CHAPTER 4
Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry. Luke 4:1-2
After his baptism Jesus was full of the Holy Spirit. Both Luke and Matthew tell us that Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness. Mark is even more expressive. He says that Jesus was “driven” by the Spirit there (Mk. 1:12). Some may have the impression that he was tempted only three times. However, Luke here makes clear that he was tempted all forty days.
Bock comments; “Most lives have a moment of truth, a crossroads where one’s mettle is tested and one’s character emerges…During the Exodus, the Israelite nation failed this test. Jesus succeeds where Israel failed…What Adam failed to do as representative of all humanity Jesus succeeds in doing.” 1 This is a most sacred story and it must have come from Jesus’ own lips as he later told it to his disciples.2
We note here that Jesus was fasting the entire forty days. It is not impossible to fast forty days and some people have done this today. However, it is not possible to do without water for forty days. In fact, to go without water as much as three or four days can severely damage a person’s health. Under certain circumstances a person might live a week with no water intake, as is sometimes seen with dying bed-patients.3 We have no indication that Jesus did without water. It is good for us to understand that Jesus’ temptations were real. He was clothed with flesh, just like we are. Guzik says of him, “…in many ways, Jesus’ temptations were more real and more severe. For us, often times the pressure of temptation only relents when we give in – and Jesus never did.” 4
So Jesus ate nothing for forty days. In the Bible the number forty was a common period for testing and trials (Gen. 7:4; Exo. 24:18; 1 Kgs. 19:8; Jon. 3:4).5 We remember that the Hebrew children were tested forty years in the wilderness, and Moses fasted forty days on the mountain. At this time Jesus was empty of food but full of the Spirit. Wiersbe says, “It is better to be hungry in the will of God than satisfied out of the will of God.” 6 We need to remember that Christ was tempted at all points exactly as we are and yet he remained without sin (Heb. 4:15).
“The devil said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread’” (4:3). It seems that the devil always chooses to hit us at our weak points. Jesus was very hungry and no doubt physically weak. We must always take note of our spiritual gauges rather than our physical ones. Undue attention to our physical needs can make animals out of us. My dad always told of such a man in one of the great Mississippi River floods. The little children were waiting in lines for food from the relief workers when a man reached over the lines and said, “I’ll take those eggs,” and he promptly took them, almost out of the plates of the little children. When we act in such a way we lose the special dignity that the Lord has bestowed upon us all.7
At the heart of the devil’s temptation was whether or not Jesus would use his miraculous powers for his own benefit. Jesus would not consider such a thing. We should note here that the devil by his statement admitted that Jesus is the Son of God. It is amazing that the devil and his demons all knew who Jesus was but his own people did not know. Even his own disciples had a difficult time realizing this fact.
There are some Christians around today who feel that a saint of God should not be deprived of anything. Some feel that only a person’s sin and unbelief can cause things like hunger and sickness. Jesus suffered and sometimes we are called upon to suffer. “Dr. Edward Judson, after considering what his father, Adoniram Judson, suffered in Burma said, ‘If we succeed without suffering, it is because others have suffered before us. If we suffer without success, it is that others may succeed after us.’” 8
“Jesus answered, It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone’” (4:4). It is amazing how Jesus in his temptation stood on the word of God and the word alone. This reminds us of Billy Graham’s oft repeated phrase: “God said it; I believe it; and that settles it!” Here the Lord is quoting form Deuteronomy 8:3. We would save ourselves a lot of trouble today if we too would stand on God’s word in our bouts with the adversary. We must remember that while everything else sinks and fades away the word of the Lord stands forever (Isa. 40:8).
THE TEMPTATION TO BE GREAT
The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. Luke 4:5
Jesus always took the lowly path of a servant. He said himself, “For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted” (14:11). “God’s pattern is to start with suffering and end with glory (1 Peter 5:1), while Satan’s pattern is to start with glory and end with suffering.” 9 We see here that the devil led Jesus to a high place. It is good to understand that temptation itself is not sin. The sin comes when we yield to temptation.
The devil was about to present Jesus with a cross-less conquest of the world. Jesus was tempted several times afterward to go this route. The Jews would have loved him if he had chosen to play the part of conqueror, led an army and defeated the Romans. Jesus knew that such an approach would not bring true salvation and deliverance.
