Archives for 2025

Book of Luke

Chapter 15

The Parables of the Lost Sheep, Coin, and Son

Luke 15 powerfully portrays God’s boundless mercy and the joy of heavenly redemption. It assures us that no one is too lost for God’s loving reach or beyond the scope of His welcoming embrace. It challenges our attitudes towards those viewed as ‘sinners’ and convicts any self-righteous tendencies within us. Ultimately, these parables affirm that every individual’s repentance and restoration is cause for divine rejoicing. 

The Parable of the Lost Coin (Verses 8-10)

8 Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it?9 And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost.10 Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.

A woman loses one of her ten silver coins and diligently searches her house until she finds it. She then calls her friends and neighbors to rejoice with her. This parable emphasizes the value of each individual to God and the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents.

The woman who loses one of her ten silver coins diligently searches until she finds it, symbolizing God’s thorough and persistent search for the lost.

In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents (Luke 15:10). This underscores the heavenly celebration over repentance.

Rejoice with others when they turn back to God, understanding the immense joy it brings to the Father.

Encourage and support those who are on their journey back to faith. (https://biblehub.com/chaptersummaries/luke/15.htm)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Book of Luke

Chapter 15

The Parables of the Lost Sheep, Coin, and Son

Luke 15 powerfully portrays God’s boundless mercy and the joy of heavenly redemption. It assures us that no one is too lost for God’s loving reach or beyond the scope of His welcoming embrace. It challenges our attitudes towards those viewed as ‘sinners’ and convicts any self-righteous tendencies within us. Ultimately, these parables affirm that every individual’s repentance and restoration is cause for divine rejoicing. 

The Parable of the Lost Sheep  (Verses 1-7)                                                  

Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him.2 And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.3 And he spake this parable unto them, saying,4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?5 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.6 And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

Jesus tells a parable about a shepherd who leaves ninety-nine sheep to find one that is lost, emphasizing the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents.

Jesus begins with the parable of the lost sheep, emphasizing the shepherd’s dedication to finding the one lost sheep out of a hundred.

And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home (Luke 15:5-6). This illustrates God’s personal care and joy in recovering the lost.

The parable highlights the value of each individual to God and His willingness to go to great lengths to bring them back. (https://biblehub.com/chaptersummaries/luke/15.htm)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Everyone needs a little kindness!

Don Fortner

(Be sure to LISTEN to the Audio, as you READ the text below.)

1 Corinthians 13:4, “Love is kind“

Often, the best thing one man can give another is kindness. Oh, how sweet it is to hear a kind word, when your heart is breaking! How delightful it is to see a kind smile, when you have seen many growling faces! How pleasant it is to feel the kind embrace of a friend, when you have felt the betrayal of those you thought were your friends! Kindness is always right. Kindness is always in season. It is never wrong to be kind, but always good.

Kindness must have for its object: one who is weak, poor, fallen, outcast, down-trodden, or needy.

To be “kind” is to be useful, generous, sympathetic, and tender.

Kindness accommodates itself to the needs of its objects.
If a man offends–kindness forgives him.
If a person is fallen–kindness picks him up.
If one is hungry–kindness feeds him.
If a brother is lonely–kindness visits him.
If a sister is downcast–kindness encourages her.
If one is weak–kindness offers strength.
If one is needy–kindness helps.
If a person is afflicted, in trouble and hurting–kindness is tender-hearted.

Sometimes kindness is a word of appreciation, encouragement, or compliment. Sometimes it is a visit, a gift, or an expression of love. Everyone needs a little kindness. And those who love one another, are kind to one another. They overlook and find excuses for one another’s faults and failings. They speak well to one another, and about one another.

Kindness is never wrong.

God, give me grace to be kind to sinners like myself.

