READ Scripture- This is the Word of God
“1 And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. 2 Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying…”
PRAYER
Point 1: DiscipleshipA. Well, discipleship is more than just following Jesus because it is the craze.
B. Discipleship involves a submission to teaching. We will read soon – it is a hunger and thirst for righteousness.
C. Here the “disciples” that He begins to teach are not just the twelve that will soon be called Apostles, but all of those multitudes who were following Jesus.
D. There’s a close relationship between preaching/teaching that’s difficult to separate.
Point 2: Mountain
A. The word “mountain” in Matthew's Gospel, and most of the time in the Bible, usually refers to a new revelation that is about to take place.
1. Temptation (4:8)
2. Transfiguration (17:1)
3. Triumphal Entry (21:1)
4. Olivet Discourse (24:3)
5. Great Commission (28:16)
B. Jesus is about to reveal something new about the Kingdom of God.
a. He does so by gathering the disciples, opening His mouth, and teaching.
b. New revelation and a new people group called out from among the multitudes
c. Paul puts it this way in Rom 9:4, we are those “whom He called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles…” And Paul repeatedly tells Christians that they are “called to be saints” which is “holy ones.” He also says in 2 Tim 1, “…God, who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began, but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ…”
“The essential theme of the whole Bible from beginning to end is that God’s historical purpose is to call out a people for Himself…”
Example 1: Abraham and Sarah
READ Genesis 12:1-5
A. God called Abraham OUT
B. God separated that small group of people unto Himself and promised blessing
C. God called them out of the idolatry in the land of Haran
Example 2: Israel
READ Exodus 3:7-10
A. God called Israel OUT
B. Israel was a small, insignificant nation of slaves that God separated to Himself
C. READ Leviticus 19:1-2 Be Holy for I am Holy
Point 3: The Key to the Sermon on the MountA. This sermon is interpreted in several different ways and can be studied under many circumstances. Yet, there is one, principal key to the sermon that unlocks its meaning.
1. Matt 5:20 “For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.”
2. Supporting verse from Matt 6:8 “Therefore do not be like them.”
B. God desires a holy people – called out, unique, one of a kind, special, different
Conclusion:
If there is any area that the American church has slipped in it is this one. We have lost our identity as God’s holy people, called out by Jesus Christ. Some have called the Sermon on the Mount “radical Christian living.” Where is the radical nature that the Sermon calls for?
Radical Love, Radical Faith, Radical Forgiveness, Radical Obedience
That is Kingdom Living
If there is anything that the younger generations are looking for it is a counter-culture.
They realize that our culture is full of greed, hypocrisy, back-stabbing, and deception among many other things!
Jesus has called us to have a different kind of righteousness; a righteousness that exceeds that of the “religious” people around us. We are told to not be like them. Paul says, “Don’t be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds.” That is kingdom living. That is holy living. That is what we are called to do, truly called to be…”saints.”
If you have failed miserably in this area make a commitment today to be transformed.
If you have felt that you’ve tried hard to be holy, make a recommitment today to let God make you holy through Christ.
If you’ve never accepted Christ – come to Him today. He was different. He was holy. He was/is the sinless God who put on flesh and blood and offered up Himself once for all by being obedient unto death, even death on a cross.
In these next few weeks my prayer is that the Sermon on the Mount will call us out once again to a new revelation, a new hope, and a righteousness that is unlike any other.
Matthew 4:18-25 News About Him Spread
Today we get a taste of the beginning of discipleship and the spread of the fame of Jesus’ name. May we prioritize our lives once again after hearing a Word from the Lord and may a passion for His fame be kindled or rekindled in our hearts.
READ Scripture- This is the Word of God
Point 1: Peter and Andrew vv18-20A. Sea of Galilee: Nine surrounding cities – Crowded with fisherman
B. The Brothers
a. Peter: becomes the leading disciple
b. Andrew: was a disciple of John the Immerser (Jn 1:34-41)
C. What were Jesus’ first words to these men?
a. “Follow Me” – Jesus would command His disciples to do many other things, but the first command He gave them was “Follow Me” or “Come after Me.”
