Sunday: The Galilean Ministry — Matthew 4:17; Mark 1:14-15; Luke 4:14-15
What Luke writes about Jesus’ return to Galilee is vital: He returned in the power of the Spirit. While we often think of our lives as merely reacting to circumstance, Jesus walked each day with directed purpose. His primary purpose was to preach the Kingdom of God. While this includes the concepts of comfort, healing, and renewal, the more prevalent issue is righteousness. Jesus Christ came that we could have life eternal, not just temporary blessing. According to Luke, the impact He had is undeniable, for He was “…glorified by all” (Luke 4:15).
Monday: Faith at Capernaum — John 4:46-50
Long-distance miracles were rare by Old Testament, other Jewish and Greco-Roman standards; people generally believed prophets and Greek magicians more easily when personally present. Stories of long-distance miracles suggested to ancient readers that these miracle workers had extraordinary power. For Jesus, the only prerequisite for such miracles is the seeker’s faith in His power. Jesus’ address to him, though sharp, was necessary. A faith built only on miraculous signs is not a complete faith (John 2:23-25). Many hesitate to believe in Jesus apart from seeing miraculous signs and wonders.
Tuesday: Child Healed — John 4:51-54
A nobleman came to Jesus with a great need. He was a man of high standing in the community. Yet despite his influence there was nothing he could do to save his child, except ask for Jesus’ help. Jesus severely tested the man’s faith. Jesus forced him to believe in His word alone. The man took Jesus at His word and left, fully believing that what Jesus said would come to pass. On his way home, the man’s servants met him with the joyous news that the boy was well. He asked what time the boy had been made well…it was the same time that Jesus had spoken the word!
Wednesday: Reading from Isaiah — Luke 4:16-21
The service in the Synagogue began with a prayer, praise, a reading from the Law, then from the prophets, a sermon and some teaching from a learned visitor. On this day, Jesus was the “learned visitor.” He opened the scroll to the book of Isaiah and read aloud a prophecy. The prophecy was of the Messiah who would come to save and heal. The prophecy was about Himself.
Thursday: A Prophet without Honor — Luke 4:22-27
Jesus’ audience had heard of His fame and likely were hoping to see some miracles. Instead of showing miracles, He used the examples of Elijah’s and Elisha’s miracles, to show how those Jews didn’t accept God’s prophets. Jesus knew that His hometown was not receiving Him, had nothing to do with Him and everything to do with them. Their rejection showed the hardened state of their hearts.
Friday: A City Enraged — Luke 4:28-31
When the people heard what Jesus had to say about the way their forefathers had treated revered prophets, they were furious. Jesus had not only insulted their ancestors, but declared that Isaiah’s words were fulfilled in Him! While they were plotting and planning to throw Him off a cliff and stone Him, Jesus walked right through the middle of the angry group without harm.
Saturday: Move to Capernaum — Matthew 4:13-16
Jesus left Nazareth; Christ will not remain long in a place where He isn’t welcome. Capernaum was on the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee. It became the center of Jesus’ ministry after He left Nazareth. He preached in the nearby countryside and did many miracles in the area, which was predominantly Gentile. Peter’s house was in Capernaum.