The Word works…even in your weakest moment (Nurture Notes 004)
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Welcome to this week’s Nurture Note as we continue our exploration of Luke’s gospel. If you missed last week’s where we broke down chapter three, you can click here.
Luke 4 is where we begin to see the start of Jesus’ public ministry - His time had come, and despite being fully divine, it wasn’t without its challenges.
One glance of this chapter reminds us of those famous words in Hebrews 4:15 - “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.”
We often recall in sermons and otherwise, that Jesus was in the wilderness for 40-days, and that he was tempted by the devil. But something which at least I overlook when reading this passage is the fact that the entire forty days was full of temptation (see verse 2). What’s more, he was being tempted and tormented on a completely empty stomach.
Yes this was Jesus, but being both fully God and fully man, he was hungry.
Before we go any further, I think it’s important to recognise and remember that Jesus is not inexperienced nor unaware or unbothered about the struggles you are facing. He sees you, knows you and loves you deeply and delights in you boldly approaching his throne of grace for all of your needs. Don’t let doubt draw you back from his presence. He’s already waiting for you.
Verse 3 is where we first read of the devil speaking to Jesus. However, with the aforementioned 40-days of temptation we’ve just read about, it does leave me wondering whether or not what we read of here is just a snapshot.
There’s no doubt this would have been grueling. Yes, Jesus ultimately knew who was going to ‘win’ and how this was going to turn out, but it didn’t make what he was experiencing in the flesh any easier.
Verse 4 is where we first pick up on what is essentially the theme of this Nurture Note:
Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’”
Referring to Deuteronomy 8:3, Jesus speaks the word of God in the face of his greatest temptation.
How often do we find ourselves reaching for other temporary pleasures when the going gets tough? When we’re faced with temptation or difficulty of any kind, what would it take for us to not only trust, but to speak truth in the face of it?
This is why I’m passionate about sharing the Word of God and believe that God’s called me to it for such a time as this - because if Jesus himself found that referring to scripture during the most testing season of his life is what he needed to do, then we absolutely cannot for a second believe this also isn’t the case for us.
Many of us will be familiar with the narrative that follows. There’s back and forth between Jesus and the enemy. However, quite remarkably and strikingly, rather than ever responding from human emotion or utter frustration, he keeps coming back to God’s word and speaking it out in the face of the tempter. (See verse 8 and verse 12)
What’s important to note here though, is that the enemy is also aware of ‘what is written’. (see verse 10) The difference between him and Jesus though is that the enemy speaking these words was empty. We can take a quick look at James 2:19 to recognise that the enemy believes in God in the sense that he knows He exists. However, what the devil didn’t have on his side in this wilderness moment was the Holy Spirit. The very first verse of Luke 4, for example, indicates that Jesus was full of the Holy Spirit, even before he entered the wilderness.
Ultimately, the devil realises he’s not going to win. However, note that this doesn’t mean he gives up entirely. Check verse 13: “When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.”
An opportune time. From the Greek root word ‘kairos’, this phrase is used a number of times throughout scripture, including by Jesus himself. It refers in part to that notion of ‘due season’, which we began discussing last week.
It certainly begs the question as to when the enemy might see it as ‘due season’ to feel he has the authority to try me! (Remember 1 Peter 5:8), but also gives me all the more reason to stand firm on the truth of God’s word, abiding in His presence and trusting that no weapon formed against me will prosper. To get there though, even mentally, we must first learn to be still before him so as to receive his guidance and his perfect will.
Despite this huge showdown, Jesus returns to his hometown ‘in the power of the Spirit’ (see verse 14). Going to the synagogue, he refers to Isaiah and other areas of scripture (from verse 17-27), but he’s met with frustration and fury.
Do you ever find that those who are supposedly closest to you are those who it’s perhaps most challenging to reach? One look at this chapter will remind you that you’re in some of the best company in Jesus. Remember what we discussed at the beginning of this Nurture Note? He’s our great high priest - look to him for guidance in the midst of difficulty which might look and feel like this. He is with you in it all and is your ever-present help.
The rest of the chapter recounts some of Jesus’ healings and miracles. I want to draw our attention to verse 32 as we wrap up:
“They were amazed at his teaching, because his words had authority.”
These were people used to hearing teaching. However, something about what Jesus was saying and perhaps even how he was saying it, struck a chord. While Jesus could have of course gotten caught up in the pomp and pleasantries of being celebrated and championed, he was solely focused on what he was there to do. Verse 43 makes that clear:
But he said, “I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent.”
This wasn't about pomp and presentation - this was about purpose. Which most certainly gives me pause for thought as I think about why I'm called and what for, at this time, in this season. How about you?
As ever, we’re exploring these concepts more deeply as we dwell on the passage with daily journal prompts, a private podcast and a group chat over in Rooted Rhythms. Not a member yet? Why not?! There’s so much for you to sink your teeth into - not in a way which means you’re doing more, instead, in a way which means you’re more grounded and available for growth. Click HERE to learn more. I’d love to see you on the inside.
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