Jesus takes on a fisherman
  • 12-13 Jesus is willing to heal
  • 14-16 Jesus is forced to be a healer

1-5 Jesus takes on fishing

“One day…” We don’t need to know the exact moment of this story and it doesn’t follow directly from the last. It was just one day.

“…by the Lake of Gennesaret…” This is Lake Galilee.

“…the people were crowding around him and listening to the word of God.” While he had gained his reputation preaching in Synagogues, people were seeking him out now. We are not given any impression that he drew a crowd to himself but rather than a crowd gathered and he spoke to them. Although Jesus IS the Word of God (John 1:1), it is best to understand Jesus as simply speaking to the people about all that is written in the Scriptures and explaining what it means. We know that his preaching was about the Kingdom of God (Luke 4:43) and that he will use story-telling and parables to persuade his hearers of the truths of the kingdom but he also uses the Scriptures to teach (Luke 4:4, 8, 10, 17-21; 24:27).

“He saw…two boats…got into one of them…” Nothing spiritual to get out of this but they clearly belonged to Simon Peter and his fishing partners James and John Zebedeeson :o) (Luke 5:10). Also that Jesus has previously met Simon (Luke 4:38; 5:5) and so is not simply stealing some boats.

“…put out a little from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.” Again, Jesus is just being practical. When the crowd had grown, he saw a good place to preach from – a makeshift platform. See Matthew 13:2.

“…Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” What was Jesus’ motivation here? Surely the answer lies in the end result of the story: that Peter is blown away and ready to leave everything for Jesus! The request was for Peter to get a catch but really Jesus was fishing for Peter. Not such a clever pun when we later hear Jesus use the same joke (Luke 5:10)

“Simon answered, “Master”” Why does Simon call him master (Luke 8:24,45; 9:33, 49; 17:33)? It is a phrase of respect to someone of higher status. It is not the same word Simon uses in verse 8 which means and is translated as ‘lord’. Simon calls Jesus Master several times in the gospel but Lord only in verse 8 after being dreadfully impressed and after the resurrection (Luke 24:34). Jesus is not just a travelling preacher to Simon. They know each other to some extent, Jesus rescued his Mother-in-law from death, and Simon speaks to him with respect and obedience.

The story here had begun as another moment for Jesus to impress a crowd but has turned into a fishing expedition. The question is: what is Jesus doing?

6-11 Jesus takes on a fisherman

“When they had done so…” Not such and incidental phrase. We see in the context of this story that Simon Peter worked alongside other men (5:9) and was a business partner (5:10) but also that what he was willing to do was easily adopted by his workers. This makes Simon Peter a leader.

“…such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.” Note that this is the first of two occasions we know of where Jesus performs a large-fish-catch miracle. The other is recorded in John 21 but they are clearly two different events. We mustn’t merge the two stories together to get an incorrect account but knowing that Jesus did this at the beginning of his ministry perhaps helps us understand something of its repeat after the resurrection. Namely, that Jesus wants the same men to get back to the mission.

“…filled both boats so full that they began to sink.” Talk about overkill! Just a large catch wouldn’t be enough to know that this was a miracle! When Jesus wanted to demonstrate his authority to Peter, he chose to control the very environment that Peter was used to mastering. Jesus not only fired a shot to get Peter but he filled two guns and unloaded the whole magazine on him! I can testify that when Jesus means to call a sinner to himself, he doesn’t mess around.

“When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said…” This is surely the whole reason Jesus sent Peter on this fishing trip! He wanted Peter to surrender his future to him. The reaction from Peter is astounding. He doesn’t just see a clever man but the Lord his God. Now, I’m not suggesting that Peter knew Jesus to be God there and then, but he certainly sees Jesus on a whole different level to himself! He acknowledges that Jesus is sinless. He is blessed and sent and empowered by God.

“…and so were James and John…” While Simon Peter is the focus of this calling, we see that he got not just one but three men who formed the triple centre core of his ministry team (Luke 9:28).

“Don’t be afraid…” Jesus is about to invite Peter on an adventure of a lifetime – he will help change the world! But the show that Jesus just performed for Peter was not to scare him, but to convince him that he will be leaving everything for the right future. Jesus hasn’t come to condemn a sinner such as Peter but to call him to follow.

