Luke 4:13

Context

Luke 4:13 concludes the pivotal account of Jesus' forty-day temptation in the wilderness. After His baptism and being filled with the Holy Spirit, Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. The preceding verses detail three specific, intense temptations: turning stones into bread (appealing to hunger), worshiping Satan for all the kingdoms of the world (appealing to power), and jumping from the temple pinnacle (appealing to pride and testing God). In each instance, Jesus rebuffed the devil using the Word of God, demonstrating His perfect obedience and sinless nature.

Key Themes

• Christ's Unblemished Victory: This verse underscores Jesus' complete triumph over Satan's direct and comprehensive assault. His unwavering resistance to temptation proves His qualification as the spotless Lamb of God, fully human yet without sin, capable of being the perfect sacrifice for humanity.
• The Devil's Persistent Nature: The crucial phrase "for a season" (Greek: achri kairou) highlights that the devil's retreat was temporary, not a final surrender. This foreshadows Satan's continued attempts to hinder Jesus' ministry and, most intensely, during His passion and crucifixion. It signifies that spiritual warfare is an ongoing reality.
• The Power of God's Word: Jesus' consistent use of Scripture ("It is written...") to combat temptation serves as a powerful example for believers. His victory is secured not by His own strength alone, but by relying on the divine authority and truth of God's Word.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "temptation" is peirasmos (πειρασμός), which can mean both a test or trial (intended for growth) and an enticement to sin (intended to cause failure). In the context of Satan's actions, it clearly denotes a malicious enticement to sin. The phrase "for a season" translates achri kairou (ἄχρι καιροῦ), literally "until a time" or "for a while." This specific wording emphasizes a defined period of retreat, implying a future return. Indeed, the Gospels show Satan later influencing Judas Iscariot (Luke 22:3) and seeking to "sift" Peter (Luke 22:31).

Practical Application

Luke 4:13 offers profound lessons for believers today:

• Expect Ongoing Temptation: Just as Jesus faced repeated attacks, so too will His followers. The devil's departure is often "for a season," reminding us to remain vigilant and spiritually prepared (1 Peter 5:8).
• Rely on God's Resources: Jesus' victory was not by His own power but by the Holy Spirit and the authority of Scripture. We too can overcome temptation by relying on God's Word, prayer, and the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit.
• Resist and Stand Firm: This verse encourages us that when we actively resist the devil, he will flee, even if temporarily. Our steadfastness, grounded in Christ's example, is a powerful weapon in spiritual warfare.