Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Luke 4:23

"And he said unto them, Doubtless ye will say unto me this parable, Physician, heal thyself: whatsoever we have heard done at Capernaum, do also here in thine own country." — Luke 4:23 (ASV)

Jesus’ response is not intended to reassure his audience but rather to draw out their subconscious attitudes. Since Jesus had already had a wide teaching ministry (4:15), his phrase “you will quote” probably expresses the reply he would expect the people to make in response to his message in the synagogue— namely, that they would challenge him to fulfill Isaiah’s prophecy by doing miracles in the presence of those who heard him. Throughout his ministry Jesus would be challenged to do miraculous signs (e.g., 11:16, 29) to prove his claims.