“…from now on you will fish for people.” ‘Catch’ is the word better used since it pictures living fish being gathered rather than fish approaching a hook and the fisherman waiting for a bite. In a very effective way, Jesus has persuaded a bunch of professional fishermen that they can commit their future to him. He didn’t just ask them to follow him but told them what type of business they will be involved in. He doesn’t ask them at all! He knows that this is what they will do!

“So they…left everything and followed him.” What a picture of discipleship! There comes a point when dancing around Jesus and church needs to change and a person must surrender everything to him. Is this to be taken as a prescription for Christians? That we walk away from everything and become solid disciples of Jesus? No and Yes. No because this is Simon Peter’s story and not a prescription for us. Yes because we are so eager to keep hold of ourselves, our reputation, our identities, our ambitions, our incomes and our self-importance and only give Jesus our thanks and cries for help when needed. A disciple of Christ (any Christian) must ask constantly, what am I refusing to let go of. Or, what do I love more than being a follower of Christ?

12-13 Jesus is willing to heal

“…a man…covered with leprosy.” The only description needed of this man was his illness. Leprosy was a disease which needed to be quarantined. It is a broad term which meant more than what we refer to as leprosy today. See Leviticus 13 for a lengthy description of all sorts of skin diseases and especially 13:45-46 for the religious, social and spiritual consequences. A leper was unclean, unable to engage with God in the Temple and cast away from society. This man was covered in skin disease. When it came to being an outcast, this guy was king.

“While Jesus was in one of the towns….[a leper] saw Jesus…” Begs the question how a leper spotted Jesus while inside the town unless the town was willing to live with men of this illness. Jesus is in the northern remote towns of Judea. It just says something about where Jesus was doing ministry.

“…begged him, “Lord, if you are willing…”” This is a literal example of prayer. A man coming to the Lord and begging to be heard and helped. See Psalm 4 as an example of this. It’s not a man of great faith we are seeing here but a man who is pleading earnestly to a great man of God. “Lord” is simply a term of high respect to someone above your status.

“Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man.” I love that he touches him before he answers the question. Picture someone holding out an insect and asking you as a dare, “are you willing to eat this?” and you answer first, “I am willing” and then proceed slowly to touch the insect and your face screwed up in disgust! But Jesus touches the man and then speaks. Are you willing to eat this insect? GULP “You bet”.

“I am willing…” Note that Jesus’ ability is never in question here but simply his desire. If God is willing to heal, he can heal. If God is willing to forgive, he can forgive! Our relationship with God must not be on the basis of whether he is able to do, but whether he is willing and our duty is to come to him in prayer.

“…immediately the leprosy left him.” It’s been noted earlier that Jesus’ ministry is not veiled in half miracles. Even the fishing trip was Jesus blowing the minds of fishermen. Jesus is no two-bit magician or conjurer. He is, and Luke needs us to be confident of this, the Holy One of God.

14-16 Jesus is forced to be a healer

“Don’t tell anyone…” The priority for Jesus at this point in his ministry was not to keep growing his healing ministry. He wasn’t trying to stay unheard of but he had better plans for this man…

“…go, show yourself to the priest…” See Leviticus 14 about the religious response to recovering from a skin disease. Jesus knew the Mosaic Law and did not wish to abandon it. The right response for this man now was to do what is lawful in the eyes of men and God. Jesus told him that doing this is a testimony to the priests. They ought to see what Jesus is doing.

“Yet the news about his spread…” Despite Jesus wanting the man to go discreetly to the priests, the news of this healing could not be contained. Many people flocked to Jesus as a result.

“But Jesus often withdrew…” As noted in the last study, it was important for Jesus to keep connected and meditative with God in order to stick to what is important and true. Jesus demonstrates what it looks like to be determined and stay the path despite the pulls and attention of people.

Meaning

In the midst of a “crowd rush” Jesus honed in on one man to become a committed follower and in the midst of second “crowd rush” Jesus was determined to stay connected and directed by his personal communion with God. He was a man focused on his mission and determined not to be swayed by the whims or motivations of the people. Peter shows us what it looks like to surrender everything to follow Jesus and the leper shows us what it looks like for someone who has nothing to come to Jesus and find life.

