Matthew 4 — Man Shall Not Live By Bread Alone
Jesus is led by the Spirit into the wilderness, tempted forty days. Three temptations — stones to bread, casting Himself from the temple, the kingdoms of the world for worship of Satan. Each He answers from Deuteronomy. The devil leaves; angels minister. Jesus hears of John's imprisonment, withdraws to Galilee, dwells at Capernaum — fulfilling Isaiah. He begins to preach — Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. He calls Peter, Andrew, James, John. He teaches, preaches, heals; great multitudes follow.
“But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.”
— Matthew 4:4
- v.1-11 The three temptations
- v.12-17 Ministry begins in Galilee
- v.18-22 Calling the first four
- v.23-25 Teaching, preaching, healing
Him only shalt thou serve. The exclusive worship of God is the line that ends the temptation. Satan offered the kingdoms; the price was a single act of worship not directed to God. Christ would not pay.
A test that does not end at the wilderness. Anything that asks for worship belonging to God alone is to be refused, no matter what is offered. The same exclusivity that defeated the devil defends the believer.
The same message John preached. Jesus does not begin with new doctrine; He continues and embodies the call to repentance and kingdom-readiness. The message is consistent; the Messenger has come.
From that time Jesus began to preach. The public preaching ministry has a starting line. He chose the moment, the place, the message. The kingdom did not advance by accident.
Follow me. Discipleship begins with a person, not a curriculum. They are not asked first what they know; they are asked to come.
I will make you to become. The Lord shapes the disciple. Their fishing was for fish; the new fishing was for men. The skill carried over; the species changed.
Christ's three answers to the devil are three lines from Deuteronomy. He had memorized Scripture; in the hour of pressure He drew on what was already inside. Memorize. The Bible loaded in advance is the weapon ready when the test comes. Pick three verses this month and learn them by heart.
Matthew 4 is the Son tested before sent. He has been declared Beloved (3:17); now the devil tries to pry Him off the path. Where Israel failed in the wilderness, Christ succeeds. He emerges to preach the kingdom and call the first fishers of men. The Saviour who would not bow at the wilderness will be obeyed by the disciples for the rest of the book.
Christ answers temptation from Deuteronomy 8:3. Every counter-blow comes from Scripture; He does not improvise from His own authority but stands on the Word.
A pattern for believers under temptation. It is written defeats temptation more reliably than personal resolve. The well-stocked memory of Scripture is the well-armed soul.