1. It was typical tradition and etiquette for a disciple to walk behind his rabbi.
2. Usually one became a disciple by making a request to the rabbi.
3. Jesus is no typical rabbi. He not only invites them to be His disciples, but actually demands them to follow after Him.
b. “I will make you fishers of men” – Jesus did not command them to be fishers of men, but promised to make them fishers of men. He will do the same for us.
(OT roots SEE Jer 16:14-16)
Qualities of good fishermen can make good evangelists:
1. Fishermen need to be patient
2. Fishermen must have perseverance
3. Fishermen must have good instincts/discernment – Location and Timing
4. Fishermen must be tough – There is considerable danger from storms/mishaps
D. "They immediately left their nets": Jesus Above Work (SEE 19:27-30)
E. "Followed Him"
a. Followed is a key word for Matthew, and often implies discipleship
b. Disciple: follower of a master, intimate companion, learning/promoting an ideology
c. Matthew uses the term to refer to the 12 apostles, to a member of a larger group, or usually to a unspecified number of followers
Point 2: James and John vv21-22A. The call of the next set of brothers closely echoes the first.
B. The Brothers
a. Both become part of the inner circle along with Peter
b. These two were called the “sons of thunder” and were caught up in the argument of who would be the greatest of the disciples, yet both went on to do marvelous things.
C. “At once” in V20 and “immediately” in V22 both translate the same Greek word
D. Immediately they left the boat and their father: Jesus Above Family
a. SEE Luke 14:26
b. This is a Hebrew idiom for preference. We must prefer Jesus above all, even family.
c. Not only did they leave their father, but Matthew adds that they left their boat.
Point 3: Jesus went throughout Galilee vv23-25A. The list found in vv23-25 is somewhat of a summary of the early works of Jesus in Galilee.
a. This list is surely not exhaustive. It is only an overview of all Jesus did.
b. Jesus was teaching, preaching, and healing which drew great crowds.
c. Jesus’ fame was growing all over the area and even stretching to other areas.
B. Preaching to open air crowds and making guest appearances in local Synagogues
a. Instead of only giving us a one-liner, “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand,” Matthew now tells us that Jesus proclaimed the “good news of the kingdom.”
b. Good News = “Gospel”
C. “News” about Jesus spread or His “fame” spread all over Syria, not merely Galilee.
a. Syria would have been north of Jesus since He was in Galilee. This area included at the very least a larger region than Galilee and may have included a very large region.
b. Many people with various illnesses were brought to Jesus for healing.
1. Many of the problems we face are gratuitous b/c we live in a fallen world.
2. Jesus has the power to overcome any illness. The text does not say that Jesus healed every individual person, but He did cure every kind of problem.
3. The kingdom of heaven is about restoration. Jesus inaugurates the presence of the kingdom with overwhelming power over a fallen and depressed world.
4. I believe there is still healing today.
A text that I never got to in the book of James was 5:14-15. It talks about prayer and healing by saying, “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up.” As citizens of God’s kingdom we can still access this healing power, but we should not be arrogant or greedy. Matthew 6:8 says, “For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.” God knows what type of healing we need before we even ask. We may feel that we need a certain type of healing or more than one healing in our life, but God knows what we most need. We may need to be healed physically, but maybe more than that we need to be healed emotionally or maybe our attitude needs to be healed or a relationship or maybe we even need healing in our spiritual life. Go to God and let Him heal you in whatever way He sees fit. He knows what we need.
D. Matthew lists several categories of problems that Jesus cures.
a. “all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people”
b. “sick people who were afflicted with various diseases and torments, and those who were demon-possessed, epileptics, and paralytics”
READ Scripture- This is the Word of God
Point 1: Peter and Andrew vv18-20A. Sea of Galilee: Nine surrounding cities – Crowded with fisherman
B. The Brothers
a. Peter: becomes the leading disciple
b. Andrew: was a disciple of John the Immerser (Jn 1:34-41)
C. What were Jesus’ first words to these men?
a. “Follow Me” – Jesus would command His disciples to do many other things, but the first command He gave them was “Follow Me” or “Come after Me.”
1. It was typical tradition and etiquette for a disciple to walk behind his rabbi.
2. Usually one became a disciple by making a request to the rabbi.
3. Jesus is no typical rabbi. He not only invites them to be His disciples, but actually demands them to follow after Him.
b. “I will make you fishers of men” – Jesus did not command them to be fishers of men, but promised to make them fishers of men. He will do the same for us.
