1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.
2 And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.
3 And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.”
4 But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple.
6 and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, “‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ and “‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’”
7 Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’”
8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory.
9 And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.”
10 Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’”
11 Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him.
12 Now when he heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee.
13 And leaving Nazareth he went and lived in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali,
14 so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:
15 “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali,
the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—
16 the people dwelling in darkness
have seen a great light,
and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death,
on them a light has dawned.”
17 From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
18 While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen.
19 And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
20 Immediately they left their nets and followed him.
21 And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them.
22 Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.
23 And he went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people.
24 So his fame spread throughout all Syria, and they brought him all the sick, those afflicted with various diseases and pains, those oppressed by demons, those having seizures, and paralytics, and he healed them.
25 And great crowds followed him from Galilee and the Decapolis, and from Jerusalem and Judea, and from beyond the Jordan.
The True Meaning of Matthew 4
The Gospel of Matthew was written by the apostle Matthew, also known as Levi, who was a tax collector before being called by Jesus to become one of his twelve disciples. Jesus is tempted by the devil and begins his public ministry in this chapter.
The chapter opens with Jesus being led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. This event is significant, as it echoes the temptation of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, as well as the trials of the Israelites in the wilderness. Jesus, like the Israelites, must face the temptations of the devil, but he emerges victorious, demonstrating his divine nature and his commitment to fulfilling God’s plan.
After his time in the wilderness, Jesus begins his public ministry, calling his first disciples and preaching the message of the kingdom of heaven. This marks the beginning of his earthly mission, which will ultimately lead to his death and resurrection, as foretold in the Scriptures (Matthew 16:21, 20:17-19).
Matthew 4:1-4
Jesus is led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil in Matthew 4:1-4. This event follows immediately after His baptism by John the Baptist and serves as a pivotal moment in Jesus’ earthly ministry. It’s significant that Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, highlighting His obedience to God’s will and illustrating that even in times of testing, God is in control.
The wilderness in biblical times was often seen as a place of testing and spiritual growth. Jesus’s 40 days and nights of fasting draw a parallel to Moses’ 40-day fast on Mount Sinai and Elijah’s journey to Mount Horeb. It was a time of intense preparation and reliance on God for sustenance. Jesus’ physical weakness after the extended fast made Him especially vulnerable to the devil’s temptations, highlighting the humanity of Jesus.
When the devil tempts Jesus to turn stones into bread, he is appealing to Jesus’ physical hunger after the long fast. Jesus responds by quoting Deuteronomy 8:3, emphasizing the importance of relying on God’s word and His provision rather than giving in to the immediate gratification of physical desires. This underscores the theme of spiritual nourishment and the priority of living by God’s Word.
The devil’s temptation to Jesus to jump from the pinnacle of the temple is a challenge to Jesus to prove His identity and test God’s protection. Jesus again responds by quoting Scripture, this time from Deuteronomy 6:16, affirming that one should not put God to the test. This teaches us the importance of trusting in God’s plan and not manipulating situations to prove His faithfulness.
The overarching message of this passage is the importance of standing firm in the face of temptation by relying on God’s Word and staying faithful to His will. Jesus models for us how to combat temptation by using Scripture as a weapon against the enemy’s lies and deceptions. It also highlights Jesus’ perfect obedience to God, in contrast to the failure of Adam and Israel in similar wilderness testing situations.
The temptations faced by Jesus in the wilderness are representative of the temptations that all believers face— the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (1 John 2:16). Jesus’ victory over these temptations not only demonstrates His sinlessness but also provides us with a model for resisting temptation in our own lives. It shows that through prayer, fasting, and immersion in God’s Word, we can overcome the schemes of the enemy and walk in obedience to God.
Matthew 4:5-7
The devil takes Jesus to the pinnacle of the temple in a significant moment in his life, as seen in Matthew 4:5-7. This event follows immediately after Jesus successfully resisted the devil’s temptations in the wilderness. The devil continues to test Jesus by using scripture to challenge Him. The devil misuses the Scriptures, quoting from Psalm 91:11-12, attempting to manipulate Jesus into tempting God by throwing Himself off the pinnacle.
This moment is crucial as it reveals the cunning nature of the devil and his attempts to deceive even using the Word of God. We see Jesus responding with another scriptural reference, this time from Deuteronomy: “Do not put the Lord your God to the test” (Deuteronomy 6:16). Jesus shows a profound understanding of scripture and deflects the devil’s temptations with wisdom and discernment. This teaches us the importance of knowing and understanding God’s Word to combat temptation and deception in our lives.