“And he said to him, ‘I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. If you worship me, it will all be yours’” (4:6-7). The devil here offers Jesus a shortcut for his ministry. It is a road without suffering, but Jesus knows that he must suffer to enter his glory (24:25-26). We note here how the devil claims a certain authority over all of earth’s kingdoms. Since the fall of humanity the devil does have a certain usurped authority as the prince or ruler of this world (Jn. 12:31; 14:30; 16:11; 2 Cor. 4:4; Eph. 2:2; 1 Jn. 5:19). However, Jesus knows that his authority would end and the Father would ultimately place all authority in his own hands (Matt. 28:18). That authority would only be gained after the Cross.
The Lord understood something that we sometimes fail to understand. The Lord knew that Satan was a liar and the Father of Lies (Jn. 8:44). Lies are the devil’s native language. All the devil’s great promises have a way of turning to dust and ashes.
“Jesus answered, ‘It is written: Worship the Lord your God and serve him only’” (4:8). Once again Jesus chooses to stand on the word of God. He selects another great passage from Deuteronomy 6:13. Jesus knows that to stand on the word is to stand on the rock. Sometimes I ask people whom I am counseling, “Are you standing on the rock today or are you treading water?”
It is clear that Satan desires our worship. If he cannot have that, his next best thing is to turn our worship away from God to any form of an idol. It should be our great joy to worship the True God and serve him only. We should never willingly absent ourselves from the Lord’s worshipping assembly.
A “SIGNS AND WONDERS” MINISTRY
The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down from here. For it is written: ‘He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’” Jesus answered, “It is said: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” Luke 4:9-12
Commentators are pretty much in agreement that the highest point of the temple was the far southeastern corner of the outer court wall that looked down upon the very deep Kidron Valley. This valley floor was some 300 feet (91 m.) below. While this corner of the outer wall is high and very impressive we should note that it is quite far removed from the temple complex itself. It is also far from where the worshipping crowds of people would be assembled. This proposed sign was obviously designed to awe the watching crowds. There is a far more logical site on the southwest corner of the temple wall called the “place of trumpeting.” Here the trumpets were blown to direct the people. This also is a very high spot with good access to worshippers. Interestingly, a stone has been found at this spot with the inscription “to the place of trumpeting.” 10
The devil’s temptation here has reference to Psalm 91:11-12. While Jesus knew the angels would surely save his life, he knew that one should not test the Lord (Deut. 6:16).
Apparently, there was a rabbinic teaching that the Messiah would reveal himself on the temple roof.11 Such a spectacular show would no doubt get the attention and admiration of many Jewish people. They would instantly hail him as the Messiah. However, numerous folks saw Jesus’ miracles and still walked away in unbelief. Jesus knew that miracles and faith were a good combination but miracles without faith would only lead to a show with little result. Of course, miracle seekers always want a bigger miracle, and the cycle is endless.
Wiersbe says, “The first Adam was tempted in a beautiful garden and failed. The Last Adam was tempted in a dangerous wilderness (Mk. 1:13) and succeeded. We have at our disposal the same spiritual resources that Jesus used when he faced and defeated Satan: prayer (Lk. 3:22), the Father’s love (Lk. 3:23), the power of the Spirit (Lk. 4:1), and the Word of God (‘it is written’). Plus, we have in heaven the interceding Savior who has defeated the enemy completely.” 12
Our Lord resisted this temptation as well as all the other ones. The Bible does say “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (Jas. 4:7). This is a rule we sometimes forget. When we stand up to the devil he runs away. When we resist his temptation we gain strength for the next bout with him. Once again Jesus stood on the word of God and triumphed over the devil.
“When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time” (4:13). Pett comments: “The devil has to acknowledge defeat and retires to lick his wounds while Jesus advances triumphantly into Galilee to preach and heal” (4:13-15). 13
We need to stretch our minds and try to understand the battle that went on in the wilderness. There was a great cosmic struggle going on during the Lord’s temptation. The first Adam had wilted under the Satanic assault but the Last Adam stood firm. The devil was in the earth before the fall of man as indicated by the tree of good and evil and by the tempting serpent. Sin had already invaded the heavenly realms and it was present on earth. This may account for the apparent death of natural creatures before the fall of man. In a real sense, the wellbeing of the universe was at stake in the wilderness temptation. While Adam and Eve doubted the word, Jesus stood on it and defied the devil. This was something new under the sun. This was a sure hope for a restored humanity and a new heaven and earth filled with righteousness. This was a sure sign that Satan was finished. He had met a real man and he wilted away this time! From the wilderness Jesus went to the Galilee in the power of the Spirit to begin the greatest and most successful ministry in the history of the world.