Application

  • Topic A: Leaving everything for Jesus. When you think of leaving everything for Jesus do you picture going overseas as a missionary? Or do you picture, rather, regarding no other relationship or thing as more valuable than serving Jesus where you are at? Read Philippians 3:7-11 and consider what “gains” you may be still clinging to. Peter seemed to drop everything and leave it where it was to follow his Lord. He didn’t wait to tie up loose ends or finish something else he had started. Is this the type of response you are making to Christ?
  • Topic B: Praying as pleading. Peter bowed his knees to Jesus and the leper begged him for healing. Psalm 4:1; 27:7; 69:16; 86:7; 102:2. These passages describe prayers as cries for help and pleading for God to listen. They also purvey a trust that God is the only real source of help and the One they can turn to for help. Genesis 4:27 is perhaps the first evidence of prayer to God and it is described as calling on the name of the Lord (to be saved from the curse of sin). Philippians 4:6 tells us to petition God and 1 Peter 5:7 instructs us to cast our worries on God because he cares. All of these help us to treat prayer as a passionate, persistent plea to God for help. Are your prayers directed in this way?
  • Topic C: Gaining everything. The leper was an outcast and destined for an early grave. He could not participate in going to the Temple to worship and offer sacrifices. But he could come to Jesus and he was willing to restore his health and his soul. We can talk about leaving everything for Jesus but we must confess that we gain everything too. This world is passing away and the world trains us to make something of ourselves when the fact is that anything we achieve will be short lived. The chances are that you are not going to be famous or rich or important in the world’s eyes. But you are important to God and knowing him through Jesus is the only reward that is important. Christians call this finding your “identity in Christ” and not in what you can make of yourself. The former is eternal while the latter is like mist (Ecclesiastes). Read Colossians 3:1-4 for our view of everything in Christ.

Prayer of the Week

Lord Jesus Christ, our Master and our friend, thank you for showing us your true nature and allowing us to worship you as Lord of all. We praise you for your love, kindness, power and authority. Help us to forsake all for the pursuit of knowing you. Teach us to walk with you daily and to trust you in all of life’s circumstances. Hear our prayers Lord. Amen.

Luke

Luke 4:14-30

Yet not one of them was cleansed.

Context

Jesus grew up in Galilee with his earthly parents, Mary and Joseph. He impressed the Jewish teachers at a very young age but waited until about 30 before his public ministry would begin. Jesus was blessed by God the Father and the Holy Spirit on the day he was baptised by John. He was full of the Holy Spirit and led by the Spirit into the wilderness where he was tested and approved like no other person ever before him. The devil, failing to persuade Jesus to bow to him, fled to wait for an opportune moment to return.

Observation

Structure

14-21 The preaching ministry of Jesus

22-30 The hometown reaction

14-21 The preaching ministry of Jesus

“Jesus returned to Galilee…” We know very well that this is the region of Jesus’ hometown, Nazareth (Luke 1:27, 2:4, 39, 51). Jesus had gone to the Jordon and been baptised, then to the wilderness, and had begun to preach in various places before returning to Nazareth (see 4:23). The area of Galilee included Capernaum, the Jordan, Lake Galilee and Nazareth (https://www.enterthebible.org/media/maps/source/NT2_1cGalilee.jpg)

“…in the power of the Spirit…” As mentioned in the previous passage, this speaks to us of how he is walking with God and not independently nor aimlessly.

“…news about him spread through the whole countryside.” From a narrative point of view, we are being told that Jesus is becoming somebody. People are taking notice of him. Luke is telling us without giving us all the details that Jesus had become a public figure and not hiding his voice any more. Matthew expands a little on events that happened during this time.

“He was teaching in their synagogues…” There were many synagogues but only one Temple. It is easiest to think of the synagogue as the local gathering centre for learning about God and for regular worship whereas the Temple was unique and designed for worship and sacrifice. Jesus was being treated and addressed as someone equipped and worthy to preach. [*** find a quote or something to explain what is the custom here ***]

“…and everyone praised him.” It’s funny how we use words in different ways and need to remember how words capture ideas for us. Praise, bless, worship and glorify and four different words which we can use quite easily of God. But we can praise our children for being obedient. Jesus is being received with joy and approval by the people at this point. NB how people can receive Jesus and yet not receive him entirely. We and Jesus are not seeking simple approval but to receive Him as Lord. By the end of this story, the people in his home town will be ready to kill him. In verses 14-15 we are introduced to the ministry of Jesus in the greater area of Galilee where he was, by and large, accepted and approved. We then move to his hometown of Nazareth.

