In this world there is constantly temptation and struggle for Christians. In Luke 4 we see that was true also for Jesus. Beginning with the temptation of Jesus in the Wilderness and ending with his casting out of demons who would identify but misrepresent Jesus’ ministry, we see a clash of kingdoms taking place; a clash that continues to this day, and we are in the middle of it.
The devil sees himself as the ruler of this world. Jesus presence is a direct threat to him. After Jesus had fasted for forty days, he seeks an opportunity to take Jesus down. Notice that in v. 13, when Jesus had overcome the devil, it says that he left Him until an opportune time. This was by no means the only time Jesus was tempted.
We can learn something the three temptations the devil placed before Jesus. First, he tempts Jesus with simple Pleasure – in this case filling his stomach. Certainly there was nothing wrong with Jesus eating, the trick is in the purpose for fasting. Fasting is intended to help us to focus on God and His will. The devil is trying to get Jesus to think about his own earthly hunger, to keep him from hungering for holy things. Second, he tempts Jesus with power. This is a constant temptation for us, although in varying degrees. We always struggle with wanting to be stronger, more beautiful, smarter, faster, etc. than the next person in a strange self worship. Jesus reminds us, “Worship the Lord your God.” Finally, the devil shows that he will twist God’s Word to fool us into thinking we are doing God’s will, when in reality we are not. As with the other temptations, Jesus rebuffs the devil with God’s Word. This emphasizes the importance for us to read God’s Word and apply it in our own lives so that we can resist the devil; and as James reminds us, when we resist the devil, he will flee.
Another temptation that the devil lays before people is to keep God to ourselves. I believe we see an example of that in what happened in Nazareth. When Jesus proclaimed that the scripture had been fulfilled in the people’s hearing, people marveled at His gracious words, but also doubted the truth of what he said (“Isn’t this Joe’s boy?”) Jesus begins to challenge their idea that God is only for the people of Israel by referencing two miracles performed by two of the great prophets of old – Elijah and Elisha. What was significant about these miracles is not only that they were dramatic, but they were done for only for Gentiles – non-Jewish people. (As a non-Jewish person, Luke noted this message, while the other gospel writers do not!) Jesus is showing that his ministry to the poor, captives, blind and oppressed is for all people.
Chapter 4 ends with Jesus declaring, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose.” (Literally: “I must evangelize the other cities regarding the Kingdom of God, for this I was sent.”) This comment shows us that there is indeed a clash of kingdoms going on here. Jesus has come with good news regarding the Kingdom of God, but the Kingdom of the Word, ruled by the devil, does not easily give up control. This is the first of thirty times Jesus talks about the Kingdom of God in Luke. He wants to make it clear that the Messiah has come, and God graciously reigns in this world through him. As the demons flee before Jesus’ presence, we see his power at work for us.
Lord Jesus, thank you for facing temptation and struggles, and for overcoming them. Forgive me for the many times that I have given in to temptation, and empower me with your Spirit to share the good news of God’s Kingdom. Amen.
The devil sees himself as the ruler of this world. Jesus presence is a direct threat to him. After Jesus had fasted for forty days, he seeks an opportunity to take Jesus down. Notice that in v. 13, when Jesus had overcome the devil, it says that he left Him until an opportune time. This was by no means the only time Jesus was tempted.
We can learn something the three temptations the devil placed before Jesus. First, he tempts Jesus with simple Pleasure – in this case filling his stomach. Certainly there was nothing wrong with Jesus eating, the trick is in the purpose for fasting. Fasting is intended to help us to focus on God and His will. The devil is trying to get Jesus to think about his own earthly hunger, to keep him from hungering for holy things. Second, he tempts Jesus with power. This is a constant temptation for us, although in varying degrees. We always struggle with wanting to be stronger, more beautiful, smarter, faster, etc. than the next person in a strange self worship. Jesus reminds us, “Worship the Lord your God.” Finally, the devil shows that he will twist God’s Word to fool us into thinking we are doing God’s will, when in reality we are not. As with the other temptations, Jesus rebuffs the devil with God’s Word. This emphasizes the importance for us to read God’s Word and apply it in our own lives so that we can resist the devil; and as James reminds us, when we resist the devil, he will flee.
Another temptation that the devil lays before people is to keep God to ourselves. I believe we see an example of that in what happened in Nazareth. When Jesus proclaimed that the scripture had been fulfilled in the people’s hearing, people marveled at His gracious words, but also doubted the truth of what he said (“Isn’t this Joe’s boy?”) Jesus begins to challenge their idea that God is only for the people of Israel by referencing two miracles performed by two of the great prophets of old – Elijah and Elisha. What was significant about these miracles is not only that they were dramatic, but they were done for only for Gentiles – non-Jewish people. (As a non-Jewish person, Luke noted this message, while the other gospel writers do not!) Jesus is showing that his ministry to the poor, captives, blind and oppressed is for all people.
Chapter 4 ends with Jesus declaring, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose.” (Literally: “I must evangelize the other cities regarding the Kingdom of God, for this I was sent.”) This comment shows us that there is indeed a clash of kingdoms going on here. Jesus has come with good news regarding the Kingdom of God, but the Kingdom of the Word, ruled by the devil, does not easily give up control. This is the first of thirty times Jesus talks about the Kingdom of God in Luke. He wants to make it clear that the Messiah has come, and God graciously reigns in this world through him. As the demons flee before Jesus’ presence, we see his power at work for us.
Lord Jesus, thank you for facing temptation and struggles, and for overcoming them. Forgive me for the many times that I have given in to temptation, and empower me with your Spirit to share the good news of God’s Kingdom. Amen.
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