Chapter 4 again gives the account of Christ being
tempted of the devil for forty days and forty nights in the
wilderness.

Luke, like Matthew and Mark, passed entirely over
the events of the years between Jesus’ temptations and the
beginning of His Galilean ministry.

As we read in Luke 4:16-30, this seems to have been
Jesus’ first return to Nazareth since His baptism. He had
spent the intervening time in the wilderness, at Cana, in
Capernaum, and in Judaea (John 2:1,12; 4:46). The people
marveled at the graciousness and magnetic personality of
Christ. When He spoke, they were amazed. They could not
believe it was the carpenter Joseph’s son speaking. The
congregation of the synagogue scarcely recognized Him
(verse 22).

The remainder of chapter 4 is filled with the
ministry of Christ. In verses 31-37 the demoniac is healed,
and verses 38-44 record the healing of Peter’s mother-in-
law.

Chapter 5 records the miracle of the draught of
fishes. There are several lessons in this great chapter
that can be applied to your life and mine. These fishermen
along the Lake of Gennesaret (Sea of Galilee) were expert
in their field. Peter knew how to fish–this was the way he
made his living! When Christ told him to launch out into
the deep and let down his nets for a draught, he hesitated
at first, saying, “Master, we have toiled all the night,
and have taken nothing.” However, Peter’s reply did not end
there, for he said, “Nevertheless at thy word I will let
down the net.” Our response to the urging of the Holy
Spirit to witness to someone should be the same as Peter’s
answer regarding the fish. We have no arguments concerning
God’s leading; if we are obedient God promises to bless us.
Peter’s net was filled until it broke. He even had to
enlist help to get all the fish into the boats. Many
Christians today are defeated because they will not believe
God–they refuse to listen to what He is saying. If He is
urging you to witness to someone, do not quench the Spirit,
but respond to that urging!

MEMORY VERSE FOR TODAY:
Man now can be:
Forgiven.
Acts 13:38
Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is
preached unto you the forgiveness of sins.