“And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up.” This sentence gives us the image of a community who watched Jesus grow. They are familiar with his family. This is the privileged township who spent 30 years with the Messiah! Ten times longer than Jesus’ ministry lasted. How will the people who lived with the promised child respond when the mature Jesus brings them the good news? We shall see that Luke’s point is that the gospel will be more effective abroad than among those who presume to know.

“…as was his custom…stood up to read.” It was Jesus’ habit to attend synagogue on the Sabbath day. It may not have been his custom or regular weekly habit to read but he got up to read on this Sabbath. [*** something about customs in the synagogue on a Sabbath ***]

“…found the place where it was written…” Although the scroll of Isaiah was chosen for him, he deliberately found this piece of scripture to read.

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me…” The scripture read is from Isaiah 61:1-2. Jesus read from what is known as the LXX which is a Greek translation of the Hebrew scriptures and differs to suggest that it was originally translated from manuscripts that differ from the Hebrew ones we have access to.

“…the year of the Lord’s favour.” This refers on one level to the year of Jubilee as described in Leviticus 25 where the nation of Israel is to reset all trades and sales that have happened in the previous 50 years. But as Isaiah uses it, is a prediction of God’s restored stated in an age to come.

“…gave it back …sat down…all eyes in the synagogue were fixed on him.” It was expected that he would speak to the room concerning the passage just read. The tension in the narrative though is sweet. In Luke’s account, what Jesus says next are the first words from Jesus’ lips which are both public (not in the wilderness) and not simply reading scripture (or recounting it in the wilderness). This is the moment in Luke when Jesus speaks.

“Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” This must be the shortest sermon since Moses preached “let my people go!” All of the substance in the message was in the word of God and Jesus simply gave the passage’s application. This is no longer a hope but a reality! The first section of this passage is climaxed at what Jesus’ preaching and teaching is about. It is about the good news of God’s anointed who will proclaim (teach) and bring healing. The good news is that God’s favour is here.

22-30 The hometown reaction

“…all spoke well of him and…the gracious words…from his lips.” This verse has been chosen as the passage division marker on the thematic basis of moving from what Jesus ministry looked like to what the response from his home town was like. There are many ways and reasons to subdivide a passage. The first impression the people had of Jesus was pleasing. They spoke well of him. They approved of him. Isn’t it funny how we jump to judging a speaker. This is just their initial response however. The people will next start to analyse Jesus and dig deeper to see whether they should accept him. It seems easy to imagine that they judged Jesus on more than what is quoted in verse 21. But his words are described as gracious. It is indeed good to be a person who packages their words with kindness and gentleness and words that build others up.

“Isn’t this Joseph’s son?” Here we see the people look past the words Jesus was speaking and the manner in which he spoke them and to who the man was himself. Should it matter where he came from? Did any of the prophets come from good stock? The people new Jesus and his family and we see here that Joseph was treated as his father.

“…you will quote this proverb…” This is not a quote from the book of Proverbs but rather a well known saying of Jesus’ time.

“Physician, heal yourself!” The point of this proverb is perhaps explained in what Jesus went on to say although it does seem like it doesn’t fit like a glove.  Something like, perform your skills at home! You can do amazing things but you fail to perform them in your own life. “You profess, so now produce!” That’s something of the gist of the phrase which fits it’s language and context.

“Do here in Jerusalem what we have heard that you did in Capernaum.” Jesus had been preaching all over Galilee which Capernaum is a part of. See Mark 1:21-28. Luke tells us of Jesus heading into Capernaum in 4:31-37. Either was in Capernaum earlier and returned there since he is received better out of his hometown OR Luke has deliberately placed these two stories in this order for a reason. Our present story (verses 14-30) work well to introduce the ministry of Jesus and show the two responses of acceptance and rejection. Luke uses his hometown story as a way of tying Jesus’ ministry to the promises of God and how, not only his hometown but the people of Israel need to accept him. Remember that Luke’s long arc in Luke-Acts is to show that Jesus is the salvation of God for the whole world (Acts 1:8). We will see in Luke’s account how Jesus is rejected by most of the Jews and the good news is sent out to all the earth.