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Colossians 3:12

    ~  ~  ~  ~

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com 

Book of Luke

Chapter 16

No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. (Luke 16:13)

The Rich Man and Lazarus

Luke 16 brings the realities of our stewardship, our attitudes towards wealth, and our response to God’s Word into sharp focus. It highlights the divine principles that govern our lives and eternity, urging us to act wisely in light of eternal consequences. As disciples of Jesus, it is an imperative call to faithful stewardship, compassion for the needy, and obedience to God’s Word. Our choices in this life have ramifications that echo into eternity. (https://biblehub.com/chaptersummaries/luke/16.htm)

The Parable of the Shrewd Manager (Verses 1-13)

And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods.2 And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward.3 Then the steward said within himself, What shall I do? for my lord taketh away from me the stewardship: I cannot dig; to beg I am ashamed.4 I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.5 So he called every one of his lord’s debtors unto him, and said unto the first, How much owest thou unto my lord?6 And he said, An hundred measures of oil. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and sit down quickly, and write fifty. 7 Then said he to another, And how much owest thou? And he said, An hundred measures of wheat. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and write fourscore.8 And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.9 And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.11 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?12 And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man’s, who shall give you that which is your own?13 No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

The Parable of the Unjust Steward, found in Luke 16:1-13, describes a manager who defrauds his master but uses the money to gain allies for his own future security. The lesson is that while the manager was wrong, his shrewdness in preparing for his future could be an example for believers to use worldly resources wisely to prepare for eternal life, emphasizing the importance of generosity and sound stewardship of God’s resources.

Jesus shares a parable about a dishonest manager who, when faced with the loss of his job, shrewdly reduces the debts owed to his master by others to secure his future. Jesus emphasizes the wise use of worldly wealth to gain eternal rewards and the principle that he who is faithful with little will also be faithful with much. (https://biblehub.com/chaptersummaries/luke/16.htm)

The Pharisees and Love of Money (Verses 14-18) 

14 And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him.15 And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.16 The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it.17 And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail.18 Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from her husband committeth adultery.

Jesus confronts the Pharisees, lovers of money, who scoffed at his teachings, emphasizing the value of the law and prophets and God’s knowledge of the heart. (https://biblehub.com/chaptersummaries/luke/16.htm)

Luke 16:14–18 exposes the Pharisees’ twisted relationship between their hearts, the Mosaic law, and the kingdom of God. They love money, and so reject Jesus’ assertions about the antagonistic relationship between chasing wealth and following God. Jesus points out that this is a problem with their hearts, not the Law. He then gives another example: the callous way in which men divorce their wives. Next, Jesus will tell the story of the rich man and Lazarus, warning the Pharisees to let the Scriptures lead them to Him (Luke 16:19–31). (https://www.bibleref.com/Luke/16/Luke-16-14.html)

The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus (Verses 19-31)

19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.27 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father’s house:28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.29 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

This parable depicts a rich man who lived in luxury while ignoring the poor man Lazarus at his gate. After death, Lazarus is comforted in Abraham’s bosom while the rich man suffers in Hades. Jesus uses this parable to highlight the eternal implications of earthly choices, the importance of heeding God’s Word, and the futility of post-death repentance. (https://biblehub.com/chaptersummaries/luke/16.htm)

In Luke 16, Jesus addresses important themes including the wise use of earthly wealth, the dangers of the love of money, and the implications of our choices in light of eternity. He uses two memorable parables – the Shrewd Manager and the Rich Man and Lazarus – to deliver lessons about stewardship, worldly wealth, and the afterlife. (https://biblehub.com/chaptersummaries/luke/16.htm)

Practical Applications

Evaluate your use of resources: Are you using your time, talents, and treasures to further God’s kingdom?

Cultivate faithfulness in small tasks, knowing that God values integrity and stewardship.

Reflect on your priorities: Are you serving God wholeheartedly, or are you divided in your loyalties?

Show compassion and generosity to those in need, recognizing the eternal impact of your actions.

Trust in the authority and sufficiency of Scripture for guidance and instruction.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Book of Luke

Chapter 16

No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. (Luke 16:13)

The Rich Man and Lazarus

Luke 16 brings the realities of our stewardship, our attitudes towards wealth, and our response to God’s Word into sharp focus. It highlights the divine principles that govern our lives and eternity, urging us to act wisely in light of eternal consequences. As disciples of Jesus, it is an imperative call to faithful stewardship, compassion for the needy, and obedience to God’s Word. Our choices in this life have ramifications that echo into eternity. (https://biblehub.com/chaptersummaries/luke/16.htm)

The Pharisees and Love of Money (Verses 14-18) 

14 And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him.15 And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.16 The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it.17 And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail.18 Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from her husband committeth adultery.