(OT roots SEE Jer 16:14-16)
Qualities of good fishermen can make good evangelists:
1. Fishermen need to be patient
2. Fishermen must have perseverance
3. Fishermen must have good instincts/discernment – Location and Timing
4. Fishermen must be tough – There is considerable danger from storms/mishaps
D. "They immediately left their nets": Jesus Above Work (SEE 19:27-30)
E. "Followed Him"
a. Followed is a key word for Matthew, and often implies discipleship
b. Disciple: follower of a master, intimate companion, learning/promoting an ideology
c. Matthew uses the term to refer to the 12 apostles, to a member of a larger group, or usually to a unspecified number of followers
Point 2: James and John vv21-22A. The call of the next set of brothers closely echoes the first.
B. The Brothers
a. Both become part of the inner circle along with Peter
b. These two were called the “sons of thunder” and were caught up in the argument of who would be the greatest of the disciples, yet both went on to do marvelous things.
C. “At once” in V20 and “immediately” in V22 both translate the same Greek word
D. Immediately they left the boat and their father: Jesus Above Family
a. SEE Luke 14:26
b. This is a Hebrew idiom for preference. We must prefer Jesus above all, even family.
c. Not only did they leave their father, but Matthew adds that they left their boat.
Point 3: Jesus went throughout Galilee vv23-25A. The list found in vv23-25 is somewhat of a summary of the early works of Jesus in Galilee.
a. This list is surely not exhaustive. It is only an overview of all Jesus did.
b. Jesus was teaching, preaching, and healing which drew great crowds.
c. Jesus’ fame was growing all over the area and even stretching to other areas.
B. Preaching to open air crowds and making guest appearances in local Synagogues
a. Instead of only giving us a one-liner, “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand,” Matthew now tells us that Jesus proclaimed the “good news of the kingdom.”
b. Good News = “Gospel”
C. “News” about Jesus spread or His “fame” spread all over Syria, not merely Galilee.
a. Syria would have been north of Jesus since He was in Galilee. This area included at the very least a larger region than Galilee and may have included a very large region.
b. Many people with various illnesses were brought to Jesus for healing.
1. Many of the problems we face are gratuitous b/c we live in a fallen world.
2. Jesus has the power to overcome any illness. The text does not say that Jesus healed every individual person, but He did cure every kind of problem.
3. The kingdom of heaven is about restoration. Jesus inaugurates the presence of the kingdom with overwhelming power over a fallen and depressed world.
4. I believe there is still healing today.
A text that I never got to in the book of James was 5:14-15. It talks about prayer and healing by saying, “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up.” As citizens of God’s kingdom we can still access this healing power, but we should not be arrogant or greedy. Matthew 6:8 says, “For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.” God knows what type of healing we need before we even ask. We may feel that we need a certain type of healing or more than one healing in our life, but God knows what we most need. We may need to be healed physically, but maybe more than that we need to be healed emotionally or maybe our attitude needs to be healed or a relationship or maybe we even need healing in our spiritual life. Go to God and let Him heal you in whatever way He sees fit. He knows what we need.
D. Matthew lists several categories of problems that Jesus cures.
a. “all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people”
b. “sick people who were afflicted with various diseases and torments, and those who were demon-possessed, epileptics, and paralytics”
E. Great multitudes followed Jesus
a. from Galilee, and from Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond the Jordan
1. Galilee, Decapolis, and beyond the Jordan were mostly made up of Gentiles
2. Jerusalem and Judea were predominately made up of Jews
b. His fame had spread
1. From the onset, both Jews and Gentiles were following Jesus
2. People were hearing and seeing Jesus’ good works and glorifying the Father
c. Matthew sets us up for the Sermon on the Mount
Conclusion:
Jesus’ miracle working attracted crowds, but they will need to be instructed on what true discipleship involves. It is not enough to merely “follow” Jesus without solid allegiance or full attentiveness. Following Him requires both and it also involves a clinging to Him- every word, every deed. He will make us fishers of men if we do not grieve His Holy Spirit. Every good thing comes from above and everything God requires of us He gives to us if we will actively put our faith in Him.
