Written By Lesallan – August 27, 2023
Luke 4:1-13 (ESV): Detailed Analysis
Version: ESV
INITIAL OBSERVATIONS & QUESTIONS
• The context of Luke 4:1-13 (ESV) is the temptation of Jesus by Satan in the wilderness. After being baptized by John the Baptist, Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness, where he fasted for forty days and was tempted by Satan.
o What does this passage (Luke 4:1-13, ESV) describe and reveal about Jesus?
• The characters in Luke 4:1-13 (ESV) are Jesus and Satan. Jesus is the Son of God, who was led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan.
o What do the temptations of Jesus reveal about his identity and mission?
• The setting of Luke 4:1-13 (ESV) is the wilderness, where the Holy Spirit led Jesus to fast for forty days and be tempted by Satan. The wilderness is a barren and desolate place, which is often associated with spiritual testing and hardship.
o How does the wilderness setting contribute to the meaning of the passage?
• The plot of Luke 4:1-13 (ESV) is the temptation of Jesus by Satan in the wilderness. After being baptized by John the Baptist, Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness, where he fasted for forty days and was tempted by Satan. The passage describes three temptations Satan presented to Jesus and how Jesus responded to each one. The passage reveals Jesus’ identity as the Son of God and his mission to overcome sin and temptation.
o How does the plot of this passage relate to other parts of Luke’s Gospel?
• The keywords and phrases in Luke 4:1-13 (ESV) include Jesus, Holy Spirit, wilderness, fasting, temptation, Satan, stones, bread, worship, and testing.
o How do these keywords and phrases contribute to the passage’s meaning in Luke 4:1-13 (ESV)?
• The literary devices used in Luke 4:1-13 (ESV) include symbolism, allusion, and foreshadowing (Bauer & Traina, 2014).
o How do these literary devices contribute to the meaning of the passage?
• The tone of Luke 4:1-13 (ESV) is serious and reflective. The passage describes Jesus’ temptation by Satan in the wilderness, which is a significant event in the life of Jesus. The tone reflects the gravity of the situation and the importance of Jesus’ choices.
o How does the tone of the passage contribute to its meaning and significance?
• What is the significance of Jesus being led by the Spirit into the wilderness?
• Why did Jesus fast for forty days?
• How did Satan tempt Jesus, and how did Jesus respond?
• What does this passage reveal about Jesus’ identity and mission?
• How does this passage relate to other parts of Luke’s Gospel?
STRUCTURE
Luke 4:1-13 (ESV) is a significant passage in the Book of Luke, as it describes Jesus’ temptation by Satan in the wilderness. This event is a crucial moment in Jesus’ life and ministry, as it reveals His identity as the Son of God and his mission to overcome sin and temptation. The passage (Luke 4:1-13, ESV) also highlights the importance of spiritual testing and preparation, a recurring theme throughout the Book of Luke. By studying this passage inductively, readers can better understand Jesus’ character, His relationship with God, and His mission to save humanity. They can also learn valuable lessons about spiritual testing, temptation, and the importance of relying on God’s strength to overcome adversity.
The passage can be divided into three sections, each describing a different temptation that Satan presented to Jesus. The first temptation involves Satan tempting Jesus to turn stones into bread, while the second temptation involves Satan tempting Jesus to worship him in exchange for worldly power and glory. The third temptation involves Satan tempting Jesus to test God’s protection by jumping off the pinnacle of the temple. By examining the structural relationships and divisions within the passage, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the significance of each temptation and how they relate to one another. This understanding can help readers identify key themes and messages within the passage and apply them to their lives.
I. The Spirit leads Jesus into the wilderness (Luke 4:1-2, ESV).
A. Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan (Luke 4:1, ESV).
B. The Spirit led him into the wilderness for forty days (Luke 4:1-2, ESV).
C. The devil tempted him and ate nothing during those days (Luke 4:2, ESV).
II. The devil tempts Jesus with food (Luke 4:3-4, ESV).
A. The devil told him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread” (Luke 4:3, ESV).
B. Jesus answered, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone'” (Luke 4:4, ESV).
III. The devil tempts Jesus with power (Luke 4:5-8, ESV).
A. The devil took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a brief moment of time (Luke 4:5, ESV).
B. He said to him, “To you I will give all this authority and their glory, for it has been delivered to me, and I give it to whom I will. If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours” (Luke 4:6-7, ESV).
