The Temptation of Jesus
This story of the temptation of Jesus shows...
This story of the temptation of Jesus shows clear parallels between Adam and Jesus. Jesus is the second Adam (see Romans 5:12–19) and the second Israel (Matthew 2:15). Unlike the ancient Israelites, Jesus completed Israel’s history by wandering through the desert without sinning. He showed he was the obedient Son of God by defeating Satan in spiritual battle.
Since Jesus faced temptation as a human, he can understand the temptations we encounter (see Hebrews 2:14–18; 4:15). He helps us overcome them as he did (1 Corinthians 10:13).
1Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2After fasting forty days and forty nights, He was hungry.
Jesus refused to use his supernatural power to...
Jesus refused to use his supernatural power to get food, trusting God to provide it. The people of Israel relentlessly tested God with complaints and disbelief (see Exodus 16). But, Jesus refused to doubt God's faithfulness. Instead, he relied on God to meet his real need. This was the spiritual provision that comes from every word of God.
3The tempter came to Him and said, “If You are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”
4But Jesus answered, “It is written:
‘Man shall not live on bread alone,but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”†
Jesus refused to test God by assuming God...
Jesus refused to test God by assuming God would always protect him.
5Then the devil took Him to the holy city and set Him on the pinnacle of the temple. 6“If You are the Son of God,” he said, “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 footagainst a stone.’”†7Jesus replied, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”†
Satan is called "the prince of this world"...
Satan is called "the prince of this world" in John 12:31. He offered Jesus control over all the world's kingdoms and their power. Satan did this to try to stop Jesus from fulfilling God's will.
Glory means political power and control (for example, Matthew 6:29). Satan planned to tempt Jesus to misuse his divine nature as Son. He wanted to distract him from the path of suffering and obedience that led to the crucifixion.
Satan is called "the prince of this world" in John 12:31. He offered Jesus control over all the world's kingdoms and their power. Satan did this to try to stop Jesus from fulfilling God's will.
Glory means political power and control (for example, Matthew 6:29). Satan planned to tempt Jesus to misuse his divine nature as Son. He wanted to distract him from the path of suffering and obedience that led to the crucifixion.
8Again, the devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9“All this I will give You,” he said, “if You will fall down and worship me.”
10“Away from Me, Satan!” Jesus told him. “For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.’”†
11Then the devil left Him, and angels came and ministered to Him.
Jesus Begins His Ministry
(Isaiah 9:1–7; Mark 1:14–15; Luke 4:14–15)
John the Baptist and the Father announced Jesus...
John the Baptist and the Father announced Jesus as the Messiah (3:13–17). He then endured testing in the wilderness with obedience (4:1–11). After this, the Messiah was ready to begin his work. He first preached the message of the kingdom of God to the people of Galilee.
12When Jesus heard that John had been imprisoned, He withdrew to Galilee. 13Leaving Nazareth, He went and lived in Capernaum, which is by the sea in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, 14to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah:
15“Land of Zebulunand land of Naphtali,the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan,Galilee of the Gentiles—16the people living in darknesshave seen a great light;on those living in the land of the shadow of death,a light has dawned.”†17From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”
The First Disciples
(Mark 1:16–20; Luke 5:1–11; John 1:35–42)
The call of the first disciples shows one...
The call of the first disciples shows one purpose of the ministry of Jesus: to invite people to follow him with self-denying obedience (compare Matthew 4:17, 23–25).
18As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 19“Come, follow Me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.”
They left the boat and their father: To...
They left the boat and their father: To be disciples of Jesus required both commitment and sacrifice from the brothers (see Matthew 8:18–22; 10:38; 16:24; 19:21).
20And at once they left their nets and followed Him.
21Going 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, mending their nets. Jesus called them, 22and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed Him.
Jesus Heals the Multitudes
This summary highlights the main theme of the...
This summary highlights the main theme of the section (Matthew 4:23–9:38): the work and message of the Messiah. In ancient writings, chapters did not exist. Authors would start and end a section with the same phrase (called an inclusio; see 9:35).
23Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.
During the time of Jesus, much of Palestine...
During the time of Jesus, much of Palestine was under Roman control as part of Syria. At that time, Syria could mean the whole eastern Mediterranean coast. Matthew mentions Syria to show how far news of Jesus spread.
those having seizures: This refers to epilepsy or demonic possession. In 17:15, a person described this way "falls into the fire for into the water," meaning the boy could not control himself.
The Decapolis was a group of ten cities, mostly east of the Jordan River and southeast of the Sea of Galilee. These included:
Damascus,
Raphana,
Hippos,
Abila (or Canatha),
Gadara,
Scythopolis,
Pella,
Dion,
Gerasa, and
Philadelphia (Amman).
These cities were mostly gentile (non-Jewish) and followed Greek culture.
During the time of Jesus, much of Palestine was under Roman control as part of Syria. At that time, Syria could mean the whole eastern Mediterranean coast. Matthew mentions Syria to show how far news of Jesus spread.
those having seizures: This refers to epilepsy or demonic possession. In 17:15, a person described this way "falls into the fire for into the water," meaning the boy could not control himself.
The Decapolis was a group of ten cities, mostly east of the Jordan River and southeast of the Sea of Galilee. These included:
Damascus,
Raphana,
Hippos,
Abila (or Canatha),
Gadara,
Scythopolis,
Pella,
Dion,
Gerasa, and
Philadelphia (Amman).
These cities were mostly gentile (non-Jewish) and followed Greek culture.
24News about Him spread all over Syria, and people brought to Him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering acute pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed, and He healed them.
25Large crowds followed Him, having come from Galilee, the Decapolis,† Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond the Jordan.