“Truly I tell you.” This is a strong announcement to whatever follows. ‘Amen’ or ‘truly truly’ are other ways of seeing this translated. See Luke 9:27; 12:37, 44; 18:17, 29; 21:3, 32; 23:43.

“…no prophet is accepted in his hometown…” Making the point which Jesus will continue to show by example. Note that the theme and purpose of Luke’s account here is emerging. It’s not simply the Nazarenes who are on trial but the people of Israel who are familiar with God’s promises and have a history of presuming on God and missing the blessings.

“…widows in Israel in Elijah’s time…but…a widow in Zarephath” 1 Kings 17 tells the complete story that Jesus refers to here. The region describes Gentile area. It is just north of the northern border of Israel. It’s interesting to note the end to the story shows the woman confident that Elijah is a man of God. “Then the woman said to Elijah, “Now I know that you are a man of God and that the word of the Lord from your mouth is the truth.”

“…many in Israel with leprosy…yet…only Naaman the Syrian [was cleansed].” Jesus chooses a story of Elisha (Elijah’s disciple) to show the same point. The word of God is going out to the world and the ones most familiar are missing what’s on offer.

“…furious when they heard this.” This seems either over-reacting or that we need to understand what Jesus was saying to them. Jesus was telling them they are worse off than a Phoenician widow or a Syrian leper. Jesus has poked the bear.

“…drove him out…took him…to throw him off a cliff. But he walked right through the crowd and went on his way.” This whole account of Jesus ministry has been a small token of Jesus’ full minstry to Israel. He came bearing good news and speaking truth and grace but will be taken to his death – only to escape from that too! After being told that he was driven and carried and about to be thrown, he simply walks away – through the angry crowd. This is surely a miracle. Ironically, God has fulfilled what the devil had prompted back in verses 9-11. Jesus had left the trials in the desert to be put on trial in his town of youth. While the first trial prompted Jesus to put God to the test, this is exactly what the people were doing in the current story. And God certainly did ‘guard him carefully’ so that he did not ‘strike his foot against a stone.’

Meaning

In this first example of Jesus speaking with people, we see the way Jesus will be treated in the gospel. Right from the very beginning of his ministry, Jesus did not have high hopes for his own people putting their trust in him. He has come to proclaim freedom, sight and favour but the people of Israel will proclaim, ‘crucify him!’ The gospel is destined to go abroad and leave Israel behind.

Application

  • Topic A: Taking God at his word. Jesus is the fulfillment of all that God has promised for mankind. When he spoke to his hometown they liked what he said but wanted to see Jesus prove himself. The question for us is whether we will receive Jesus and his message or critique him as though he is just another man. What holds you back from being a disciple of Jesus 110%?
  • Topic B: Un-domesticating the gospel. The gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ is both a local and a global message. It fits everywhere in the world because it is the message of salvation for the world. Yet, we can attach all sorts of local cultures and customs to the message and reject the idea of Christianity taking shape and finding a home in the hearts of anybody, everywhere. How have you seen the gospel be domesticated, making it fit a certain pattern rather than leaving it powerfully in the hands of God?
  • Topic C: Words of truth delivered graciously. Jesus was praised for his gracious words and when he spoke sharply to the people he allowed his point to be carried by illustration. It can be very tricky to say what we want to say and package it well. Our aim is not to change our message to be received well by all, but to package our message so that it the truth is delivered effectively. Discuss.

Prayer of the Week

Our Father in heaven, thank you for making your gospel message known across our globe. Thank you that this message of for salvation, truth, and liberty and that it is for everybody who listens, learns and recognises your Son as Lord. May we let your word speak to us, your Son reign in our hearts, and our desire to know you grow more and more every year. Amen.

Luke

Luke 4:1-13

Jesus was tested by the devil

Context

It is the fourth chapter of Luke’s gospel account and for three chapters Jesus’ coming has been thoroughly described. Two miracle births provided two vantage points to see how unique this son of Mary would be. About 30 years has passed since the angel Gabriel first appeared to Zechariah and Mary to explain who was coming. The King who will reign forever, who will bring light into the world, who will bring salvation to the world and who has been approved by God and declared to be His Son. Now, Jesus begins his ministry and we are ready to hear what he will do first.

