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 and an explanation. 4) I'll post a hymn that you can read. 5) We'll close with a prayer. Easy-peasy. If you have a Bible, great. Open it to Luke, chapter four. If not, you can find Luke chapter four online. Let's get started!
1) Introduction: Now that we're on chapter four, let's do a quick recap of Luke chapters 1-3, shall we? We've emphasized that Luke's Gospel was written for Theophilus. Was Theophilus a specific person, or did the name refer to all "friends of God"? We don't know for sure. Though, I told you, I like to imagine that it was written for a particular individual (it's more personal that way).
We do know that Luke traveled with the Apostle Paul, he was a doctor, and carefully researched this writing (hopefully, you can notice through observing his intricate detail).
We also know Luke's intention for writing: he wrote so that Theophilus would be certain of his faith. Thus, Luke begins by telling about the conception and birth of John the Baptist (Luke, 1), the miraculous conception and birth of Jesus (Luke, 2), and the ministry of John the Baptist — how John baptized Christ (Luke, 3).
With that, we're ready to begin chapter four: examining the beginning of Jesus' ministry. This is a big deal, so let's go!
We do know that Luke traveled with the Apostle Paul, he was a doctor, and carefully researched this writing (hopefully, you can notice through observing his intricate detail).
We also know Luke's intention for writing: he wrote so that Theophilus would be certain of his faith. Thus, Luke begins by telling about the conception and birth of John the Baptist (Luke, 1), the miraculous conception and birth of Jesus (Luke, 2), and the ministry of John the Baptist — how John baptized Christ (Luke, 3).
With that, we're ready to begin chapter four: examining the beginning of Jesus' ministry. This is a big deal, so let's go!
2) Recording: Here's a recording of Luke, chapter four. I read and my kids speak at the end.
| luke_4.m4a |
3) Explanation & Questions: What stood out to you from chapter four? What was your favorite part and why? Were any verses challenging? After Jesus was anointed by the Spirit, his ministry officially began: he was led into the wilderness and tempted by Satan. Afterward, he began preaching in the synagogues in Judea. Fame regarding him spread because of his words and miracles, but he faced opposition from the start.
For digging deeper into chapter four, see my Google Doc that discusses specific verses and terms. Be sure to scroll down to chapter four's notes, beginning on page 22!
For digging deeper into chapter four, see my Google Doc that discusses specific verses and terms. Be sure to scroll down to chapter four's notes, beginning on page 22!
4) Hymn: Here's a reading of the hymn "Oh Lord, throughout These Forty Days." The lyrics are below to read.
| 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 don't have permission to use it.
I chose this text since it's applicable to our reading, and it's difficult finding hymns referencing Jesus's fasting and temptation.
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 don't have permission to use it.
I chose this text since it's applicable to our reading, and it's difficult finding hymns referencing Jesus's fasting and temptation.
5) Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you that Jesus was strong. Satan did not outwit him. Thank you that people were moved by your Son. We're sorry that, in his hometown, people were upset. This easily happens when we don't understand your purposes. Thank you for healing the demon-possessed man and Simon's mother-in-law. Most of all, thank you that Jesus fulfilled his purpose: he took the good news of your kingdom to the towns of Judea and Galilee. Be with us this week and work through your Word so we may be transformed and renewed. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.
Disclaimer: I should mention I do not have copyright permission regarding the particular Bible I'm using. I'm reading an ESV edition in this recording. Most of the hymns I choose are in the public domain.
If you'd like to follow me and learn more about what I do, especially dance-wise, you can find me on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. If you'd like to know about my solo dance show or read my bio, click here (you can learn about my life story danced out)! I'm also writing my autobiography, and you can read about that journey. Most of all, I look forward to you studying the books of Luke and Acts and learning about Jesus. Enjoy!
If you'd like to follow me and learn more about what I do, especially dance-wise, you can find me on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. If you'd like to know about my solo dance show or read my bio, click here (you can learn about my life story danced out)! I'm also writing my autobiography, and you can read about that journey. Most of all, I look forward to you studying the books of Luke and Acts and learning about Jesus. Enjoy!
