40 Days
Jesus, Moses and Elijah fasted for 40 days. Jesus fasted in the wilderness. Moses fasted on Mount Sinai when God gave him the Law (Deuteronomy 9:9). And, Elijah received a divine revelation after he fasted for 40 days (1st Kings 19:8-18).
Moses and Elijah appeared at the transfiguration, representing the Law and the prophets (Luke 9:28-36). As the new messenger of God, Jesus’ public ministry began with a 40 day fast.
Luke 4 Outline
4:1-13
Satan tempts Jesus in the wilderness
4:14-15
Jesus begins his public ministry in Galilee
4:16-30
The synagogue in Nazareth rejects Jesus
4:31-32
Jesus settles in Capernaum
4:33-37
Jesus casts out a demon in Capernaum
4:38-41
Jesus heals Simon Peter’s mother-in-law
4:42-44
Jesus preaches in other cities, and in Judea
Healing Miracles
Most of the miracles recorded in the gospels are miracles of healing. Miracles demonstrated the power and compassion of Jesus. Luke presents 20 healing miracles that Jesus performed.
Capernaum
Jesus settled in Capernaum (Matthew 4:12-17, 19; and Mark 2:1). Capernaum was a small fishing city on the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Peter, Andrew, James, and John were fishermen in Capernaum (Mark 1:29). Matthew worked at the tax office in Capernaum, and had a large home there (Luke 5:27-32).
Jesus often taught in Capernaum’s synagogue. A Roman centurion built the synagogue in Capernaum (Luke 7:1-5).
Fast Facts
- Peter was married. Jesus healed Peter’s mother-in-law. Paul also mentioned Peter’s wife (Luke 4:38-41, 1st Corinthians 9:5).
- Twice the writer of Hebrews stated that Jesus was subject to temptation (Hebrews 2:18, 4:15).