Jesus confronts the Pharisees, lovers of money, who scoffed at his teachings, emphasizing the value of the law and prophets and God’s knowledge of the heart. (https://biblehub.com/chaptersummaries/luke/16.htm)

Luke 16:14–18 exposes the Pharisees’ twisted relationship between their hearts, the Mosaic law, and the kingdom of God. They love money, and so reject Jesus’ assertions about the antagonistic relationship between chasing wealth and following God. Jesus points out that this is a problem with their hearts, not the Law. He then gives another example: the callous way in which men divorce their wives. Next, Jesus will tell the story of the rich man and Lazarus, warning the Pharisees to let the Scriptures lead them to Him (Luke 16:19–31). (https://www.bibleref.com/Luke/16/Luke-16-14.html)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Book of Luke

Chapter 16

No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. (Luke 16:13)

The Rich Man and Lazarus

Luke 16 brings the realities of our stewardship, our attitudes towards wealth, and our response to God’s Word into sharp focus. It highlights the divine principles that govern our lives and eternity, urging us to act wisely in light of eternal consequences. As disciples of Jesus, it is an imperative call to faithful stewardship, compassion for the needy, and obedience to God’s Word. Our choices in this life have ramifications that echo into eternity. (https://biblehub.com/chaptersummaries/luke/16.htm)

The Parable of the Shrewd Manager (Verses 1-13)

And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods.2 And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward.3 Then the steward said within himself, What shall I do? for my lord taketh away from me the stewardship: I cannot dig; to beg I am ashamed.4 I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.5 So he called every one of his lord’s debtors unto him, and said unto the first, How much owest thou unto my lord?6 And he said, An hundred measures of oil. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and sit down quickly, and write fifty. 7 Then said he to another, And how much owest thou? And he said, An hundred measures of wheat. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and write fourscore.8 And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.9 And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.11 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?12 And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man’s, who shall give you that which is your own?13 No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

The Parable of the Unjust Steward, found in Luke 16:1-13, describes a manager who defrauds his master but uses the money to gain allies for his own future security. The lesson is that while the manager was wrong, his shrewdness in preparing for his future could be an example for believers to use worldly resources wisely to prepare for eternal life, emphasizing the importance of generosity and sound stewardship of God’s resources.

Jesus shares a parable about a dishonest manager who, when faced with the loss of his job, shrewdly reduces the debts owed to his master by others to secure his future. Jesus emphasizes the wise use of worldly wealth to gain eternal rewards and the principle that he who is faithful with little will also be faithful with much. (https://biblehub.com/chaptersummaries/luke/16.htm)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Book of Luke

Chapter 4

Luke 4 takes us on a journey of Jesus’ early ministry marked by His victory over temptation, the fulfillment of prophecy, and His power to heal and deliver. His rejection in His hometown contrasts starkly with His acceptance in Capernaum, revealing that acceptance of Jesus isn’t automatic, even for those familiar with Him. His dedication to proclaiming God’s kingdom reminds us to prioritize God’s mission in our lives.

Jesus Drives Out an Impure Spirit (4:31-37)

31 And came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and taught them on the sabbath days.32 And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power.33 And in the synagogue there was a man, which had a spirit of an unclean devil, and cried out with a loud voice,34 Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy One of God. 35 And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. And when the devil had thrown him in the midst, he came out of him, and hurt him not.36 And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out.37 And the fame of him went out into every place of the country round about.

In Capernaum, Jesus teaches with authority in the synagogue and drives out a demon from a man. The people are astonished at His authority over unclean spirits, and His fame spreads further. Jesus demonstrates His authority by casting out demons and healing the sick, showing His power over both spiritual and physical realms (Luke 4:31-41). (https://biblehub.com/chaptersummaries/luke/4.htm)

Jesus Heals Many (4:38-44)

38 And he arose out of the synagogue, and entered into Simon’s house. And Simon’s wife’s mother was taken with a great fever; and they besought him for her.39 And he stood over her, and rebuked the fever; and it left her: and immediately she arose and ministered unto them.40 Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto him; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them.41 And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. And he rebuking them suffered them not to speak: for they knew that he was Christ.42 And when it was day, he departed and went into a desert place: and the people sought him, and came unto him, and stayed him, that he should not depart from them.43 And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent.44 And he preached in the synagogues of Galilee.

