Luke 4 reminds me that manipulation comes in many forms. One of the most powerful provokes an individual’s self-doubt. For men, that often comes in the form of a dare that challenges manhood, authority or strength. Men tend to be action-oriented, which is why there are significantly more male organ donors than female! Today’s chapter is about defeating self-doubt. We begin with Jesus’ preparation for public ministry. Jesus was “led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where for forty days He was tempted by the devil… at the end of them He was hungry”. We are most susceptible to temptation when we are physically, mentally or spiritually weak. The manipulators in our life always spot the opportunity. Notice the first taunt, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread”. There is a challenge to “prove it”. Maturity reacts with confidence. I smile when I hear, “My dad used to say…” because that person probably was given wise counsel. Even Jesus relied on firm foundation of the written Word of God, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone”. The next enticement involves a conditional promise, “I will give You all… authority and splendor… If”. The allure of prestige is powerful, but we have to pay attention to what follows the “if”. Manipulators offer what they cannot give in exchange for what they want. Jesus remembered God’s priority. “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only”. Finally Satan combined the dare with an intentional misinterpretation. Any man of religion that advocates something contrary to the written Word of God should be viewed with suspicion. Jesus corrected Satan, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test”. Friend, are you being prepared?
After His time of temptation, Jesus announced to the world His purpose. In every town, Jesus first visited the synagogue and was given the opportunity to teach “and everyone praised Him”. Then He went back home. “He went to Nazareth, where He had been brought up… on the Sabbath day He went into the synagogue, as was His custom”. He read a verse from the prophet Isaiah that announced Messiah, “He has sent Me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor”. Then He sat down and declared, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing”. He was claiming to be the Christ. He offered healing and hope and He asked them for nothing. “All the people in the synagogue were furious when they heard this. They got up, drove Him out of the town”. Forgiveness is a free gift, offered to all who will believe. Why does that make some people so angry?
The chapter closes with Jesus healing both the physically and spiritually damaged. “He went down to Capernaum… They were amazed at His teaching, because His words had authority”. He offered Himself as an example to follow. His words and His actions were aligned, unlike the corrupt leaders of the day. He rebuked the demonic and healed the sick. “And the news about Him spread throughout the surrounding area”. He touched and spent time with the people. “Laying His hands on each one, He healed them”. He got up early to make time for personal devotion, “At daybreak, Jesus went out to a solitary place”. The people wanted Him to stay, but Jesus explained, “I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent”. My friend, have you been manipulated by self-doubt? The antidote is trusting in the Trustworthy One. He gave His life that you could be lifted up. “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). Healing and Hope do not provoke; they inspire to pursue excellence. You have free-will. Is it time to defeat the doubt?