C. Jesus answered him, “It is written, ” ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve'” (Luke 4:8, ESV).
IV. The devil tempts Jesus with protection (Luke 4:9-12, ESV).
A. He took him to Jerusalem and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written, ” ‘He will command his angels concerning you, to guard you,’ and ” ‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone'” (Luke 4: 9-11, ESV).
B. Jesus answered, “It is said, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test'” (Luke 4:12, ESV).
V. The devil departs from Jesus (Luke 4:13, ESV).
A. When the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from Him until opportune (Luke 4:13, ESV).
WORDS & PHRASES
“full of the Holy Spirit” (Luke 4:1, ESV).
According to the Bible, what does it mean to be “full of the Holy Spirit” (Luke 4:1, ESV)?
To be “full of the Holy Spirit,” one must fully surrender to God’ will and be empowered by His presence and power. This surrendering is not a one-time occurrence but a continuous state of being filled with God’s virtues and gifts. Only through being full of the Holy Spirit can a person do bold things for God, such as preach the gospel, perform miracles, and endure persecution. It is important to note that being full of the Holy Spirit is not the same as being indwelt by the Holy Spirit, which is a permanent condition for all believers in Christ. Therefore, daily dependence on God and a willingness to obey Him are necessary to be truly full of the Holy Spirit.
Who are some examples of people who were “full of the Holy Spirit” in the Bible?
Jesus Christ was conceived by the Holy Spirit and led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil (Luke 1:35; 4:1, ESV). John the Baptist, filled with the Holy Spirit from his mother’s womb, prophesied about the coming of the Messiah (Luke 1:15; 3:16, ESV). Full of faith and power, Stephen performed great wonders and signs among the people. He spoke with wisdom and grace as he faced martyrdom (Acts 6:5; 7:55, ESV). Barnabas, a good man full of the Holy Spirit and faith, encouraged many to follow the Lord. He was instrumental in spreading the gospel to the Gentiles (Acts 11:24; 13:2, ESV). Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit after his conversion, became a zealous apostle for Christ. He preached boldly, endured hardships, and wrote many epistles to instruct and edify the church (Acts 9:17; 13:9; 2 Corinthians 11:23-28; 2 Timothy 3:16, ESV).
“forty days” (Luke 4:2, ESV).
Why did Jesus fast for forty days in the wilderness before starting his ministry?
Jesus fasted for forty days in the wilderness to prepare himself for God’s mission. He followed the example of Moses, who also fasted for forty days before receiving the Ten Commandments from God. Fasting is denying oneself and focusing on God’ will and word. By fasting, Jesus showed his complete dependence on God and readiness to face the devil’s temptations. Fasting also strengthened His faith and enabled Him to resist the devil’s lies with God’s truth. Fasting for forty days showed Jesus’ obedience, humility, and dedication to God.
What is the significance of the number forty in the Bible?
The number forty is often associated with Bible testing, trial, or preparation periods. It is also a symbol of completeness or fulfillment. More examples of the number forty can be found in Genesis 7:12 (ESV), Numbers 14:33 (ESV), Numbers 13:25 (ESV), Exodus 24:18; 34:28 (ESV), Judges 13:1 (ESV), 1 Samuel 17:16 (ESV), 1 Kings 19:8 (ESV), Jonah 3:4 (ESV), and Acts 1:3 (ESV).
“Son of God” (Luke 4:3, ESV).
How did Jesus demonstrate that he was the Son of God, according to the Gospel of Luke (ESV)?
Jesus demonstrated He was God’s Son through his miraculous birth, divine authority, prophecy fulfillment, sinless life, sacrificial death, and glorious resurrection. Many examples are found in the Book of Luke (ESV), such as His miraculous birth being conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary as foretold by the angel Gabriel (Luke 1:35, ESV). Jesus’ divine authority as He taught and performed many signs and wonders (Luke 5:24-25, ESV). Jesus fulfilled many prophecies from the Old Testament that showed Him as the Messiah, and He also predicted His own death and resurrection (Luke 24:44, ESV). Jesus led a sinless, perfect, and holy life (John 8:46, ESV). Jesus willingly gave His life upon the cross, dying as a substitute for sinners bearing their guilt and punishment (Mark 10:45, ESV). Jesus rose from the dead on the third day, defeating death and sin. He appeared to His disciples and others, proving He was alive (Luke 24:38-39, ESV).
“The Spirit of the Lord” (Luke 4:18-19, quoting Isaiah 61:1-2, ESV).
What is the role and function of the Spirit of the Lord in the Bible?
