As I slowly work my way through Luke’s gospel, there is a slight difference in the accounts of Matthew & Luke. Matthew says, “Then the devel left him, and angels came and attended him.” Luke puts it this way, “When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.” Many see that opportune time to be the final week. But I notice Jesus being tempted throughout Luke’s gospel.
In chapter 4 he faces the temptation to reveal his messianic identity too soon, as the demons try to “out him” repeatedly. Jesus was also tempted by the crowds to disobey the Father and stay in one location to preach. He had been sent to preach the gospel all through the region.
As the reports of his great authority and power spread, Jesus would often withdraw to isolated places to pray. He was resisting the temptation to pride. He was also tempted to fear men as he was verbally attacked in the synagogue (5:21ff). Later in that chapter he was tempted to give in to the legalism of the Pharisees, and John’s disciples. He faced this again in chapter 6, along with the temptation harden his heart to another man’s misery, as the Pharisees had.
So you see that a pattern of continual temptation emerges. This is why we find that he “faced all of the same temptations we do, yet did not sin (Heb. 4 15).” Like us, Jesus was continually tempted to sin- but didn’t. He did what we could not do. So, when he endured the curse (Galatians 2), he did it for us instead of for his own sin. My little girl knows that Jesus died for our sins. One day she asked “who died for Jesus’ sins?” Honest question from a 4 year-old. Honest answer- he had no sins but ours.
Oh, happy day it is. I learned from WTS Books that The Spirit of the Reformation Study Bible is available again (hardcover, genuine leather, sample pages).
This is my favorite Study Bible. It uses my preferred translation (the NIV). It provides a good balance between accuracy and read-ability. The General Editor is one of my former professors- Dr. Richard Pratt. The study notes are extensive, and come from the Reformed Heritage. The ESV Study Bible which came out in 2008 has a leg up when it comes to charts and maps. But I think this Study Bible has a leg up regarding the translation (I know some will disagree) and consistency of theological approach. This is the Study Bible I recommend.
But that is not the end of this dark cloud rising over Israel. John the Baptizer’s ministry ups the ante. He rejoiced in the repentance of many, but was surprised to see others.
Jesus’ ministry was not all good news. It was also judgment on Israel. The true Israel was about to be separated from false Israel. It is not about blood line (John said this in 3:8 too). The true Israel is comprised of those Israelites who believe, and believing Gentiles are grafted onto Israel (see Romans 9).
Judgment on unbelieving Jews took place, as prophesied by Jesus (Mt. 24) in 70 AD. The age of Israel was done- the wrath of God for all the murdered prophets and especially the Prophet was poured out on that generation (Mt. 23).
This process continues to this day with regard to all of humanity. Jesus reveals the the deepest thoughts of hearts- who treasures Him and who rejects Him. The former receive the Holy Spirit, and the latter receive fire, an unquenchable flame. Some seem to think this strange- calling Him ‘the Torturing God’ as though wacked out, far right nutjobs made this thing up. But there it is in Scripture- Jesus is worth treasuring, rejoicing in. To despise His glory is an act of cosmic treason. This judgment provides a backdrop for us to more fully understand the glories of His grace. We who believe have been rescued from eternal condemnation.