I also want to leave you with this word-
1. We are the Body of Christ, correct?
2. The text says that Jesus went about all Galilee preaching, teaching, and healing.
Are we doing these things?
3. The text says that His fame went out.
Does His fame go out from this place?
a. from Galilee, and from Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond the Jordan
1. Galilee, Decapolis, and beyond the Jordan were mostly made up of Gentiles
2. Jerusalem and Judea were predominately made up of Jews
b. His fame had spread
1. From the onset, both Jews and Gentiles were following Jesus
2. People were hearing and seeing Jesus’ good works and glorifying the Father
c. Matthew sets us up for the Sermon on the Mount
Conclusion:
Jesus’ miracle working attracted crowds, but they will need to be instructed on what true discipleship involves. It is not enough to merely “follow” Jesus without solid allegiance or full attentiveness. Following Him requires both and it also involves a clinging to Him- every word, every deed. He will make us fishers of men if we do not grieve His Holy Spirit. Every good thing comes from above and everything God requires of us He gives to us if we will actively put our faith in Him.
I also want to leave you with this word-
1. We are the Body of Christ, correct?
2. The text says that Jesus went about all Galilee preaching, teaching, and healing.
Are we doing these things?
3. The text says that His fame went out.
Does His fame go out from this place?
We need to be people who truly, actively, and fervently FOLLOW AFTER JESUS!
We need to be people who consistently SERVE as the Body of Christ-
preaching, teaching, healing!
We need to be people who passionately and joyously SPREAD the FAME of JESUS!
We need to be people who consistently SERVE as the Body of Christ-
preaching, teaching, healing!
We need to be people who passionately and joyously SPREAD the FAME of JESUS!
Matthew 4:12-17 Jesus Began to Preach
Our Scripture text for today comes from the book of Matthew chapter four verses twelve through seventeen. Here we find a bridge from the first part of the book into the next. This is the conclusion of the first narrative section and we will now move from the ministry of John the Immerser to the public ministry of Jesus.
READ Scripture- This is the Word of God
Point 1: Dwelt in Capernaum (vv12-13a)A. Matthew emphasizes the importance of the imprisonment of John the Baptizer. After he was put in prison, Jesus had no more reason to stay in Judea and so He heads back to Galilee. This time, instead of moving back to His hometown of Nazareth, Jesus moves to Capernaum.
B. The work of the forerunner was finished. The One that he was pointing to had come. The ministry of John will now fade as the Christ comes on the public scene in full force.
C. Capernaum was larger, more significant than Nazareth, and a strategic, lakeside setting. Though the town was larger and more significant than Nazareth, it was a humble, peasant town.
a. Small agricultural and fishing village – Approx. 1,000-1,500 people
b. Home of brothers Peter and Andrew, and also James and John.
c. It is here that Jesus calls Himself the “Bread of Life,” heals Peter’s mother-in-law, heals the man let down through the roof, and raises Jairus’ daughter from the dead.
d. As the account unfolds we will see that many people in Capernaum knew about Jesus, but many would not recognize Him as anything more than a mere Galilean.
Point 2: Scripture Fulfilled (vv13b-16)A. We see that the reference to Capernaum is expanded. Not only are we told that Jesus moved to Capernaum and that it was by the sea, but we are also told that it was “in the regions of Zebulun and Naphtali.”
B. Matthew likes to give geographical markers for OT fulfillments:
1. Bethlehem 2:5-6
2. Egypt 2:15
3. Nazareth 2:23
C. Now there is a fulfillment note after the reference to Jesus’ move to Capernaum, “…that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet…”
a. It will be important then to know what the Isaiah actually said.
b. Yet, Isaiah doesn’t even mention Capernaum even within the surrounding context of the quote given by Matthew. And Capernaum was in the tribal area of Naphtali, not Zebulun. So why does Matthew link the two areas?
c. Matthew sets us up here. In Isaiah chapters seven and eight, Isaiah tells of the end of God’s judgment. In fact, disaster had hit and the capital city of Samaria fell to the Assyrians in 722 B.C. The people knew darkness during that time. Their leadership was exiled and the Assyrians occupied the land. Isa 8:22 says, “Then they will look to the earth, and see trouble and darkness, gloom of anguish; and they will be driven into darkness.” This gives way to C9 which announces an end of God’s judgment (light).
d. Zebulun and Naphtali were the northern tribes near the Sea of Galilee. These were areas of land given by God to Israel. Assyria had violated Israel by invading and inhabiting the God-given land.
e. How is this relevant to Matthew four?