JESUS IS REJECTED IN HIS HOME TOWN
Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. He was teaching in their synagogues, and everyone praised him. Luke 4:14-15.
The Galilee takes its name from the Hebrew word for “circle.” The rabbis thought this meaning came from the fact that the Galilee was encircled by Gentiles.14 Even today the Galilee has about as many Gentiles in it as it has Jews.
It appears here that Jesus was beginning his ministry in the Galilee. However, in John’s gospel it is clear that Jesus first did some ministry in Judea, along the southern reaches of the Jordan River. It is also clear that he ministered for a brief time while John the Baptist was still conducting his work in that area. He even called some of his disciples while there (Jn. 1:35-42; cf. 3:22f.). After that, he left for the Galilee. He was returning to the Galilee so it is clear that he had been there before in ministry at Capernaum and other places.
In spite of the large population of Gentiles, there were still many Jewish people living in the Galilee. The Jewish historian Josephus noted that there were many heavily populated cities and villages and with a total population of some three million. Josephus felt that the people delighted in seditions and insurrections and were of a quick temper.15
It seems like at first the Galileans greeted Jesus warmly. However, Utley comments concerning this saying: “…The Gospels record Jesus’ popularity with the common people in the local Galilean synagogues. But they also record a growing opposition from the religious leaders.” 16
“He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read,” (4:16). McGee remarks, “I can now fill in one day of the silent years of Christ’s earthly life…I know that every seventh day he went to the synagogue.” 17 Jesus not only attended the synagogue regularly, but he was in the habit of reading the word of God there.
Nazareth was a small town. In our comments on 1:26-27, we gave a population estimate of 1600-2000 people. However, archaeologists Rousseau and Arav have a much smaller estimate of only 500 inhabitants.18 Scholars feel the small city was partly sustained by the larger and newer Roman city of Sepphoris, only some 3.5 miles (5.6 km.) away.
We cannot tell if this was his first and only visit to Nazareth after beginning his ministry. Some scholars feel that he may have ministered there twice.19 We can only say that if Jesus returned to Nazareth after this visit he was a very brave man.
The synagogue was an institution that developed during the Babylonian captivity, and it continued on even after the second temple was built. It was the center of Jewish life and worship as well as a place for the education of youth. It is significant that this is the earliest description we have of a synagogue service.20 The ancient service seems to have consisted of the Shema (Deut. 6:4-9), of prayers, the parashah, which was a reading from the law, and the haphtarah, which was a reading from the prophets. The readings were in Hebrew but with a running translation into the vernacular. Afterward, a sermon was delivered by the speaker. The meeting closed with a blessing.21 It was customary for the speaker to stand for the reading and to sit for the teaching. In synagogues today much of this pattern still persists.
Luke continues: “and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: ‘The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor’” (4:17-19). Jesus was handed the scroll of the prophet Isaiah and he promptly unrolled the scroll to the passage in Isaiah 61:1-2. He obviously did not choose this particular scroll but he was filled with the Spirit and prepared to teach on the whole of God’s word. It is only in Luke that this reading is brought out and only here that the year of the Lord’s favor is proclaimed. The year of favor probably spoke of the Jubilee year that came every fifty years. During that special time, debts were forgiven and slaves were set free (Lev. 25:8-17). It is interesting that Jesus did not mention the rest of this Isaiah passage which spoke of the day of vengeance.22
“Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him” (4:20). The Greek word for fastened is the word atenizō, and it means to fasten or fix intently. 23 Obviously, his hometown people were all staring at him.
“He began by saying to them, ‘Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing’” (4:21). This is what Jesus began to say, but Luke does not see fit to record his whole teaching. This in itself was a rather astounding statement. By saying that the Spirit of the Lord was upon him Jesus was clearly claiming to be the Anointed One or the Messiah.24
A PEOPLE WITH MIXED EMOTIONS
All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips. “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?” they asked. Luke 4:22
The hometown people were obviously impressed because of Jesus’ gracious words. Yet, they could not forget that he was just a carpenter’s son. In those days, religious teachers were expected to have studied under some great rabbi. Jesus did not have degrees behind his name and the people were not able to get over this fact.