The Spirit of the Lord is another name for the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, who is God’s presence and power in the world. In the Bible, the Spirit of the Lord plays many roles and functions, being first involved in creating the heavens and the earth, giving life to all living creatures (Genesis 1:2, Psalm 104:30, ESV). The Spirit of the Lord spoke through the prophets and apostles, inspiring them to write down God’s word in the Scriptures (2 Peter 1:21; 2 Timothy 3:16, ESV). The Spirit of the Lord also convicts and regenerates sinners (John 16:8, John 3:5-6, ESV); the Spirit of the Lord dwells in every believer, sealing them as God’s possession and guarantee of their inheritance (1 Corinthians 6:19; Ephesians 1:13-14, ESV). We are empowered to live holy and fruitful lives and are given various gifts to serve God and others (Galatians 5:22-23; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, ESV). Through the Spirit of the Lord, we as believers are guided into all truth and taught God’ will and ways (John 14:26; Romans 8:26-27, ESV). When believers are in trouble, the Spirit of the Lord comforts our troubles and intercedes for us according to God’ will (John 14:26; Romans 8:26-27, ESV).
What is one of the most significant uses of the phrase “The Spirit of the Lord” (Isaiah 61:1-2, quoted in Luke 4:18-19, ESV)?
Jesus quoted this phrase in Luke 4:18-19 (ESV) and declared that he was fulfilling it in his ministry. By saying this, Jesus claimed to be anointed by God’s Spirit as his chosen servant, who would bring salvation and justice to his people. He also demonstrated his identity as God’s Son by being conceived by the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:35, ESV), baptized by the Holy Spirit (Luke 3:22, ESV), led by the Holy Spirit (Luke 4:1, ESV), empowered by the Holy Spirit (Luke 4:14, ESV), and resurrected by the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:11, ESV).
“And when the devil … opportune time” (Luke 4:13, ESV).
What does it mean that the devil left Jesus until an opportune time in Luke 4:13 (ESV)?
It means that the devil did not give up on tempting Jesus, but waited for another chance to try to make him sin. The devil had failed to tempt Jesus with three different offers: turning stones into bread, worshiping him in exchange for worldly kingdoms, and throwing himself down from the temple. In each case, Jesus resisted the devil by quoting Scripture and trusting God. The devil realized he could not overcome Jesus by direct confrontation, so he retreated temporarily, hoping to find a more vulnerable moment to attack him again. The phrase “an opportune time” implies that the devil was looking for a time when Jesus would be more likely to fall into his traps, such as when he was tired, hungry, lonely, angry, or afraid. The devil also tried to use other people and situations to tempt Jesus indirectly, such as Jewish religious leaders, the crowds, the disciples, and even the cross. However, Jesus remained faithful and obedient to God until the end, and he defeated the devil by his death and resurrection.
SUMMARY, CORRELATION, & APPLICATION
Luke 4:1-13 (ESV) describes how Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, was led by the Spirit into the wilderness for forty days, where he was tempted by the devil but resisted temptation by quoting Scripture and remaining faithful to God.
In Luke 4:1-13 (ESV), the main point of Jesus resisting temptation by the devil arises from the passage’s narrative. The passage (Luke 4:1-13, ESV) describes how Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, was led by the Spirit into the wilderness for forty days, where the devil tempted Him. During this time, Jesus fasted and experienced hunger, but the devil attempted to tempt Him with food, power, and a challenge to test God’s protection. Nevertheless, Jesus stood firm in His faith by quoting Scripture and relying on his relationship with God to resist temptation. This passage demonstrates how Jesus utilized His knowledge of Scripture and unwavering devotion to God to remain faithful and resist temptation.
Luke 4:1-13 (ESV) fulfills Old Testament prophecies about the coming of the Messiah. The passage quotes Isaiah 61:1-2 (ESV) and Isaiah 58:6 (ESV), describing God’ anointed one who brings good news to the poor and freedom to the oppressed. It also alludes to other Old Testament passages, announcing God’s sending of His messenger and His prophet before the day of the Lord. Luke 4:1-13 (ESV) confidently prefigures and parallels numerous crucial events and teachings in the New Testament that reveal Jesus as the Son of God and the Messiah. He would encounter various trials, temptations, rejection, and immense power, authority, and glory. This passage anticipates Jesus’ transfiguration on a high mountain where God would confirm Him as his beloved Son (Luke 9:28-36, ESV). It also prophesies Jesus’ sufferings in Jerusalem, where he would be betrayed by Judas, denied by Peter, tempted by Pilate, ridiculed by Herod, and ultimately crucified by the Romans (Luke 22:1-23:56, ESV). Moreover, this passage parallels Jesus’ resurrection and ascension to heaven, where He would return with the power of the Spirit and be exalted at God’s right hand (Luke 24:1-53, ESV). Lastly, it parallels Jesus’ commissioning of his disciples to preach the gospel to all nations in the power of the Spirit (Luke 24:44-49; Acts 1:8, ESV).