1. Jesus moved to this territory – Galilee of/under the Gentiles
2. Jesus begins His public ministry here in predominately Gentile territory
3. Jesus begins His ministry in the midst of paganism – Jupiter as primary god
4. The OT situation parallels the NT – Rome inhabited the land
-Rome oppressed the area with heavy taxation and corrupt politics.
f. The original audience of the book would have known, and now we should put together, this sitting in darkness and shadow of death language with God’s intervention. Isaiah prophesied the END of judgment against the people. Now the same has come. There is a Way of escape. The darkness in that place was not mainly spiritual, but also political, social, economic, and religious. “To ‘sit in darkness’ is to live in the midst of actions and structures contrary to God’s will.”
g. THE LIGHT IS JESUS’ PRESENCE IN GALILEE. His public ministry was to commence in this hostile, Gentile, pagan culture AND it was not going to be political.
In order to overcome the darkness Jesus Himself had to step in, Jesus Himself had to come.
Point 3: What You Hear is What You Get (v17)A. Like John, Jesus calls for repentance.
B. We can not make of Jesus what we want. We can not put words in His mouth.
C. Words have meaning. So when Jesus says, "Repent" He actually means repent.
D. We can not make for ourselves our own God. When Jesus comes in full force He comes preaching. We must affirm what He has said.
Conclusion:
The first major section of the book of Matthew runs from 1:1-4:16. Matthew has begun to show Jesus’ as the prophesied Messiah, the true Israel. He has foreshadowed many things not the least is being the rejection and hostility to Jesus and the Suffering Servant role He would assume.
What you see is what you get – the CROSS.
If you submit to what you see, the cross, then you will know God’s love...
READ Scripture- This is the Word of God
Point 1: Dwelt in Capernaum (vv12-13a)A. Matthew emphasizes the importance of the imprisonment of John the Baptizer. After he was put in prison, Jesus had no more reason to stay in Judea and so He heads back to Galilee. This time, instead of moving back to His hometown of Nazareth, Jesus moves to Capernaum.
B. The work of the forerunner was finished. The One that he was pointing to had come. The ministry of John will now fade as the Christ comes on the public scene in full force.
C. Capernaum was larger, more significant than Nazareth, and a strategic, lakeside setting. Though the town was larger and more significant than Nazareth, it was a humble, peasant town.
a. Small agricultural and fishing village – Approx. 1,000-1,500 people
b. Home of brothers Peter and Andrew, and also James and John.
c. It is here that Jesus calls Himself the “Bread of Life,” heals Peter’s mother-in-law, heals the man let down through the roof, and raises Jairus’ daughter from the dead.
d. As the account unfolds we will see that many people in Capernaum knew about Jesus, but many would not recognize Him as anything more than a mere Galilean.
Point 2: Scripture Fulfilled (vv13b-16)A. We see that the reference to Capernaum is expanded. Not only are we told that Jesus moved to Capernaum and that it was by the sea, but we are also told that it was “in the regions of Zebulun and Naphtali.”
B. Matthew likes to give geographical markers for OT fulfillments:
1. Bethlehem 2:5-6
2. Egypt 2:15
3. Nazareth 2:23
C. Now there is a fulfillment note after the reference to Jesus’ move to Capernaum, “…that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet…”
a. It will be important then to know what the Isaiah actually said.
b. Yet, Isaiah doesn’t even mention Capernaum even within the surrounding context of the quote given by Matthew. And Capernaum was in the tribal area of Naphtali, not Zebulun. So why does Matthew link the two areas?
c. Matthew sets us up here. In Isaiah chapters seven and eight, Isaiah tells of the end of God’s judgment. In fact, disaster had hit and the capital city of Samaria fell to the Assyrians in 722 B.C. The people knew darkness during that time. Their leadership was exiled and the Assyrians occupied the land. Isa 8:22 says, “Then they will look to the earth, and see trouble and darkness, gloom of anguish; and they will be driven into darkness.” This gives way to C9 which announces an end of God’s judgment (light).
d. Zebulun and Naphtali were the northern tribes near the Sea of Galilee. These were areas of land given by God to Israel. Assyria had violated Israel by invading and inhabiting the God-given land.
e. How is this relevant to Matthew four?
