A Day In The Life of Jesus. Luke 4:31-44

Introduction:

After Jesus left Nazareth, he resumed his ministry in Galilee, setting up shop in the city of Capernaum. Capernaum was located on the shores of the Sea of Galilee and was about 680 feet below sea level. Nazareth was about 1150 ft above sea level. So Jesus was quite literally moving down to Capernaum.

But, as one writer puts it “While He went “down” in elevation, His ministry soared.” - Wiersbe

It was strategically located and was flooded with merchants from all over. It had major roads that passed through it that would take you to major cities like Jerusalem, Damascus, Tyre and Sidon. It became Jesus home base for His ministry as He traveled all over the region preaching and healing and was an ideal place for Jesus base of ministry because it literally touched the world.

Our text today gives us a snapshot of how Jesus conducted his daily ministry. There are four events in the early ministry of Jesus in Capernaum that lay out for us the model of Jesus ministry everywhere that He went. You will see this sort of order of ministry play out again and again on the life of Christ.In fact, the way in which Jesus conducted ministry is the way that ministry should be conducted today in the local church.

We will see that Jesus:

Preached Authoritatively. (v.31-32)

He confronted evil. (v.33-37, 41)

He displayed compassion. (v.38-40)

He took time to rest and renew. (v.42-44)

Let’s see what the Lord has for us from His word today.

1.)Jesus Preached Authoritatively. (v.31-32)

Jesus reception in Capernaum was completely different from the reaction He received in Nazareth. Instead of being angered by His teaching, the people were “astonished” by it.

In fact, the text indicates that Jesus didn't just teach once in the synagogue there but regularly. There was something about Jesus teaching that was unlike other teachers that they heard.

A.) He spoke with authority.

(This is the paralell passage)

Mark 1:22 NKJV

22 And they were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

Typically in the Synagogue on the Sabbath, it would have been one of the Pharisees who conducted the teaching. The normal way in which Rabbi’s spoke was to base their teaching on the chain of tradition. They would cite the opinions of teachers who came before them.

So, Sabbath after Sabbath, the people would here the Rabbi’s drone on and on regarding other peoples opinions about the interpretation of God’s law.

According to Rabbi “Guy”…but, Rabbi “Other guy” disagrees saying.”

They spent their time appealing to traditions of men. They would talk about God’s Word but wouldn't ever actually tell the people what God’s word said.

Jesus, was completely different than this. Instead of his preaching being filled with quotations from other sources, he used them few and far between. In fact he would often teach in this way:

“You have heard it said…but I say to you.” (this is how he taught in His “Sermon on the Mount”)

Jesus’ preaching was clear, simple and to the point. He was direct with his application and convicting with his message. He called people to obey God’s word from the heart not just outwardly.

B.) What gave his message authority.

Jesus would appeal straight to the text of scripture, explain its’ meaning and then apply to the audience in front of him directly.

Jesus message was authoritative because he staked everything upon the Word of God. He didn't just talk about the scriptures, he taught what the scriptures said.

Application: Friend, the only authority I or any other preacher has is based solely in God’s Word, the moment we step out of the book, we lose all authority.

If the church is to speak with any authority today, it must be grounded in God’s word.

We live in a society that will tell you there is no objective standard. Your truth is your truth but my truth is my truth and we must affirm everyone else's truth. Folks we have the objective standard of truth and it is the Lord Jesus Christ, and we find him in the pages of Holy Scripture.

Psalm 119:160 NKJV

160 The entirety of Your word is truth, And every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever.

John 14:6 NKJV

6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

John 17:17 NKJV

17 Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.

The Bible doesn't just contain truth, it is truth. Every word and every part of it is truth. We live in a world that is starving for truth, and we have it in the palm of our hands. Stop letting the world dictate truth. They don’t have it, we do.

Stand firm on the truth of God and give it to a hungry world.

2.) Jesus confronted evil. (v.33-37, 41)

While Jesus is speaking in the synagogue at Capernaum, he is confronted by a demon possessed man. (This is the first miracle Luke records).

There seems to have been a demon possessed man sitting in the congregation, listening to Jesus words. Notice what the demon says to Jesus:

Luke 4:34 NKJV

34 saying, “Let us alone! What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Did You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!”

