The Setting of the Temptation
Matthew 4:1 states, Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. This highlights that Jesus' temptation was part of God's sovereign plan, emphasizing the importance of spiritual preparation.

The Nature of Temptation
The devil's temptations (Matthew 4:3-10) appeal to physical needs, pride, and power. Each temptation is a distortion of legitimate desires, teaching us that temptation often involves twisting God's truth.

Jesus' Use of Scripture
In response to each temptation, Jesus quotes Scripture, demonstrating the power and authority of God's Word. Matthew 4:4, 7, and 10 show Jesus saying, It is written, underscoring the importance of knowing and applying Scripture in spiritual warfare.

The Role of Fasting and Prayer
Jesus fasted for forty days and nights (Matthew 4:2), highlighting the significance of spiritual disciplines in strengthening our resolve against temptation.

The Devil's Departure
Matthew 4:11 states, Then the devil left Him, and angels came and ministered to Him. This assures us that resisting temptation leads to divine support and eventual relief.Arm Yourself with Scripture
Just as Jesus used Scripture to counter temptation, we should memorize and meditate on God's Word to stand firm against the enemy's lies.

Recognize the Enemy's Tactics
Understanding that temptation often involves twisting God's truth can help us discern and resist the devil's schemes.

Engage in Spiritual Disciplines
Fasting and prayer are powerful tools for spiritual growth and resilience against temptation.

Seek God's Strength
Acknowledge our dependence on God and seek His strength in moments of weakness, trusting that He will provide a way out (1 Corinthians 10:13).1. Jesus
Jesus is the central figure in Matthew 4. This chapter describes His temptation in the wilderness, His response to Satan, and the beginning of His public ministry. The name "Jesus" (Greek: Ἰησοῦς, Iēsous) is derived from the Hebrew name "Yeshua," meaning "Yahweh is salvation."

2. The Devil
The Devil, also referred to as Satan, is the tempter who challenges Jesus during His 40 days in the wilderness. The Greek word used here is "διάβολος" (diabolos), meaning "slanderer" or "accuser."

3. The Angels
Angels are mentioned as ministering to Jesus after His temptation. The Greek word for angels is "ἄγγελοι" (angeloi), meaning "messengers."

4. Simon Peter
Simon Peter is one of the first disciples called by Jesus. He is referred to as "Simon, called Peter" in the text. The name "Peter" (Greek: Πέτρος, Petros) means "rock."

5. Andrew
Andrew is Simon Peter's brother and is also called by Jesus to be a disciple. His name (Greek: Ἀνδρέας, Andreas) means "manly" or "brave."

6. James
James, the son of Zebedee, is another disciple called by Jesus. The name "James" (Greek: Ἰάκωβος, Iakōbos) is equivalent to the Hebrew name "Jacob."

7. John
John, the brother of James and son of Zebedee, is also called to follow Jesus. His name (Greek: Ἰωάννης, Iōannēs) is derived from the Hebrew name "Yohanan," meaning "Yahweh is gracious."1. The Wilderness
Description: The wilderness is where Jesus was led by the Spirit to be tempted by the devil. This setting is significant as it reflects a place of solitude and testing, reminiscent of the Israelites' 40 years in the wilderness. The Greek term used here is "ἔρημος" (erēmos), which can mean a deserted or solitary place.

2. The Holy City
Description: Referred to as Jerusalem, the holy city is where the devil took Jesus to the pinnacle of the temple. This location is central to Jewish worship and identity, symbolizing religious authority and the presence of God. The Greek term "ἁγίαν πόλιν" (hagían pólin) is used, emphasizing its sacred status.