1. Jesus moved to this territory – Galilee of/under the Gentiles
2. Jesus begins His public ministry here in predominately Gentile territory
3. Jesus begins His ministry in the midst of paganism – Jupiter as primary god
4. The OT situation parallels the NT – Rome inhabited the land
-Rome oppressed the area with heavy taxation and corrupt politics.
f. The original audience of the book would have known, and now we should put together, this sitting in darkness and shadow of death language with God’s intervention. Isaiah prophesied the END of judgment against the people. Now the same has come. There is a Way of escape. The darkness in that place was not mainly spiritual, but also political, social, economic, and religious. “To ‘sit in darkness’ is to live in the midst of actions and structures contrary to God’s will.”
g. THE LIGHT IS JESUS’ PRESENCE IN GALILEE. His public ministry was to commence in this hostile, Gentile, pagan culture AND it was not going to be political.
In order to overcome the darkness Jesus Himself had to step in, Jesus Himself had to come.
Point 3: What You Hear is What You Get (v17)A. Like John, Jesus calls for repentance.
B. We can not make of Jesus what we want. We can not put words in His mouth.
C. Words have meaning. So when Jesus says, "Repent" He actually means repent.
D. We can not make for ourselves our own God. When Jesus comes in full force He comes preaching. We must affirm what He has said.
Conclusion:
The first major section of the book of Matthew runs from 1:1-4:16. Matthew has begun to show Jesus’ as the prophesied Messiah, the true Israel. He has foreshadowed many things not the least is being the rejection and hostility to Jesus and the Suffering Servant role He would assume.
What you see is what you get – the CROSS.
If you submit to what you see, the cross, then you will know God’s love...
Matthew 4:1-11 Away with you Satan! For it is written...
It is noteworthy that the temptation of Jesus is so closely linked to His baptism. Jesus is baptized – essentially marked out as the Son of God, anointed the Messiah-King, associated with sinners – and then He is tested by Satan. We should mark it down that becoming believers does not mean we are going to have an “easier” life now. The Scripture tells us that under God’s sovereignty, Satan is the ruler of this world. He is our adversary that walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. When our own desires attempt to draw us away and entice us or when Satan appears on the scene seeking to devour us we must have some preparation for defense.
In this passage Jesus teaches us what it means for God’s strength to be made perfect in weakness. He teaches us that the Word of God will well up in our hearts in defense against the adversary if we have first hidden it in our hearts. I invite you to read Matthew 4:1-11 with me…
READ Scripture- This is the Word of God
Initial Observations
This account could only have been made known to the disciples by Jesus Himself. There was no journalist out in the desert recording these events. So we learn how Jesus views Himself, being human and being the Son of God. Also, we learn how Jesus views Satan and spiritual battle.
The first thing that jumps out to me is that the Spirit leads Jesus into the wilderness. This tells me that Jesus does not work independently from the other persons of God; all three continuously work in full cooperation.
We learn from the very first verse that the central reason that Jesus was led into the wilderness was to be tempted by the devil. Now the devil is not some kind of mythical creature. He is not a figment of our imagination. The Scripture makes it obvious that the devil, Satan, is a real being.
This account is more than symbolic. The Spirit truly led Jesus into the desert where He fasted for forty days. This gave ample opportunity for Satan to come and tempt Him. Jesus, we are told, was hungry and surely His physical body was weak. I do think that Satan appeared to Him there in the desert and with stones lying around them said, “Command that these stones become bread.” What better temptation for a hungry man? Now the next two temptations are more difficult to understand. Did they really travel great lengths to two more locations? I think it is more appropriate to suggest that these two were visionary. And this is exactly what Satan does with us, isn’t it? Many times Satan will put something physically right before us and other times he works on our weak consciences. Many times he forces us to struggle with things inwardly.
Three TemptationsTemptation 1 –
Devil- “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.”
Christ- “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’”
Would Christ use His Sonship in an inconsistent way with God’s purpose? (Same as Matt 27:40) Remember, as the Son of God/Son of Man, Christ emptied Himself of the independent use of His divine attributes. Jesus’ food was to do the will of His Father (John 4:34).