The devil’s tactics in tempting Jesus at the pinnacle of the temple reflect his continuous efforts to lead people astray by distorting the truth. This event also emphasizes the importance of humility and obedience to God’s will. Even though Jesus had the power to perform miracles, He chose not to put God to the test for personal gain or for a showcase of His abilities. This highlights Jesus’ commitment to fulfilling the Father’s plan with humility and trust. This passage reminds us of the need to be vigilant and discerning in our faith. The devil often disguises his temptations in ways that seem appealing or even scriptural. We can resist the devil’s schemes just as Jesus did by staying rooted in the Word of God and being obedient to His commands. It underscores the crucial role that scripture plays in guiding and guarding our hearts and minds against deception and sin. These events further establish Jesus as the Son of God who is fully obedient to the Father’s will and unwavering in His commitment to righteousness in the larger context of Matthew 4. The temptations Jesus faced in the wilderness and at the temple illustrate His victory over sin and His ability to overcome the devil’s schemes. This sets the stage for Jesus’ ministry where He preaches repentance, forgiveness, and the Kingdom of God, all of which are central themes in the teachings of Jesus throughout the Gospels.
Matthew 4:8-11
The Bible recounts a pivotal moment in the life of Jesus in Matthew 4:8-11, following His forty days of fasting in the wilderness where He faced temptation by the devil. These verses describe the final temptation where the devil took Jesus to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. The devil then offers Jesus all these things if He bows down and worships him.
This section of the Bible is significant as it showcases the depth of the spiritual battle between good and evil, with Jesus being directly tempted by Satan himself. The devil, in a desperate attempt to lead Jesus astray, presents Him with an enticing offer – rulership over all the kingdoms of the world in exchange for worship. However, Jesus responds with unwavering faith and devotion to God, saying, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.’”
This moment illustrates the resolute faith and obedience of Jesus, highlighting His purity and steadfast commitment to God’s will. It serves as a powerful example of how we too should remain faithful and unwavering in the face of temptation and worldly allurements. Jesus relied on the authority of Scripture in the midst of this intense spiritual battle, quoting Deuteronomy 6:13, where the Israelites were commanded to fear and worship God alone.
Through this encounter, Jesus not only defeats the devil’s temptations but also establishes His authority over evil. This victory reaffirms Jesus’ identity as the Son of God and the promised Messiah. It also reinforces the importance of relying on the Word of God as a source of strength and guidance in times of trial and conflict. This story reminds us that when faced with temptation, we can find strength in God’s Word and steadfastly resist the schemes of the enemy.
Furthermore, this event foreshadows the ultimate triumph of Jesus over sin and death on the cross, where He achieves victory for all humanity. It echoes the theme of spiritual warfare found throughout the Bible, emphasizing the ongoing battle between good and evil and the need for believers to stand firm in their faith. The narrative in Matthew 4:8-11 serves as a reminder of the power of faith, the significance of obedience to God, and the ultimate victory that comes from trusting in Him alone.
Matthew 4:12-17
Jesus withdrew to Galilee when he heard that John the Baptist had been arrested, as told in Matthew 4:12-17. This underscores an important transition in Jesus’ ministry; the baton was being passed from John the Baptist to Jesus. John the Baptist, a powerful prophet and forerunner to Christ, had been forcefully silenced by imprisonment due to his outspokenness against sin, even confronting King Herod himself for his immoral actions. This event not only sets a somber tone but also signals the start of a new chapter in the work of Jesus on earth.
When Jesus moved to Galilee, fulfilling a prophecy from Isaiah, it was a strategic move, connecting to important Old Testament prophecies. Galilee held significance in terms of being a mixed region of Jew and Gentile, which aligns with Jesus’ later ministry to both Jews and Gentiles. Matthew frequently references prophecies fulfilled by Jesus, highlighting His divine mission and the continuity between the Old Testament promises and their fulfillment in Christ. This emphasis on prophecy strengthens the overall message of the Bible as a cohesive narrative of God’s plan unfolding through the ages. Jesus proclaimed, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near,” as He began His ministry in Galilee.” This call to repentance echoes the core message of both John the Baptist and Jesus. Repentance is a fundamental theme in the Bible, highlighting the need for individuals to turn away from sin and turn towards God. It is a call to transformation and a reminder of God’s mercy and grace towards those who humble themselves before Him. The kingdom of heaven coming near emphasizes the imminence of God’s reign and the urgency of responding to His call, a message that remains relevant and pressing for people in every generation. Jesus specifically chose Galilee of the Gentiles to begin His ministry in this passage, a region associated with darkness and spiritual ignorance. This deliberate choice by Jesus reflects His mission to bring light into the darkness, emphasizing His role as the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy that the people living in darkness would see a great light. Throughout the Bible, light symbolizes truth, righteousness, and the presence of God. Jesus shows His intention to bring salvation to all people, regardless of their background or circumstances, by initiating His ministry in a place with such connotations. Matthew 4:12-17 marks a pivotal moment in Jesus’ ministry, showcasing the transition from John the Baptist to Jesus, the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, the call to repentance, and the symbolism of bringing light into darkness. This passage not only sets the stage for Jesus’ public ministry but also underscores key themes of the Bible, such as prophecy, repentance, and the universal scope of God’s salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ.