I remember in my pastorate on the western slope of Colorado that I encountered an amazing man. He was of Native American background and was totally uneducated. When he was converted he could not read English so his wife had to read the Bible to him. Yet, this man was highly knowledgeable in the scriptures. He could put normal Christians to shame with his understanding. Although I was a seminary graduate, I could not begin to stand up to the biblical wisdom of this uneducated and unlettered man!
We see a quick progression here with Jesus and his hometown people. Coffman says, “The more the people thought of what Jesus said, the less they appreciated it.” 25 Caird tracks Jesus’ welcome in Nazareth saying that he was: “…greeted first with enthusiasm and then with doubt, and finally is threatened with mob violence… The rest of the gospel is simply the working out of this program.” 26
“Jesus said to them, ‘Surely you will quote this proverb to me: Physician, heal yourself!’ And you will tell me, ‘Do here in your hometown what we have heard that you did in Capernaum’” (4:23). There were apparently murmurs that Jesus had not worked wonderful miracles of healing in his hometown. Although, we do read in Mark 6:5 that he healed a few sick folks there. Obviously, Nazareth was not Jesus’ first stop in the Galilee as we have said. He had gone to Capernaum and other places and worked some astounding miracles already. The saying “Physician, heal yourself” was a way of saying, “Do a miracle!” 27
Often we in the West find ourselves in a tizzy trying to make chronological sense of the gospels. We must understand that the thinking in biblical days was much unlike the thinking in modern times. Utley tries to clarify this saying: “…The difficulty modern western readers and commentators face in trying to understand the gospels is that we assume they are chronological, detailed, sequential, cause-and-effect, modern histories, which they are not.” 28 Biblical writers could write with a theme in mind and they could pick and choose events according to that theme.
“‘Truly I tell you,’ he continued, ‘no prophet is accepted in his hometown’” (4:24). Jesus was quick to pick up on the tension that was rising among his former neighbors (cf. Matt. 13:55-57). Augustine once said, “They love truth when it enlightens them, but hate truth when it accuses them.” 29 There is the old saying, “familiarity breeds contempt.” The American Episcopal clergyman, Phillips Brooks, clarifies this a bit saying: “Familiarity breeds contempt, only with contemptible things or among contemptible people.” 30
“I assure you that there were many widows in Israel in Elijah’s time, when the sky was shut for three and a half years and there was a severe famine throughout the land. Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them, but to a widow in Zarephath in the region of Sidon” (4:25-26). This Old Testament story is recounted in 1 Kings 17:9ff. God took care of Elijah in this three and one-half year famine, but he ultimately sent him to Gentile lands for his care. This was one of the many hints in scripture that the gospel would ultimately go forth to the Gentiles. In fact, Israel was instructed to be a light to the Gentiles (Isa. 42:6). Unfortunately, Israel had failed in this task and the Messiah would have to complete it (Isa. 49:6). Israel’s attitude toward Gentiles had hardened over the centuries and at this point there was much distrust and hatred displayed. In the remainder of Luke’s passage we see how deep and violent this hatred of Gentiles had become.
The city that Luke mentions here (Zarephath) in the Greek is Sarepta (1 Kings 17:9). It was located between the Gentile cities of Tyre and Sidon.31 Although Jesus was sent to the House of Israel, he would later take his disciples and minister in this very area (Matt. 15:21f.).
