Luke, Chapter 4
Image inspired by the Parable of the Sower (Luke 8). Dancer, Tessa Priem
Welcome to week four of Luke/Acts 2020! Our structure is the same as week three: 1) I give an introduction to the reading, 2) there's a recording of me reading the chapter, 3) followed by questions & an explanation; 4) I'll post a hymn that you can read if you'd like, and 5) we'll close with a prayer. If you have a Bible, open it to Luke, chapter four. If not, you can find Luke chapter four online. Let's get started! And if you have questions or thoughts at the end, leave a comment or send me an email.
1) Introduction: We've so far emphasized that this Gospel was written for Theophilus. Was Theophilus a specific person, or a generic term for "friends of God," we don't know (though I like to imagine a particular person). We do know, however, that Luke traveled with the Apostle Paul, that he was a doctor, and that he carefully researched his Gospel. We also know his intention for writing: so that Theophilus would be sure of his faith. So Luke begins by telling of the miraculous conception and birth of John the Baptist (Lk, 1), and the miraculous conception and birth of Jesus (Lk , 2). In chapter three, he shared the ministry of John the Baptist and of how John baptized Jesus (as you recall, the Spirit descended on Jesus, and the Father declared Jesus to be his Son). To close chapter three, Luke gave a genealogy to show that Jesus actually was the Son of God (just as the Father spoke of him). Now, we're ready for chapter four. Let's go!
2) Recording: Here is a humble recording of Luke, chapter four.
| luke_4.m4a |
3) Explanation & Questions: What stood out to you from chapter four? What was your favorite part & why? What was the most challenging to read, and why? After Jesus was anointed with the Spirit at his baptism, his ministry officially began. He was tempted by Satan and began preaching in synagogues that were in Judea. Fame about him spread because of his word & miracles, but also, from the start, he faced opposition. For digging deeper, see my Google Doc that discusses specific verses and terms; scroll down to chapter four's notes!
4) Hymn: Here is a reading of the hymn "Oh Lord, throughout These Forty Days." The lyrics are below if you'd like to read them :)
| oh_lord_throughout_these_forty_days.m4a |
O Lord, throughout these forty days You prayed and kept the fast;
Inspire repentance for our sin, And free us from our past.
You strove with Satan, and You won; Your faithfulness endured;
Lend us Your nerve, Your skill and trust In God's eternal Word.
Though parched and hungry, yet You prayed And fixed Your mind above;
So teach us to deny ourselves, Since we have known God's love.
Be with us through this season, Lord, And all our earthly days,
That when the final Easter dawns, We join in heaven's praise.
Note: This text comes from the 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship. I do not have permission to use it. I chose it because this text is applicable to our reading, and it is difficult to find hymns that reference Jesus's temptation & fasting.
Inspire repentance for our sin, And free us from our past.
You strove with Satan, and You won; Your faithfulness endured;
Lend us Your nerve, Your skill and trust In God's eternal Word.
Though parched and hungry, yet You prayed And fixed Your mind above;
So teach us to deny ourselves, Since we have known God's love.
Be with us through this season, Lord, And all our earthly days,
That when the final Easter dawns, We join in heaven's praise.
Note: This text comes from the 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship. I do not have permission to use it. I chose it because this text is applicable to our reading, and it is difficult to find hymns that reference Jesus's temptation & fasting.
5) Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you that Jesus was strong enough to not be outwitted by Satan. Thank you that people were moved by Your Son, by the words he said. We're sorry that in his hometown, people were upset. Thank you for the demon-possessed man he cured and for Simon's mother-in-law. And most of all, thank you that Jesus fulfilled his purpose: He took the good news of Your Kingdom to the towns of Judea & Galilee. Be with us this week and work through Your Word in our lives. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Disclaimer: I should mention I do not have copyright permission regarding the particular Bible I'm using. I am reading an ESV edition in this recording. The majority of hymns I choose are in the public domain, and I reference the Lutheran Service Book a lot. If you'd like to follow me and learn more about what I do, especially dance-wise, you can find me on Facebook, Instagram & YouTube. You can also sign up for my monthly email list, which will fully keep you in the loop! I will be posting these devotions each Friday. May they be a blessing to you. Enjoy the journey! Have a wonderful week. -Tessa
P.S. If you'd like to learn about my solo dance show, click here. It's my life story danced out. I am also currently writing my autobiography, and you can read some of it here.
P.S. If you'd like to learn about my solo dance show, click here. It's my life story danced out. I am also currently writing my autobiography, and you can read some of it here.
