Luke 4:13-15

Posted by DJL on Jan 17, 2013 in Daily Bread | 0 comments

When the devil had finished every test, he departed from him until an opportune time. Then Jesus, filled with the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and a report about him spread through all the surrounding country. He began to teach in their synagogues and was praised by everyone.

These verses serve as another transition. Truth be told, the first verse concludes the temptation scene and the next two introduce a new chapter in the “Jesus Story,” as they announce the beginning of his ministry.

Conclusions, introductions, transitions. We often treat these as minor elements of a story, but often they are not only functional – merely drawing something to a close or introducing a new scene – but are also revelatory, offering clues to important larger themes or foreshadowing something to come. In fact, as in life, so also often in stories: transitions – departures, introductions, changes – are often as important as they are brief.

Two things, then, about this transition. Notice that Satan, having been thwarted in his attempt to sway Jesus’ trust in God, departs. But unlike in Matthew, where the devil just “leaves” (Mt. 4:11), here he departs “until an opportune time.”

If this were a movie, the music would get more ominous at this point. Satan, it immediately becomes clear, hasn’t given up. He is leaving for a time – and this departure, as we’ll see, creates space for a powerful in-breaking of God’s kingdom. But we know from the way Luke describes it that he’ll be back. And that introduces a measure of suspense to the narrative as well as clues us in to look for his return at a later point in the story.

Then, a shift, rather dramatic, though perhaps in keeping with Satan’s departure, as Jesus starts his ministry filled with the power of the Holy Spirit and starts his ministry in the most promising of ways. Everyone, it appears, is impressed with him. His reputation is growing. He is teaching and preaching in the synagogue and everyone seems pleased. All is well.

If only that could last.

Prayer: Dear God, help us attend to the transitions in our life this day and always. Whether saying hello or goodbye, welcoming others or taking leave with grace, fill us with your Spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.