Before describing
Jesus’ ministry, Luke pauses to explain why Jesus is qualified to be the
Messiah. First, and perhaps most importantly, God approved Jesus as His Son
(3:22). This event echoed Messianic prophecies found in the Jewish Scriptures
(Psalm 2:7 and Isaiah 42:1-4). Second, Jesus had the correct lineage. He was a
descendant of David, as the Messiah was promised to be (2 Samuel 7:13-16, Psalm
89:3-4). Further, Luke ties Jesus’ lineage all the way to Adam. This indicates
that Jesus was qualified to represent all people before God – not just the Jews
(as all people descend from Adam, but not all descend from Abraham). Finally,
Luke points to Jesus’ perfection, giving Jesus moral authority to be the
Messiah. Jesus descended from Adam just as we did. He emptied Himself of His
divinity (Philippians 2:6-7) and functioned as a normal human being. However,
He did not fall to temptation (4:1-13). He resisted the devil by trusting
wholeheartedly in the Word of God. In this passage we see Jesus contrasted to
the rest of humanity. People were baptized by John to symbolize their
repentance from sin. Jesus did not need to be baptized to turn from His own
sins as He had none! Rather, in being baptized Jesus identified Himself with
regular people and demonstrated His readiness to lay down His life for them.
Journaling and Prayer
1. 1
Corinthians 10:13 says “No
temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond
your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape,
that you may be able to endure it” (ESV). Look back at how Jesus responded to
temptation. What can you learn from Him?
2. The
enemy often chooses to tempt us when we are at our weakest (hungry, tired, lonely,
etc.). The enemy used this same strategy on Jesus (4:2). Think about the times
when you are at your weakest. Ask God for His wisdom on how to withstand
temptation at those times.
3. Pray
for our government. They have a crucial role in society and there is great
pressure on Christians to lay down their values and take up the opinions of the
world. Ask God to empower these leaders with strength, wisdom and boldness in
the face of temptation. Ask that they would place their hope and confidence in
God alone.