As believers in Christ, we must strive to follow His example and obey his teachings daily. Luke 4:1-13 (ESV) provides valuable lessons on facing temptation and relying on God’s word and Spirit to overcome it (Ephesians 6:10-18, ESV). The passage also teaches us to worship God alone and place our trust in His provision and protection, rather than seeking worldly possessions and desires (Luke 4:5-8; Luke 4:3-4; Matthew 6:24; Philippians 4:19, ESV). We should also avoid putting God to the test and instead lean on His grace and faithfulness (Luke 4:9-12; Matthew 12:38-42, ESV). As followers of Christ, we should share the good news of salvation with others, especially those marginalized or oppressed (Luke 4:16-21; Romans 1:16, ESV). Moreover, finally, we must be prepared to endure persecution and opposition for our faith in Christ rather than seeking the approval of others (Luke 4:22-30; Matthew 5:10-12, ESV). By following these teachings, we can honor God and live a fulfilling life serving Him.
This passage (Luke 4:1-13, ESV) challenges me to examine my heart and life and see if I am following Jesus faithfully and obediently. It reminds me that I am not immune to the temptations from the devil or the world and must rely on God’s word and Spirit to resist them. It also reminds me that I am called to be a witness of Jesus to others, especially to those who are poor and oppressed, and that I should not be ashamed or afraid of rejection or persecution for his sake. It also encourages me to trust in God’s provision and protection and to worship him alone and serve him only.
This passage (Luke 4:1-13, ESV) challenges my local church to be a community of disciples who support and encourage one another in following Jesus faithfully and obediently. It reminds us that we are not isolated or independent from one another, but need each other’s prayers, fellowship, and accountability. It also reminds us that we are called to be a light of the world and a salt of the earth and should not hide or compromise our faith in Jesus. It also encourages us to share the good news of Jesus with our neighbors, friends, and family and to show God’s love and justice to those in need.
This passage (Luke 4:1-13, ESV) challenges my denomination to be a network of churches that collaborate to follow Jesus faithfully and obediently. It reminds us that we are not divided or competitive with one another, but that we share a common vision and mission. It also reminds us that we are called to be a witness of Jesus to all nations, tribes, and languages, and that we should not neglect or ignore the global church. It also encourages us to partner with other churches and organizations working for God’s kingdom and glory.
This passage (Luke 4:1-13, ESV) challenges the church to be a body of Christ that reflects and represents Him faithfully and obediently. It reminds us that we are not separated or alienated from Him, but are united and connected by His Spirit. It also reminds us that we are called to be His bride who loves and honors him and should not be unfaithful or disloyal to Him. It also encourages us to look forward to His return when he will make all things new and reign forever.
FURTHER QUESTIONS
• How does Luke 4:1-13 (ESV) compare and contrast with the parallel accounts of Jesus’s temptation in Matthew 4:1-11 and Mark 1:12-13 (ESV)?
• What are the similarities and differences in the order, content, and purpose of the temptations and responses?
• How does Luke 4:1-13 (ESV) relate to the theme of the Holy Spirit in the Book of Luke and the Book of Acts?
• What role does the Spirit play in Jesus’ life and ministry, and what implications does that have for us as his followers?
• How does Luke 4:1-13 (ESV) illustrate the concept of “the already and not yet” of God’s kingdom?
• What aspects of God’s kingdom are already present and fulfilled in Jesus’ life and ministry, and what aspects are not yet fully realized and await his second coming?
• How does Luke 4:1-13 (ESV) challenge us to examine our temptations and struggles daily?
• What common or specific temptations do we face, and how can we resist them by using God’s word and Spirit?
• How does Luke 4:1-13 (ESV) inspire us to share the good news of Jesus with others, especially those who are poor and oppressed?
• What are some practical ways to show God’s love and justice to those in need, both locally and globally?
References:
Bauer, D. R., & Traina, R. A. (2014). Inductive bible study – a comprehensive guide to the practice of hermeneutics. Baker Publishing Group.
Keener, C. S. (2014). The IVP Bible background commentary: New Testament. Intervarsity Press.