Chapter 3 concluded with the earthly genealogy of Jesus and Luke leaves the name Adam fresh in our minds as we enter the next story. Where Adam is remembered for his failing the human race when tested by Satan, we join Jesus now in the wilderness about to be tested by the same deceptive being.

Observation

Structure

  • 1-2 Setting the scene of the temptation
  • 3-4 The First Temptation
  • 5-8 The Second
  • 9-12 The Third
  • 13 End scene – til next time!

1-2 Setting the scene of the temptation

“Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit…” See Luke 4:14 and 18. If nothing else, this phrase is a message that what an individual is doing is of God. Jesus did not simply go into the wilderness on a whim but is walking in step with the Spirit. Note quietly that Jesus and the Holy Spirit are not the same. Knowledge of the Trinity teaches us that the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of the Father and of the Son – not the Father or Son in Spirit form – rather that the Spirit is in perfect unity with the Father and the Son. The Three work in harmony together always.

“…led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where for forty days…” We must have the nation of Israel in mind now being led by God throughout the wilderness where they were tested for forty years. This is not a coincidence but one way that Jesus is shown to succeed not only where Adam failed but where the people of God failed as well.

“…he was tempted…” The word ‘tested’ could rightly be used here as well. Either one works and gives us something to think about. God puts his people and even his Son to the test. He knows the heart of a man and so it is not because he does not know a person that he tests them (like we put people through driving tests because the only way to know a driver is ready is to test them). The testing is part and parcel of our human existence. You could say that it’s not because we fail the test that we are unworthy but that because we are unworthy, we fail the test. Jesus is worthy. It is for our own sake that this test happens although we are told in Hebrews 5:7-8 that Jesus was made perfect through his obedience. Again we are not saying that prior to this he was not perfect but that his worthiness is magnified once put to the test and proven.

“…by the devil.” In God’s wisdom he has allowed this one named Satan or the Devil to examine and test mankind. See Job 1:6-12 and notice that Satan still needs to present himself to God. But one day, all who refuse to bow their knee to God will be cast into the eternal fire. See 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9; Revelation 20:10.

“He ate nothing during those days…” Why would he do that? Jesus, in the Spirit, is intentionally creating a type of Israel in the wilderness experience. Fasting is a way of showing dependance on God for everything and is mostly practiced along with prayer. Jesus is no doubt spending his days in communion with God in preparation for his ministry. As he says later, ‘man shall not live on bread alone.’

3-4 The First Temptation

“The devil said to him…” It’s noteworthy that Jesus does not commence these conversations but the devil does.

“If you are the Son of God…” Does Satan even doubt this? Or is he trying to draw out what is possible for Jesus and wonder why he is wasting his time starving when he could be eating! It’s amazing to think about how humiliating this encounter would be. Not only is Jesus forfeiting his throne to dwell among men, but he is alone in the desert places and denying himself food! Now he is allowing the devil to question him! Forget about ordering stones to become bread, why doesn’t he just smite Satan right there and then!? To answer that, you need to answer why he had waited some 4,000 years after Adam to come to earth and why he has been waiting these 30 years before starting his ministry. God is the patient and trustworthy one – we are not. He knows who he is and has no need to prove himself to anybody.

“Jesus answered. “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’” This is a quote from Deuteronomy 8:3. It is worth reading the entire quote since it helps understand why Jesus has starved himself to begin with. This is the very lesson that he intends to experience: that God’s word is more life giving than food. As material creatures, we instinctively react differently to this and we need to be taught that God’s word is better than food.

Note that Jesus, being the very word of God, uses the Old Testament to fight back on temptation. Now, I’ve been swapping between the words ‘tested’ and ‘tempted’ because both play a role. It would no doubt have been tempting for Jesus to just eat something and relieve his hunger. If there was no temptation, then there would be no test! But being tempted is not the sin. What we do with the temptation is what matters. The word of God gives us every tool we need in order to reject our temptations and honour God with our choices. See 1 Corinthians 10:13 which is not just a relief but also further proof of our guilt and sin.

5-8 The Second

“The devil led him…” This is curious isn’t it? First he was led by the Spirit into the wilderness and now he is led by the devil. Surely we can follow a wicked man down a path without joining with him in his sin – but it is dangerous!