Jesus heals Simon Peter’s mother-in-law and many others who are sick or possessed by demons. Early in the morning, He withdraws to a solitary place, but the crowds find Him and try to keep Him from leaving. Jesus, however, insists that He must proclaim the good news of God’s kingdom to other towns as well.

Despite the crowds seeking Him, Jesus withdraws to a solitary place. When the people find Him, He declares His mission to preach the good news of the kingdom of God to other towns as well, fulfilling His divine purpose.

Luke 4 narrates a series of significant events early in Jesus’ ministry: His victory over temptation in the wilderness, His proclamation of fulfilled prophecy, and His subsequent rejection in His hometown, Nazareth. Despite the rejection, Jesus’ authority and power manifest as He drives out demons and heals the sick in Capernaum. (https://biblehub.com/chaptersummaries/luke/4.htm)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Book of Luke

Chapter 4

Luke 4 takes us on a journey of Jesus’ early ministry marked by His victory over temptation, the fulfillment of prophecy, and His power to heal and deliver. His rejection in His hometown contrasts starkly with His acceptance in Capernaum, revealing that acceptance of Jesus isn’t automatic, even for those familiar with Him. His dedication to proclaiming God’s kingdom reminds us to prioritize God’s mission in our lives.

Jesus Rejected at Nazareth (4:13-30)

13 And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season. 14 And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about.15 And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all.16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read. 17 And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written,18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.20 And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him.21 And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.22 And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph’s son?23 And he said unto them, Ye will surely say unto me this proverb, Physician, heal thyself: whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in thy country.24 And he said, Verily I say unto you, No prophet is accepted in his own country.25 But I tell you of a truth, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elias, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when great famine was throughout all the land;26 But unto none of them was Elias sent, save unto Sarepta, a city of Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow.27 And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian.28 And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath,29 And rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong.30 But he passing through the midst of them went his way,

Jesus returns to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about Him spreads throughout the region. He teaches in synagogues and is praised by everyone.

Jesus returns to Nazareth and reads from the prophet Isaiah in the synagogue. He declares the prophecy fulfilled, but the townspeople, offended, try to throw Him off a cliff. Jesus, however, walks right through the crowd and leaves. (https://biblehub.com/chaptersummaries/luke/4.htm)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Book of Luke

Chapter 4

Luke 4 takes us on a journey of Jesus’ early ministry marked by His victory over temptation, the fulfillment of prophecy, and His power to heal and deliver. His rejection in His hometown contrasts starkly with His acceptance in Capernaum, revealing that acceptance of Jesus isn’t automatic, even for those familiar with Him. His dedication to proclaiming God’s kingdom reminds us to prioritize God’s mission in our lives.

The Temptation of Jesus (4:1-12)

And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,2 Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered.3 And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread.4 And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God. (Deuteronomy 8:3) 5 And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.6 And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it.7 If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine.8 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. (Deuteronomy 6:13) 9 And he brought him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down from hence:10 For it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee:11 And in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.12 And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.(Deuteronomy 6:16)

Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, is led into the wilderness where He fasts for forty days and is tempted by the devil. The devil challenges Jesus to turn stones into bread, to worship him in exchange for the kingdoms of the world, and to throw Himself down from the temple. Jesus responds to each temptation with Scripture, emphasizing reliance on God’s word and worshiping God alone.

Jesus’ temptation underscores the importance of being Spirit-led.

