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.

Index of Daily Devotions