The NLT captures the greek in a clearer way here:

Luke 4:34 NLT

34 “Go away! Why are you interfering with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”

Notice, this Demon had no problem knowing who Jesus was. He knew exactly and basically tells Jesus to “get lost” or we might say “mind your own business”. Then he ask Jesus if he had come to destroy them. (This was sarcasm)

Note: When God’s word is preached with authority, there will be opposition from the forces of darkness.

Jesus, speaks again with authority and commands the demon to leave and he does without objection. Even demons must bow the knee to Christ . This is displayed again in vs.41

Luke 4:41 NKJV

41 And demons also came out of many, crying out and saying, “You are the Christ, the Son of God!” And He, rebuking them, did not allow them to speak, for they knew that He was the Christ.

Speak of demonic power still at work in the world today. But we have no reason to fear. Demonic power cowers in the presence of God!

This again left the people amazed, but this time they are amazed by the power of Jesus word to cleanse the most unclean.

Luke 4:36 NKJV

36 Then they were all amazed and spoke among themselves, saying, “What a word this is! For with authority and power He commands the unclean spirits, and they come out.”

This event spread Jesus fame and popularity even more.

Application: This event tells us that Jesus has the power to cleanse even the most unclean person from their sin. Their is no one that can’t be set free from the grip of Satan by the power of Christ.

This is why we must confront evil with God’s Word everywhere we can. The forces of darkness are at work, but they are no match for Jesus. Jesus has disarmed the enemy. His doom is sealed and they are powerless against him.

Colossians 2:13–15 NKJV

13 And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, 14 having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. 15 Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.

3.) Jesus displayed compassion. (v.38-40)

Luke makes it clear to us that this event took place immediately after Jesus cast the demon out of the man at the Synagogue. Jesus went to the house of Simon Peter, likely for a Sabbath meal. Upon arriving, Peter’s mother in law is very ill.

Today a fever is often just a minor annoyance, we take some Tylenol and move on. But, in those days, a person suffering with a fever would often lead to their death. A fever represented uncertainty, much like something like a coma does today. You could recover quickly, or it could take your life. We get the impression, that Peter’s Mother-in-Law was perhaps not near death, but she may have felt like it. .

v.38 tells us that when Jesus arrived at Peter’s home, they requested for Jesus to heal her.

Luke 4:39 NKJV

39 So He stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. And immediately she arose and served them.

Jesus rebukes the fever, just like he rebuked the demon a few verses ago and immediately the fever left her. Even suffering and sickness submits to Christ word.

The healing was instant and complete. So much so, that she immediately got up and was able to serve the meal.

Following the meal, the sun was setting which signaled the end of the Sabbath day. This allowed for all those who were sick, to come seeking healing from the hand of Christ. He didn't bypass a single one, he touched all who came to him. No matter the disease, they were healed. Apparently he did this all through the night and into daybreak.

Application: Friend, from Christ we learn to be compassionate to those who are suffering around us. This means we take the time to provide tangible relief to those who have needs. But, while we meet their physical needs, we must not forget the spiritual need they have as well. Jesus is their greatest hope and it doesn't matter how sick they are, he has the power to heal them and will heal all those who come to him.

Matthew 11:28–30 NKJV

28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

4.) Jesus took time to rest and renew. (v.42-44)

We must remember that when Jesus took on flesh, he laid aside His divine attributes like omnipotence (all power). Human bodies get tired. They require rest and Jesus was no different.

He recognized his need for physical, mental, emotional and spiritual rest and renewal. This was Jesus constant practice all throughout his ministry. To find time to rest and pray.

Service to the Lord is a labor of love, but you can’t pour from an empty cup.

Weary parent, over worked volunteer, tired spouse etc.

Application: If you do not set aside regular times of rest, relaxation, and time with the Lord alone, your batteries will run dry. Even the Son of God, rested.

But notice, the people still sought him out, longing for him to continue working in their midst.

When was the last time you sought Jesus out and begged him for more?

Jesus time of rest, allowed him tJeo move on to the next town that to continue his mission.

Conclusion:

There you have it. A day in the life of Jesus.

Preaching truth . (v.31-32)

Confronting evil. (v.33-37, 41)

Displaying compassion. (v.38-40)

Rest and Renewal. (v.42-44)

What a pattern for life and ministry to follow. We must share the truth of God’s word with a lost world, confront evil where ever it rears its head, be compassionate to the hurting, and find rest in the Lord alone.