◄ Matthew 4 ►
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Summary The Temptation of Jesus Matthew 4 is a testament to the spiritual fortitude, dedication to God's word, and compassionate ministry of Jesus. Through His resistance to temptation, fulfillment of prophecy, call to discipleship, and healing works, Jesus sets an example of righteousness and selflessness. As modern followers, this calls us to stand firm in faith, answer God's calling, repent, and actively spread love and healing in our world. Temptation in the Wilderness (Verses 1-11) After fasting for forty days and nights in the wilderness, Jesus is tempted by the devil. Jesus resists each temptation, reinforcing His faith and dependence on God and the Scriptures. The devil departs, and angels come to attend to Jesus. Jesus Begins His Ministry in Galilee (Verses 12-17) Following John's arrest, Jesus leaves Nazareth to live in Capernaum. This move fulfills a prophecy from Isaiah. Jesus starts preaching, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near." Calling of the First Disciples (Verses 18-22) While walking along the Sea of Galilee, Jesus calls Simon (known as Peter) and his brother Andrew to follow Him. They immediately leave their nets and follow Him. Soon after, Jesus calls James and John, who also leave their boat and their father to follow Jesus. Healing the Sick (Verses 23-25) Jesus travels throughout Galilee, teaching in synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. His fame spreads throughout Syria, and people bring all who are ill to Him, and He heals them. Matthew 4 is a profound chapter in the New Testament, presenting the early stages of Jesus' public ministry. The chapter begins with the temptations that Jesus faces in the wilderness, moves to the calling of his first disciples, and culminates in the initial phases of his healing ministry. Matthew 4 provides valuable insights into the spiritual strength, commitment, and compassion that define Jesus' character and mission. Teaching Points 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. Practical Applications 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). People 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." Places 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. Events 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. Connections to Additional Scriptures 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. Prayer Points 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. Bible Study Questions 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? Topics 1. The Temptation of Jesus (Matthew 4:1-11) Jesus is led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. This passage highlights the three temptations: turning stones into bread, throwing Himself down from the temple, and worshiping Satan in exchange for the kingdoms of the world. Jesus responds to each temptation with Scripture, emphasizing reliance on God's Word. The Greek term "πειράζω" (peirazō) is used for "tempt," indicating a test or trial. 2. The Beginning of Jesus' Ministry (Matthew 4:12-17) After John the Baptist is imprisoned, Jesus begins His ministry in Galilee, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah about a great light in the land of Zebulun and Naphtali. Jesus preaches, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near" (Matthew 4:17). The Greek word "μετανοέω" (metanoeō) for "repent" signifies a transformative change of heart and mind. 3. The Calling of the First Disciples (Matthew 4:18-22) Jesus calls Simon Peter and Andrew, and then James and John, to follow Him and become "fishers of men." This calling signifies the beginning of their transformation from fishermen to apostles. The Greek term "ἀκολουθέω" (akoloutheō) means "to follow," indicating a commitment to discipleship. 4. Jesus Heals the Multitudes (Matthew 4:23-25) Jesus travels throughout Galilee, teaching in synagogues, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. His fame spreads, and large crowds follow Him. The Greek word "θεραπεύω" (therapeuō) for "heal" underscores the restorative power of Jesus' ministry. Themes 1. Temptation of Jesus In Matthew 4:1-11, Jesus is led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. This passage highlights the theme of spiritual testing and the victory over temptation through reliance on God's Word. The Greek word for "tempted" (πειράζω, peirazō) indicates a test or trial, emphasizing the spiritual battle. 2. Dependence on Scripture Jesus responds to each of Satan's temptations by quoting Scripture, underscoring the importance of God's Word as a defense against spiritual attacks. In Matthew 4:4, Jesus says, "It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” This reflects the Hebrew understanding of the sustaining power of God's Word. 3. Divine Sonship and Identity The temptations challenge Jesus' identity as the Son of God. In Matthew 4:3 and 4:6, Satan begins with, "If You are the Son of God," questioning Jesus' divine sonship. This theme emphasizes the affirmation of Jesus' identity and mission. 4. Worship and Service to God Alone In Matthew 4:10, Jesus rebukes Satan, saying, "Away from Me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.’” This theme highlights the exclusive devotion and worship due to God, rooted in the First Commandment. 5. Commencement of Jesus' Ministry After overcoming temptation, Jesus begins His public ministry. Matthew 4:17 states, "From that time on Jesus began to preach, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.'" This marks the inauguration of His mission and the proclamation of the Kingdom of Heaven. 6. Calling of the First Disciples In Matthew 4:18-22, Jesus calls His first disciples, Peter and Andrew, followed by James and John. This theme emphasizes the call to discipleship and the immediate response to follow Jesus, leaving behind their former lives. 7. Healing and Teaching Ministry The chapter concludes with Jesus traveling throughout Galilee, teaching, preaching, and healing (Matthew 4:23-25). This theme highlights the compassionate and authoritative nature of Jesus' ministry, fulfilling the messianic prophecies and demonstrating the power of the Kingdom of Heaven. Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions