February 6-11, 2011 – Luke 4:1-44

Day 1 Luke 4:1-13- Jesus Is Tested in the Wilderness
v.1-2 After Jesus was baptized and filled with the Holy Spirit (Read Luke 3:21-23), who lead Him into the desert? What was the purpose of this experience, (Read James 1:1-15)? Does God tempt us? Does God ever use Satan to test us? What is the purpose of God’s testing?
v.3-13 What three ways was Jesus temped? Did Jesus argue with Satan? How did Jesus respond to Satan? What did Jesus do?
Application: In what areas are you being tempted or tested? Is God testing you or is Satan tempting you? Is it important that you know whether it is God or Satan? Regardless, what should be your respond? Try resisting a temptation with God’s Word!

Day 2 Luke 4:14—30 Jesus Rejected at Nazareth
v.14-20 What did Jesus do when He returned to His hometown? What did He mean by His statement in v.21?
v.21-23 How did the people first respond to Him?
v.24-26 Jesus reminded the people how their ancestors had rejected God, so He ministered to those outside of Israel who did respond.
v.25-30 How did the people react to Jesus’ statements? What did they attempt to do?
Application: Have you experienced reject from those you know because of your faith? Has God been prompting you to talk with a friend about Him, yet you hesitate because you’re afraid of rejection? How did Jesus respond to their rejection? How do you respond?

Day 3 Luke 4:31-36 Jesus Drives Out an Impure Spirit
v. 31-32 What have you read so far that would explain how Jesus was now able to teach with authority? Have you ever heard a Christian teach with authority like Jesus, what was it like?
v.33-34 How could the demon possessed man know who Jesus was? Do you see something going on in the “spiritual-realm?”
v.35-36 What did Jesus use His authority and power to do?
 Application: What changed in Jesus life at the age of 30 that enabled Him to do what He was doing (Read Luke 3:21-23 again)? What has been your encounter with the Spirit? Have you experienced any authority or power like Jesus? If so, how?

Day 4 Luke 4:38-41 Jesus heals many
v. 38-39 Why did Jesus rebuke the fever instead of healing Simon’s (Peter’s) mother-in-law? What might have been the source?
v.40-41 Did Jesus “pray” or take “authority” over the problems people came to Him with? What’s the difference? Why did Jesus stop people from proclaiming He was the Messiah?
Application: Jesus new exactly how to handle Simon’s mother-on-laws struggle before He acted. Do you ask God for guidance before stepping into a situation? Why might it be good to do this? Jesus didn’t bring attention to Himself, do you? Should we point people to ourselves or to Him? If so, why?

Day 5 Luke 4:42-43 Jesus listens to His Father for Instructions
v.42 What did Jesus do first thing in the morning? Why do you think He did this? Based on what happened the night before, why do you think the people came and tried to keep Him from leaving?
v.43 Why do you think Jesus left even though there was an obvious need to stay? How did He know He needed to go?
v.44 What did Jesus do? Did He stay on task and follow through on His mission (see Luke 4:18-19)?
Application: With many needs that surround you every day, how do you know which ones you are to meet? Do you find yourself reacting to needs, rather than responding to God’s directions? How can you prepare yourself to hear for God’s guidance?

Day 6 Re-read Luke 3:21-Luke 4:44
How have you encountered God in His Word this week? What has stood out to you? How has He been speaking to you this week through His Word, others and circumstances? What has He been showing you that you need to do? What experiences have you had that confirm His Word in your life?  Take time to thank God for what He has shown you and ask for grace and courage to apply and follow through with it.

Don’t just read the Bible to learn about God,
read it to encounter Him.