The temptations address physical needs, power, and identity, reflecting common human struggles. (https://biblehub.com/chaptersummaries/luke/4.htm)

Jesus Rejected at Nazareth (4:13-30)

13 And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season. 14 And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about.15 And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all.16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read. 17 And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written,18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.20 And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him.21 And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.22 And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph’s son?23 And he said unto them, Ye will surely say unto me this proverb, Physician, heal thyself: whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in thy country.24 And he said, Verily I say unto you, No prophet is accepted in his own country.25 But I tell you of a truth, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elias, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when great famine was throughout all the land;26 But unto none of them was Elias sent, save unto Sarepta, a city of Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow.27 And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian.28 And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath,29 And rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong.30 But he passing through the midst of them went his way,

Jesus returns to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about Him spreads throughout the region. He teaches in synagogues and is praised by everyone.

Jesus returns to Nazareth and reads from the prophet Isaiah in the synagogue. He declares the prophecy fulfilled, but the townspeople, offended, try to throw Him off a cliff. Jesus, however, walks right through the crowd and leaves. (https://biblehub.com/chaptersummaries/luke/4.htm)

Jesus Drives Out an Impure Spirit (4:31-37)

31 And came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and taught them on the sabbath days.32 And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power.33 And in the synagogue there was a man, which had a spirit of an unclean devil, and cried out with a loud voice,34 Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy One of God. 35 And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. And when the devil had thrown him in the midst, he came out of him, and hurt him not.36 And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out.37 And the fame of him went out into every place of the country round about.

In Capernaum, Jesus teaches with authority in the synagogue and drives out a demon from a man. The people are astonished at His authority over unclean spirits, and His fame spreads further. Jesus demonstrates His authority by casting out demons and healing the sick, showing His power over both spiritual and physical realms (Luke 4:31-41). (https://biblehub.com/chaptersummaries/luke/4.htm)

Jesus Heals Many (4:38-44)

38 And he arose out of the synagogue, and entered into Simon’s house. And Simon’s wife’s mother was taken with a great fever; and they besought him for her.39 And he stood over her, and rebuked the fever; and it left her: and immediately she arose and ministered unto them.40 Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto him; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them.41 And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. And he rebuking them suffered them not to speak: for they knew that he was Christ.42 And when it was day, he departed and went into a desert place: and the people sought him, and came unto him, and stayed him, that he should not depart from them.43 And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent.44 And he preached in the synagogues of Galilee.

Jesus heals Simon Peter’s mother-in-law and many others who are sick or possessed by demons. Early in the morning, He withdraws to a solitary place, but the crowds find Him and try to keep Him from leaving. Jesus, however, insists that He must proclaim the good news of God’s kingdom to other towns as well.

Despite the crowds seeking Him, Jesus withdraws to a solitary place. When the people find Him, He declares His mission to preach the good news of the kingdom of God to other towns as well, fulfilling His divine purpose.

Luke 4 narrates a series of significant events early in Jesus’ ministry: His victory over temptation in the wilderness, His proclamation of fulfilled prophecy, and His subsequent rejection in His hometown, Nazareth. Despite the rejection, Jesus’ authority and power manifest as He drives out demons and heals the sick in Capernaum. (https://biblehub.com/chaptersummaries/luke/4.htm)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Book of Luke

Chapter 4

Luke 4 takes us on a journey of Jesus’ early ministry marked by His victory over temptation, the fulfillment of prophecy, and His power to heal and deliver. His rejection in His hometown contrasts starkly with His acceptance in Capernaum, revealing that acceptance of Jesus isn’t automatic, even for those familiar with Him. His dedication to proclaiming God’s kingdom reminds us to prioritize God’s mission in our lives.

The Temptation of Jesus (4:1-13)

And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,2 Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered.3 And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread.4 And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God. (Deuteronomy 8:3) 5 And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.6 And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it.7 If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine.8 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. (Deuteronomy 6:13) 9 And he brought him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down from hence:10 For it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee:11 And in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.12 And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.(Deuteronomy 6:16)

Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, is led into the wilderness where He fasts for forty days and is tempted by the devil. The devil challenges Jesus to turn stones into bread, to worship him in exchange for the kingdoms of the world, and to throw Himself down from the temple. Jesus responds to each temptation with Scripture, emphasizing reliance on God’s word and worshiping God alone.

Jesus’ temptation underscores the importance of being Spirit-led.

The temptations address physical needs, power, and identity, reflecting common human struggles. (https://biblehub.com/chaptersummaries/luke/4.htm)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com