3. A Very High Mountain
Description: This unspecified high mountain is where the devil showed Jesus all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. Mountains in biblical texts often symbolize places of revelation and divine encounter. The Greek phrase "ὄρος ὑψηλὸν λίαν" (oros hypsēlon lian) indicates a place of great height and significance.1. The Temptation of Jesus (Matthew 4:1-11)
Jesus is led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. The Greek word for "tempted" (πειράζω, peirazō) can also mean "tested." This event highlights Jesus' obedience and sinlessness.
First Temptation
The devil challenges Jesus to turn stones into bread, quoting, "If You are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread" (Matthew 4:3). Jesus responds with Scripture, "It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God’" (Matthew 4:4), quoting Deuteronomy 8:3.
Second Temptation
The devil takes Jesus to the holy city and sets Him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying, "If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: ‘He will command His angels concerning You, and they will lift You up in their hands, so that You will not strike Your foot against a stone’" (Matthew 4:6). Jesus counters with, "It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test’" (Matthew 4:7), referencing Deuteronomy 6:16.
Third Temptation
The devil shows Jesus all the kingdoms of the world and their glory, offering them if Jesus will worship him. Jesus replies, "Away from Me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only’" (Matthew 4:10), citing Deuteronomy 6:13. The devil leaves, and angels come to minister to Jesus.

2. Jesus Begins His Ministry (Matthew 4:12-17)
After hearing of John the Baptist's imprisonment, Jesus withdraws to Galilee. He leaves Nazareth and lives in Capernaum, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah: "Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned" (Matthew 4:15-16).
Jesus begins to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near" (Matthew 4:17). The Greek word for "repent" (μετανοέω, metanoeō) implies a transformative change of heart and mind.

3. The Calling of the First Disciples (Matthew 4:18-22)
Jesus calls Simon Peter and his brother Andrew, who are casting a net into the sea, saying, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19). They immediately leave their nets and follow Him.
He then calls James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who are in a boat with their father. They also immediately leave the boat and their father to follow Jesus.

4. Jesus Heals the Sick (Matthew 4:23-25)
Jesus travels throughout Galilee, teaching in synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. His fame spreads throughout Syria, and people bring to Him all who are ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed, and He heals them.
Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond the Jordan follow Him.1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.

Hebrews 4:15-16
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin.

Ephesians 6:10-17
The Armor of God passage, emphasizing the importance of spiritual readiness and the Word of God as the sword of the Spirit. Thanksgiving for Jesus' Example
Thank God for Jesus' victory over temptation and His example for us to follow.
Strength to Resist Temptation
Pray for the strength and wisdom to recognize and resist the devil's schemes in our lives.
Desire for God's Word
Ask God to deepen our love for His Word and our commitment to studying and applying it daily.
Empowerment through the Holy Spirit
Seek the Holy Spirit's empowerment to live a life that honors God, even in the face of temptation.

1. How can the account of Jesus' temptation in the wilderness be applied to modern day struggles with temptation?

2. What does Jesus' response to Satan's temptations tell you about the importance of knowing Scripture?

3. How did Jesus fulfill the prophecy of Isaiah when He moved to Capernaum?

4. Why do you think Jesus chose fishermen as His first disciples?

5. How does the immediate response of Simon, Andrew, James, and John to follow Jesus challenge you in your personal walk of faith?

6. What does the phrase "the kingdom of heaven has come near" mean to you personally?

7. How does Jesus' healing ministry reflect His compassion for people? How can you mirror this compassion in your own life?

8. How do you think the people of Galilee reacted to Jesus' teachings and healings, and why?

9. What role does repentance play in the coming of the kingdom of heaven?

10. How can Jesus' responses to the devil's temptations be used as a guide when facing moral and ethical dilemmas today?

11. What lessons can we learn from the immediate obedience of the first disciples?

12. How does Jesus' ministry challenge our approach to helping and healing in our communities?

13. How can we apply the model of Jesus' ministry to our modern-day evangelism?

14. How do you interpret the symbolism behind Jesus' forty days and forty nights of fasting?

15. Why is the setting of the wilderness significant for the temptation story?

16. How can Jesus' resistance to temptation inspire us to make moral choices in our daily lives?

17. What does the departure of the devil and the arrival of angels signify in the context of spiritual victory?

18. In what ways can we 'cast our nets' to bring others to Christ in our daily interactions?

19. How does the response of the people of Syria to Jesus' healing teach us about faith?

20. What actions can we take today to 'repent' and prepare ourselves for the kingdom of heaven?