Luke 4

Notice that after a big spiritual time (baptism,) Jesus experiences a desert time. Most people do. We often get tested after we make a commitment. That is the time REAL FAITH is needed. Notice the temptation is to misuse powers given by God for personal gain instead of for the benefit of others. Jesus persists and the devil flees until later. Maybe there will be a better time to catch Jesus off guard? You know it will be a pressure time.

 

Jesus goes home and begins to teach in the synagogues. When, as the visiting teacher (rabbi,) Jesus reads a passage from Isaiah, and tells the listeners that he has fulfilled the exciting passage about God's good fortune for his people. The people are surprised since they know him. How many times to we write off someone who we know, expecting nothing new to come from them? Jesus knows that hometown boys often have this special scrutiny and handicap. He reminds the group that God has done this before, showing that Gentiles (non-Jews) do better when it comes to believing God. This offends them.

 

People see real authority in Jesus' teachings. Notice that is when he can make use of the power of God. He heals people and his reputation grows. Notice that the demons know exactly who he is.