Luke 4:31-44
Q.1. Where was Jesus ministering? Why were the people of Capernaum so impressed by Him? (Lk.4:31-37)
Jesus travelled some fifty kilometres from Nazareth to Capernaum, where He taught in the synagogue. At first glance it may appear that it was Christ’s ability to exorcise demons that impressed the crowds. However, Dr Luke reported – 31 And He came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and He was teaching them on the Sabbath; 32 and they were amazed at His teaching, for his message was with authority (Lk.4:31-32). His very presence resulted in a confrontation with an unclean spirit that identified Him as – … the Holy One of God (Lk.4:34). Luke added that after the casting out of the demon. – 36 amazement came upon them all, and they began talking with one another saying, ‘What is this message? For with authority and power He commands the unclean spirits and they come out’ (Lk.4:36). The incident caused a sensation. The news of Jesus spread to the surrounding district (Lk.4:37).
Q.2. Why were demons silenced? Why did Jesus heal the sick? Was Peter married? – (Lk.4:35-41)
The demons knew Who Jesus was, as James wrote – the demons believe and shudder (Jms.2:19). However, we have seen that from the outset of His public ministry, Jesus was in a battle against Satan. He came specifically to destroy the works of the Devil (1 Jn.3:8). If Jesus had accepted the testimony of Satan, this would have brought confusion concerning the Kingdom of God’s Beloved Son, and the domain of darkness (Lk.4:35 & 41 c.f. Col.1:13). Besides, Satan is a liar, and he can mislead us by quoting Scripture and telling half-truths (Jn.8:44). We must not give the Devil any ground whatsoever. Jesus was motivated by compassion (Lk.4:40 c.f. Mt.9:36-37). The prophets had also foretold that the Messiah would be recognizable by His healings (c.f. Isa.35:2-6; 53:4; Mt.8:17). Peter, as well as most of the apostles of the Lord, was married (Lk.4:38 c.f. 1 Cor.9:5).
Q.3. Why did Jesus retreat to a secluded place? Why did He minister in different places? – (Lk.4:42-44)
Jesus was inundated by needy people. They would be drawing Him into their own crises, thus away from His main Divine purpose (Lk.4:42). He needed to re-connect with His Father, because He had an over-arching purpose that included countless more from among Israel. He explained that His ministry was not restricted to a town, or to healing alone – I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also, for I was sent for this purpose (Lk.4:43). Luke recorded that – He kept on preaching in the synagogues of Judea (Lk.4:44). This was where the Scriptures were known.