Matthew 4:18-22
Let’s break down Matthew 4:18-22 into sections:
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Jesus saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew, as he was walking beside the Sea of Galilee. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. Jesus begins to call his disciples in this section. Simon Peter and Andrew were fishermen by trade, hardworking men who labored in the Sea of Galilee. Jesus, in his wisdom, chose these ordinary men to become his closest companions and, ultimately, the foundation of his church. This moment emphasizes Jesus’ ability to see beyond the surface and recognize the potential in people who may seem unremarkable to others. It’s a powerful reminder that God can use anyone, regardless of their background or occupation, for His divine purposes.
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“‘Come, follow me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will send you out to fish for people.’ At once they left their nets and followed him.”
When Jesus called Peter and Andrew, he didn’t just mean for them to physically follow him; he called them to a higher purpose, to become fishers of men. Jesus made his message relatable to these fishermen by using language familiar to them, showing that he meets us where we are and calls us to serve Him in ways that resonate with our skills and experiences. The immediacy of their response, leaving behind their livelihoods to follow Jesus, demonstrates their faith and willingness to prioritize their commitment to Him above all else. This act of leaving everything behind serves as a powerful example for us to prioritize our relationship with Christ above worldly pursuits.
- “Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.”
Here, we witness another profound moment of discipleship as Jesus calls James and John, the sons of Zebedee. Like Peter and Andrew, James and John were also fishermen. However, what sets this encounter apart is the abandonment of not only their nets but also their father, Zebedee, to follow Jesus. This radical act of leaving their family behind signifies the exclusive loyalty and devotion that Jesus demands from his followers. It highlights the necessity of prioritizing God above even our closest relationships, illustrating the all-encompassing nature of discipleship. The disciples show a pattern of immediate obedience and sacrifice when called by Jesus in these verses. Their response serves as a model for us today, showing the importance of wholehearted commitment, readiness to leave behind our old ways, and embracing the transformation that comes with following Christ. The willingness of these fishermen to leave everything to follow Jesus exemplifies the cost of discipleship and the rewards that come with complete surrender to God’s will. These events foreshadow the disciples’ future roles in spreading the Gospel after Jesus’ resurrection in a broader context. Peter, Andrew, James, and John would become key figures in the early Christian church, with Peter even being referred to as the rock on which Jesus would build His church (Matthew 16:18). Their initial encounter with Jesus by the Sea of Galilee marked the beginning of a transformative journey that would ultimately change the course of their lives and the history of Christianity.
Matthew 4:23-25
Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people in Matthew 4:23-25. News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed; and he healed them. Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and the region across the Jordan followed him. Jesus embarks on his ministry in full force in this section. He begins by teaching in synagogues, proclaiming the message of the kingdom of God, and performing miraculous healings. This underscores the threefold ministry of Jesus: teaching, preaching the good news, and healing the sick – a demonstration of his divinity and compassion for those in need.
The impact of Jesus’ teachings and healings is profound – word about him spread rapidly throughout the region, drawing crowds from various areas, including Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond the Jordan. This highlights the universal appeal and influence of Jesus’ message, transcending geographical boundaries and societal divides. It also reflects the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah bringing healing and restoration to the people (Isaiah 35:5-6).
The types of people that are specifically mentioned as coming to Jesus for healing are significant. Those suffering from various diseases, severe pain, demonic possession, seizures, and paralysis represent a broad spectrum of afflictions and hardships that afflict humanity. Jesus demonstrates his power over physical, spiritual, and mental illnesses by healing them all, showing that nothing is beyond his authority and compassion. This emphasizes the inclusive nature of Jesus’ ministry, reaching out to all who are in need, regardless of their condition or status in society.
Furthermore, the mention of large crowds following Jesus from different regions underscores the wide-reaching impact of his ministry. People were drawn to him not only for physical healing but also for the spiritual truths he was proclaiming. This sets the stage for Jesus’ continued ministry, where he not only addresses physical ailments but also delves into deeper spiritual matters, challenging societal norms and calling people to repentance and faith in God. This passage in Matthew 4:23-25 encapsulates the essence of Jesus’ ministry – teaching, preaching the good news, and healing – and sets the stage for the transformative work he would continue to do throughout his time on earth. It also serves as a powerful reminder of Jesus’ ability to bring healing and restoration to all aspects of human life, pointing to his ultimate mission of bringing salvation to the world through his sacrificial death and resurrection (John 3:16).
After Matthew 4
The devil tested Jesus in the wilderness in this chapter. Despite facing temptation and challenges, Jesus remained steadfast in his faith and commitment to God. He resisted the devil’s temptations and emerged victorious, showing us the power of staying true to our beliefs even in the face of adversity. We too will encounter challenges in our own lives as we reflect on the trials Jesus faced. Just as Jesus relied on the strength of God to overcome temptation, we too can find the courage and resilience to face our struggles with faith and determination. We should hold fast to our beliefs and trust in God’s guidance as we continue on our spiritual journey.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.