Matthew 4:1-11
Today’s Passage: Matthew 4:1-11
One of the most fascinating things for me as I’ve studied the Gospels is that Jesus constantly subverts the expectations of who the Messiah is and what he came to do. Jesus could not and cannot be placed in a box. He simply refuses to conform to our expectations. It’s dangerous for people to think that Jesus is who I want Him to be. He is not. This is clear early in the Gospel of Matthew as Jesus set out establishing what many have called the “Upside-down Kingdom.”
Matthew wrote to a Jewish audience and spent effort to connect Jesus to the Old Testament Scripture showing that Jesus is the greater Moses. In Matthew 5–7, Jesus will teach the Sermon on the Mount and give us authoritative teaching like no other. Matthew 4 sets that up as Jesus endures the temptation of Satan, begins his ministry, calls the disciples, and sets out ministering to the multitudes.
Many people have taught on the Temptation of Jesus and point out the fact that Jesus rightly divided the Word of Truth to battle the Enemy. The “Upside-down Kingdom” is founded on the truth of God’s Word. Satan twisted or misapplied God’s Word tempting Jesus. By Jesus’ power in our lives through the Holy Spirit and His Word, we too can withstand the Enemy.
Not only is Jesus’ example one we should emulate. Matthew is telling this interesting story to present Jesus to his Jewish audience as the Messiah. As one commentator pointed out,
“Interestingly Satan’s temptations of Eve in the Garden of Eden correspond to those of Jesus in the desert. Satan appealed to the physical appetite (Gen. 3:1–3; Matt. 4:3), the desire for personal gain (Gen. 3:4–5; Matt. 4:6), and an easy path to power or glory (Gen. 3:5–6; Matt. 4:8–9). And in each case Satan altered God’s Word (Gen. 3:4; Matt. 4:6). Satan’s temptations of people today often fall into the same three categories (cf. 1 John 2:16). The One who had identified Himself with sinners by baptism and who would provide righteousness proved He is righteous, and revealed His approval by the Father.”
This world runs toward the greatest personal fulfillment of Satan’s temptations—appetite, gain, and glory. Jesus’ “Upside-down Kingdom” recognizes these things as gift from the Lord and readily submits them to God’s will.
As we think about how we might apply this passage, I’m reminded that God’s “Upside-down Kingdom” has much different values that the world. We will be tempted by the things of this world—by the gratification it offers. However, we must align our hearts with what God calls “good” rather than what the world defines as “good.” Also, there is great hope that in Christ we can withstand the temptations of the Enemy.
A verse my family and I have been quoting often recently is Jesus’ words to the disciples before the Passion—“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” We shouldn’t expect the road to be easy, but we can trust in the help of the One who has overcome.
Written By: Tyler Short
One of the most fascinating things for me as I’ve studied the Gospels is that Jesus constantly subverts the expectations of who the Messiah is and what he came to do. Jesus could not and cannot be placed in a box. He simply refuses to conform to our expectations. It’s dangerous for people to think that Jesus is who I want Him to be. He is not. This is clear early in the Gospel of Matthew as Jesus set out establishing what many have called the “Upside-down Kingdom.”
Matthew wrote to a Jewish audience and spent effort to connect Jesus to the Old Testament Scripture showing that Jesus is the greater Moses. In Matthew 5–7, Jesus will teach the Sermon on the Mount and give us authoritative teaching like no other. Matthew 4 sets that up as Jesus endures the temptation of Satan, begins his ministry, calls the disciples, and sets out ministering to the multitudes.
Many people have taught on the Temptation of Jesus and point out the fact that Jesus rightly divided the Word of Truth to battle the Enemy. The “Upside-down Kingdom” is founded on the truth of God’s Word. Satan twisted or misapplied God’s Word tempting Jesus. By Jesus’ power in our lives through the Holy Spirit and His Word, we too can withstand the Enemy.
Not only is Jesus’ example one we should emulate. Matthew is telling this interesting story to present Jesus to his Jewish audience as the Messiah. As one commentator pointed out,
“Interestingly Satan’s temptations of Eve in the Garden of Eden correspond to those of Jesus in the desert. Satan appealed to the physical appetite (Gen. 3:1–3; Matt. 4:3), the desire for personal gain (Gen. 3:4–5; Matt. 4:6), and an easy path to power or glory (Gen. 3:5–6; Matt. 4:8–9). And in each case Satan altered God’s Word (Gen. 3:4; Matt. 4:6). Satan’s temptations of people today often fall into the same three categories (cf. 1 John 2:16). The One who had identified Himself with sinners by baptism and who would provide righteousness proved He is righteous, and revealed His approval by the Father.”
This world runs toward the greatest personal fulfillment of Satan’s temptations—appetite, gain, and glory. Jesus’ “Upside-down Kingdom” recognizes these things as gift from the Lord and readily submits them to God’s will.
As we think about how we might apply this passage, I’m reminded that God’s “Upside-down Kingdom” has much different values that the world. We will be tempted by the things of this world—by the gratification it offers. However, we must align our hearts with what God calls “good” rather than what the world defines as “good.” Also, there is great hope that in Christ we can withstand the temptations of the Enemy.
A verse my family and I have been quoting often recently is Jesus’ words to the disciples before the Passion—“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” We shouldn’t expect the road to be easy, but we can trust in the help of the One who has overcome.
Written By: Tyler Short
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