Temptation 2 –
Devil- Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: ‘ He shall give His angels charge over you, and, ‘ In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.’”
Christ- “It is written again, ‘You shall not tempt the LORD your God.’”
Jesus knew that though Scripture promised help in times of need that intentionally testing God was forbidden. Like the first temptation, this one would go against the plan of God. There was a story that circulated among the Jews that when the Messiah came He would appear at the highest point of the Temple and throw Himself down without injury. Jesus could have taken a short-cut to fame and adoration as the Messiah. Jesus CHOSE to SERVE the Father, not vice-versa.
Temptation 3 –
Devil- the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.”
Christ- “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.’”
This would side-step the cross. It would give a shortcut to Messianic authority. From the get-go Jesus had the intention of Messianic authority and of being the suffering servant. There is no subtlety in this offer. Rather, there is a pure choice of allegiance. Jesus’ response is authoritative. He not only cuts the interview short, but expels Satan (adversary). We see that Jesus was in full control of the situation throughout and finally sends the tempter away. That “the devil left Him” says a whole lot. Jesus could have said this in the beginning, right? Instead He submitted to this testing as the Son of Man. He identified Himself with mankind in His baptism and He also associated Himself with us by submitting to the testing of the adversary.
Point 1: Some see a comparison with 1 John 2:16A. Temptation 1- Lust of the Flesh; Temptation 2- Pride of Life; Temptation 3- Lust of the Eyes
B. These are the three ways that Satan can tempt us.
C. These are the three categories that all sins fall into.
D. As I said on a recent Wednesday night, we all sin within these three categories, yet Christians seem to fall into the Pride of Life quite often. The fact of the matter is we tend to do it for righteousness sake and we are dead wrong! Sin is offensive to God whether it be blatant immorality or mere arrogance.
Point 2: Scripture- Tempting and DefendingA. Satan Uses Scripture to Test
a. As we have seen, Satan quotes Scripture to the Lord in order to tempt Him.
b. Satan knows the Scripture and can twist it with the slightest turn. He can misapply it without us even realizing if we aren’t careful.
B. Christ Uses Scripture to Defend
a. What is Christ’s ONLY defense mechanism? Answer- Scripture
b. Two of the three quotes are from Deuteronomy C6 and one is from C8.
c. This was not some kind of passive, hunker-down defense mode. It was an active resistance using the Word of God. Ephesians 6:17 tells us to take up the “sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.” The Spirit’s sword, Christ’s sword, our sword is the Word of God.
d. So you say, that is good, but how do I employ Scripture as my defense?
1. Devote yourself to the assembly- corporate teaching and preaching
2. Delight in the instruction of the Lord and Meditate on it
3. Memorize large chunks and small parts
Conclusion:
Let it be known- we will be tested. We put ourselves in situations that test us and Satan (or one of his associates) comes to tempt us on many occasions. We should take courage though. Jesus said, “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
We have no excuse. We have been warned. We have been taught. We have been equipped.
Most importantly, we have One who has gone before us that has conquered the flesh and Satan.
Though Adam was tempted and fell, Christ was tempted and succeeded!
Though Israel was tempted and overwhelmed, Christ was tempted and overcame!
I leave you with Hebrews 4:15-
“For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses,
but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.”
In this passage Jesus teaches us what it means for God’s strength to be made perfect in weakness. He teaches us that the Word of God will well up in our hearts in defense against the adversary if we have first hidden it in our hearts. I invite you to read Matthew 4:1-11 with me…
READ Scripture- This is the Word of God
Initial Observations
This account could only have been made known to the disciples by Jesus Himself. There was no journalist out in the desert recording these events. So we learn how Jesus views Himself, being human and being the Son of God. Also, we learn how Jesus views Satan and spiritual battle.
The first thing that jumps out to me is that the Spirit leads Jesus into the wilderness. This tells me that Jesus does not work independently from the other persons of God; all three continuously work in full cooperation.
We learn from the very first verse that the central reason that Jesus was led into the wilderness was to be tempted by the devil. Now the devil is not some kind of mythical creature. He is not a figment of our imagination. The Scripture makes it obvious that the devil, Satan, is a real being.