“And there were many in Israel with leprosy in the time of Elisha the prophet, yet not one of them was cleansed— only Naaman the Syrian” (4:27). Naaman was a high military officer in the army that was opposing Israel (2 Ki. 5:1-27). Yet, he was obedient and came to Elisha the Prophet for healing. The essence of this scenario could no doubt be summed up with the words “God dispenses his benefits when, where, and to whom he pleases.” 32
REACTION OF THE TOWNSPEOPLE
All the people in the synagogue were furious when they heard this. Luke 4:28
Guzik tells the story of one pastor who said of his church, “ I’ve got 100 active members. 50 are active for me, and 50 are active against me.” 33 It appears that Jesus had more impressive statistics, with almost 100 percent against him. Pett comments: “We have here the second indication that God’s purposes are not going to go smoothly but are going to meet up with resistance. John is now in prison (Lk. 3:20), and the life of Jesus is threatened.” 34
“They got up, drove him out of the town, and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw him off the cliff” (4:29). It is not so much that Nazareth is built on a hill. Rather, it is built on the edge of a high ridge overlooking the Jezreel Valley. The city towers above the valley with an elevation of 1138 feet (347 m.). It is clear from the description here that the townspeople apprehended Jesus and took him to the edge of this ridge. Their idea was to push him off this steep rocky ridge. It could be that they had stoning in mind. This was usually carried out by pushing the victims off a ridge and then dropping heavy stones upon them until they were dead.
“But he walked right through the crowd and went on his way” (4:30). This scene is quite amazing. The whole town has gathered around him. No doubt the town’s thugs have a firm grip on Jesus as they approach the cliff. Yet, Jesus simply walks through the crowd and goes on his way. Guzik says of this scene: “…. They wanted a miracle, and Jesus did an unexpected one right in front of them, escaping miraculously.” 35
JESUS’ MINISTRY AT CAPERNAUM
Then he went down to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and on the Sabbath he taught the people. Luke 4:31
John’s gospel tells us that Jesus, with his mother, brothers and disciples, went to Capernaum early. The city was about 20 miles (32 km.) northeast from Nazareth as the crow flies. No doubt it was at that time that Jesus chose the city as his ministry headquarters (Jn. 2:12). We might wonder why he chose Capernaum. The Sea of Galilee is the lowest fresh water lake on earth with a level of around 686 feet (209 m.) below sea level. The climate around the lake is sub-tropical and very pleasant most of the year. Undoubtedly, it was much more pleasant than Nazareth in the winter. Perhaps Jesus liked to fish. The lake would have afforded much of that.
The real reason for this ministry move is found in the word of God. In Isaiah 9:1-2 we read: “Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan—The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.” Nazareth was in the ancient tribal land of Zebulun, while Capernaum was in the tribal land of Naphtali.
Thus Jesus completely fulfilled the ancient prophecy of Isaiah. Galilee was called “Galilee of the nations” because so many Gentile people lived there. Capernaum was located on the ancient road called “The Way of the Sea.” A Roman mile marker is still seen in the ruins of the city. The Jordan River is mentioned in the prophecy because it was only a short distance from Capernaum. Jesus ministered back and forth across the Jordan. The prophet knew that a great light would shine in that area and that light was Jesus.
“They were amazed at his teaching, because his words had authority” (4:32). When the Jewish rabbis taught they were careful to cite rabbinical authorities. In the Mishnah, R. Eliezer said: “nor have I ever in my life said a thing which I did not hear from my teachers.” 36 Jesus never cited authorities because he was the authority. It was he who in his pre-existent state made heaven and earth. In several places he would say “You have heard…but I say unto you.” (Matt. 5:21, 22, 28, 32, 34, 39, 44). Marshall notes concerning the people, “The reaction to Jesus’ teaching is the same as that to his mighty works (9:43).” 37
“In the synagogue there was a man possessed by a demon, an impure spirit. He cried out at the top of his voice, ‘Go away! What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are— the Holy One of God!’” (4:33-34). As we have mentioned, the demons were always quick to recognize Jesus as God’s Son. James would later say that even the devils believe and tremble (Jas. 2:19).
