Luke 4b Commentary
After his baptism, Jesus leaves the Jordan River (most likely Lower Jordan) and heads into the wilderness (most likely the Judean wilderness). Nazareth and Capernaum would be other spots, up north in Galilee. The chapter closes with Jesus preaching in the synagogues of Judea.
Chapter 4 has used time and space efficiently! We have some sermons, interactions, and miracles during this time.
First, Judean wilderness: Interaction with satan. Jesus is alone. Satan is rebuffed by the scriptures. The only eyewitness here is the LORD Jesus himself. You would picture the LORD Jesus telling this story to his disciples as one of those bedtime stories about his early days in ministry.
Second, Nazareth: Interaction with congregants. They reject Jesus. They are not rebuffed. Instead, they nearly kill Jesus.
Third, Capernaum: Interaction with the demon. The demon is rebuked and sent away from the victim.
Four, Capernaum: Interaction with sickness. The sickness is rebuked and healing takes place. Peter’s mother fully recovered and began to work normally.
Other elements (demons and sicknesses) submit and are ordered into submission without question. People are a different proposition. They are not ordered; they are given options. They reject the options and attack the messenger. You could tell their level of authority is higher than that of the demons and sicknesses. But their authority lies in the decisions they make. Poor decisions make them come under the torturous rule of the demons.
A few other points are important. Satan’s problematic appearance is resolved by the scriptures. Satan knows the scriptures and can misquote and misapply them to mislead people. Know your scriptures.
Satan cannot force his way. He puts options on the table. He is powerless against the saint who elects obedience to the scriptures.
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