This account is more than symbolic. The Spirit truly led Jesus into the desert where He fasted for forty days. This gave ample opportunity for Satan to come and tempt Him. Jesus, we are told, was hungry and surely His physical body was weak. I do think that Satan appeared to Him there in the desert and with stones lying around them said, “Command that these stones become bread.” What better temptation for a hungry man? Now the next two temptations are more difficult to understand. Did they really travel great lengths to two more locations? I think it is more appropriate to suggest that these two were visionary. And this is exactly what Satan does with us, isn’t it? Many times Satan will put something physically right before us and other times he works on our weak consciences. Many times he forces us to struggle with things inwardly.
Three TemptationsTemptation 1 –
Devil- “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.”
Christ- “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’”
Would Christ use His Sonship in an inconsistent way with God’s purpose? (Same as Matt 27:40) Remember, as the Son of God/Son of Man, Christ emptied Himself of the independent use of His divine attributes. Jesus’ food was to do the will of His Father (John 4:34).
Temptation 2 –
Devil- Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: ‘ He shall give His angels charge over you, and, ‘ In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.’”
Christ- “It is written again, ‘You shall not tempt the LORD your God.’”
Jesus knew that though Scripture promised help in times of need that intentionally testing God was forbidden. Like the first temptation, this one would go against the plan of God. There was a story that circulated among the Jews that when the Messiah came He would appear at the highest point of the Temple and throw Himself down without injury. Jesus could have taken a short-cut to fame and adoration as the Messiah. Jesus CHOSE to SERVE the Father, not vice-versa.
Temptation 3 –
Devil- the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.”
Christ- “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.’”
This would side-step the cross. It would give a shortcut to Messianic authority. From the get-go Jesus had the intention of Messianic authority and of being the suffering servant. There is no subtlety in this offer. Rather, there is a pure choice of allegiance. Jesus’ response is authoritative. He not only cuts the interview short, but expels Satan (adversary). We see that Jesus was in full control of the situation throughout and finally sends the tempter away. That “the devil left Him” says a whole lot. Jesus could have said this in the beginning, right? Instead He submitted to this testing as the Son of Man. He identified Himself with mankind in His baptism and He also associated Himself with us by submitting to the testing of the adversary.
Point 1: Some see a comparison with 1 John 2:16A. Temptation 1- Lust of the Flesh; Temptation 2- Pride of Life; Temptation 3- Lust of the Eyes
B. These are the three ways that Satan can tempt us.
C. These are the three categories that all sins fall into.
D. As I said on a recent Wednesday night, we all sin within these three categories, yet Christians seem to fall into the Pride of Life quite often. The fact of the matter is we tend to do it for righteousness sake and we are dead wrong! Sin is offensive to God whether it be blatant immorality or mere arrogance.
Point 2: Scripture- Tempting and DefendingA. Satan Uses Scripture to Test
a. As we have seen, Satan quotes Scripture to the Lord in order to tempt Him.
b. Satan knows the Scripture and can twist it with the slightest turn. He can misapply it without us even realizing if we aren’t careful.
B. Christ Uses Scripture to Defend
a. What is Christ’s ONLY defense mechanism? Answer- Scripture
b. Two of the three quotes are from Deuteronomy C6 and one is from C8.
c. This was not some kind of passive, hunker-down defense mode. It was an active resistance using the Word of God. Ephesians 6:17 tells us to take up the “sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.” The Spirit’s sword, Christ’s sword, our sword is the Word of God.
d. So you say, that is good, but how do I employ Scripture as my defense?
1. Devote yourself to the assembly- corporate teaching and preaching
2. Delight in the instruction of the Lord and Meditate on it
3. Memorize large chunks and small parts
Conclusion:
Let it be known- we will be tested. We put ourselves in situations that test us and Satan (or one of his associates) comes to tempt us on many occasions. We should take courage though. Jesus said, “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
We have no excuse. We have been warned. We have been taught. We have been equipped.
Most importantly, we have One who has gone before us that has conquered the flesh and Satan.
Though Adam was tempted and fell, Christ was tempted and succeeded!
Though Israel was tempted and overwhelmed, Christ was tempted and overcame!
I leave you with Hebrews 4:15-
“For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses,
but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.”
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