“…showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world.” This certainly sounds supernatural and I can’t imagine how this must have been shown to Jesus. This earthly bound and geometrically constrained Jesus was shown by the deceiver what he thought was an impressive view of every human kingdom.

“I will give you…it has been given to me…if you worship me it will be yours.” I honestly do not understand the worldview of the devil. Surely someone who has been in the presence of God himself and has roamed this earth as long as he has would understand who is in charge? The irony is all wrapped up in his statement in verse 6. He is prepared to give to Jesus a kingdom that has first of all been given to him if Jesus would surrender himself to the deceiver. What lies and deceptions are in that verse! Jesus is the true King. He is the Son of the Most High! If Satan has been ‘given’ authority, hasn’t that been given to him from God first? But perhaps he refers to the idea that this world has already surrendered itself to him. The authority that he claims to have comes to him by fact that humanity is under his spell. He is the deceiver and prince of this world (John 12:31). If Jesus would worship Satan, he will certainly not be given reign over every kingdom. What lies the devil spins.

“Jesus said, ‘It is written, ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’’” Jesus isn’t simply giving Satan his reason for not surrendering here but is giving Satan an opportunity to surrender himself. It’s as much as to say, God demands that you worship Him and Him alone Satan.  What are you going to do, Satan?

The quote is from Deuteronomy 6:13 and it’s just interesting that the word ‘worship’ is ‘fear’ in the Old Testament quote. Holy reverence is what we all need to learn and live out.

9-12 The Third

“For it is written…” Now Satan, hearing how Jesus keeps using the Word of God to combat his tests, uses the same textbook on Jesus. He quotes from Psalm 91:11-12. Funny that verse 13 mentions the same person trampling on the serpent!

“Jesus answered, “It is written, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”” Irony abounds! The first response from Jesus to Satan is to listen to the word of God. The second response is to worship God alone. The final response is a direct rebuke. It’s almost the three challenges of Satan rather than the tests of Christ!

Jesus quotes from Deuteronomy 6:16. Why would Jesus use the Deuteronomy so much in his replies? That book represents the warning from Moses to the people of Israel to never again turn their backs and fail to trust Yahweh like they did in the desert. Choose blessings or cursings – life or death. This is the great challenge of the book of Deuteronomy and Jesus is communicating to us and to the devil that he will choose to be faithful. He quotes from the very moment that Israel is about to cross the Jordan and enter into the promised land. Don’t forget that Jesus has just left the Jordan and is in the wilderness.

13 End scene – til next time!

“When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him…” James 4:7 teaches us that the devil will flee when we resist him. He has no power to force us to do anything against our will. The trouble is that our will is so weak that we can and do fail to resist him.

But we have the freedom to reject the devil and his ways! Luke 10:17-20 may be a fulfillment of Psalm 91:13 which Satan almost quoted. The 72 could cast our demons in Jesus name. We can conquer his tests in Jesus name. But even still, we are to rejoice not because we can overcome satan but because our names are written in heaven.

Meaning

Where mankind has always failed, Jesus has been proven worthy. Jesus’ tests have highlighted three areas that we must devote ourselves wholly. Listen to the word of God like it is your last meal. Love the Lord our God like there is no other. Praise the one who has passed every test and has passed the test for us!

Application

  • Topic A: Man shall not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. How do you think this plays out in reality? What does that say to us about the priority we need to give to the bible? Explore how you can apply this in your life, acknowledging that reading the bible is not enough (see James 1:22) and considering that Israel needed to learn this in Deuteronomy 8:3
  • Topic B: Worship the Lord your God and serve him only. Given that the word for ‘worship’ can be interchanged with the word ‘fear’ (compare Luke 4:8 with Deuteronomy 6:13), how are we to live out this command? Discuss this considering our weekly worship services as well as how we ought to worship with our whole lives.
  • Topic C: Resist the devil and he shall flee away. Martin Luther is recorded to have said, “You cannot keep birds from flying over your head but you can keep them from building a nest in your hair.” Discuss that quote and share what has been useful to you in practically resisting temptation.

Prayer of the Week

Our Lord and our God, you alone are worthy of our praise and you alone have the words of eternal life. Help us to listen to you all of our days. Help us to resist temptation. Please deliver us from evil. Thank you that in Jesus our names are written in heaven and may we serve you faithfully throughout our days. Amen.