One aspect of the belief in Modernism was the idea that there was no supernatural realm of either angels or demons. Many older American Christians grew up greatly influenced by this belief. We could pity the missionaries trained in this environment who went to pagan lands where they immediately encountered the supernatural realm of demons. Demons are real. Guthrie says, “The presence of an evil, supernatural power cannot be rationalized away…” 38 The great pastor and leader, F. B. Meyer comments that Jesus was “… not only seen of angels but closely watched by fallen spirits, who beheld his every act and listened to every word…” 39
“‘Be quiet!’ Jesus said sternly. ‘Come out of him!’ Then the demon threw the man down before them all and came out without injuring him” (4:35). It is always amazing that Jesus would not quibble with demons and neither would he receive testimony from them. Yet, some exorcists today listen to demons, argue with them and even believe them. Jesus’ expression “Be quiet!” is the Greek imperative meaning “be muzzled.” 40 The demon came out without hurting the man and that must have been of interest to Dr. Luke.41
“All the people were amazed and said to each other, ‘What words these are! With authority and power he gives orders to impure spirits and they come out!’ And the news about him spread throughout the surrounding area” (4:36-37). Bock remarks: “…miracles are audiovisuals of deeper realities…miracles unveil the deep cosmic struggle between the forces of evil and Jesus.” 42 These people were used to exorcism, but it was usually a long and messy process involving incantations, formulae, physical props, and the use of powerful names. They had never met a person who could get rid of demons by the word of his own authority. 43
JESUS’ OTHER HEALINGS
Jesus left the synagogue and went to the home of Simon. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they asked Jesus to help her. So he bent over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. She got up at once and began to wait on them.” Luke 4:38-39
This passage makes it very plain that Simon Peter was a married man (cf. 1 Cor. 9:5). We wonder how these disciples could care for their wives and large families after committing themselves wholly to follow Jesus. We do know from experience that Jesus somehow makes a way for his faithful ones.
Here we see that Peter’s mother-in-law was living with him. On the other hand, Peter may have been living with his mother-in-law. That crowded little house was apparently also the home-base of Jesus in his ministry. Jesus apparently went there immediately after his visit to the synagogue. The traditional Peter’s House is scarcely forty meters from the synagogue.44 Undoubtedly, the synagogue is still in its original place because underneath the fourth or fifth century white limestone synagogue of today one can still see the black basalt foundation of the earlier building.
Upon arriving at Peter’s house Jesus immediately healed his mother-in-law, who was suffering from a fever. She quickly arose and began to serve them.
“At sunset, the people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of sickness, and laying his hands on each one, he healed them” (4:40). The crowds bringing their sick and afflicted apparently waited until the Sabbath was over before they came to Jesus. Likely they did not want to be found bearing burdens on the holy day.45 They no doubt crowded into Peter’s house and courtyard. The house itself was small according to sketches presented by archaeologist Rami Arav. In these sketches, the main part of Peter’s house at Capernaum would have measured only some 3-4 meters on each side.46 It would therefore have been only the size of a rather small US bedroom or roughly 9 to13 feet.
It is very possible that some of this activity was taking place in an adjoining courtyard. A quick look around the ruins of Capernaum will reveal that many of the houses had courtyards. Jesus laid hands on the people and healed them all. While the laying on of hands for healing was practiced by Jesus, it was not a custom of Judaism before this time.47 We cannot help but remember the words of Isaiah 53:4 here: “Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted.”
“Moreover, demons came out of many people, shouting, ‘You are the Son of God!’ But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew he was the Messiah” (4:41). Again we note that the demons recognized Jesus as God’s Son while the people and even the disciples did not realize this. Jesus would not accept their testimony. He did not wish to be in league with them as he had been falsely charged (cf. Matt. 12:24).48
“At daybreak, Jesus went out to a solitary place. The people were looking for him and when they came to where he was, they tried to keep him from leaving them” (4:42). Jesus was undoubtedly tired and weary but he still managed to keep his early divine appointment. We could all take a lesson from his devotion. The people gave him no peace but pursued him in order to keep him with them longer. The Greek language of this section in Mark seems to indicate that Jesus was being hunted for selfish purposes. It has been pointed out that the Greek word used here “looked for” or “pursued” (katadiokein) has the meaning of “hunted.” The people themselves were also “looking for” Jesus (Gk. zetein). Interestingly, the ten times this last verb is used in Mark’s gospel it carries negative connotations. Perhaps the disciples as well as the people were seeking Jesus in some attempt to control or otherwise “use” him rather than to come and submit themselves to him.49
“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.’ And he kept on preaching in the synagogues of Judea’” (4:43-44). The other gospels make plain that Jesus and his disciples visited many of the towns in the Galilee. The mention of Judea here has puzzled commentators over the years. Jesus was a long way from Judea at this time. Commentators generally feel that “Judea” is a reference to Israel as a whole and that the point is theological and not geographical.50
This is the first mention of the kingdom of God in Luke’s gospel. This was the theme of Jesus’ preaching in all the gospels. It speaks of the complete rule of God in the individual life and the effect of that rule in society and ultimately throughout the world.