Matthew 4:1-11
Q.1. Why Did Jesus go into the wilderness? Why was He fasting? When did the devil attack Him? In what way did he tempt Jesus? – (Mt.4:1-3)
As a young boy, Jesus already had a comprehensive understanding of the Scriptures (Lk.2:46-47). From these He would have known about Satan’s plans to destroy the Saviour. Christ’s mission on earth had just been validated by the Father and the Spirit at His baptism (Mt.3:16-17). Immediately following His coronation – Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil (Mt.4:1 c.f. Mk.1:12). The Bible uses the Greek word EKBALLO, to describe the Spirit driving or thrusting out Jesus to do battle with the devil. At the beginning of His public ministry, Jesus fasted for forty days and nights, to fortify Himself against the enemy of our souls (Mt.4:1-2). While in this weakened, hungry state, Jesus was tempted to use His divine powers to meet His own needs (Mt.4:3). English translations should have introduced each temptation with “Since, You are the Son of God” and not ‘If’ (Mt.4:3 & 6). Satan knew the identity of the Saviour, and vainly imagined he could persuade Jesus to decide to bypass the cross, in His plan to achieve His mission on earth. The devil tried to undermine Jesus’ trust in His Father’s provision, and thus cause Him to act independently.
Q.2. How did Jesus repulse the attack of the devil? What was Jesus doing at the temple? Why did the devil quote the Scriptures? – (Mt.4:3-6)
Jesus repulsed Satan’s attack, using the first of the principles by which He lived – Obeying the Word of God alone. – He answered, “It is written, `Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.’(Mt.4:4). The time of fasting over, Jesus’ mission would involve the temple, and the city where He would die (Mt.4:5). The devil seized on this and suggested that Jesus put on a miracle display, to impress the hearts of people – … “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, So that You will not strike Your foot against a stone.’ (Mt.4:6). He backed up his temptation with a promise in the Scriptures – This shows how well we need to know the context and relevance of the Scriptures we endorse, so that they cannot be used for Satan’s bidding.
Q.3. On what biblical principle did Jesus rely? What was the point of the devil’s final test? How important is the principle Jesus used to repel Satan? – (Mt.4:7-9)
Jesus perceived that Satan was actually misapplying the Scriptures in his attempt of make Him try to force His Father’s hand. He replied – … On the other hand, it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’ (Mt.4:7). The final test was at the heart of the reason why Jesus came to earth. Satan tried to present Jesus with an easier option, to gain – … all the kingdoms of the world and their glory (Mt.4:8). It would surely be attractive to Jesus to by-pass the humiliation and agony of the cross, but He steadfastly refused, and replied – … “Go, Satan! For it is written, `You shall worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.’ (Mt.4:10). It is a fundamental truth, that we owe our allegiance to God alone. Hebrews 5:15 tells us that Jesus was tempted in all things without sinning. These temptations from Satan cover all key areas of temptation – (i) Not trusting God to provide all our needs, (ii) Ignoring God’s principles for our protection, (iii) Refusing to take up our cross to serve God. There is only one way to live, and that is God’s way.
Q.4. How was Christ sustained in temptation? Was this the end of Satan’s attacks? What do we learn from the temptations of the devil? – (Mt.4:11 c.f. Lk.4:13)
The devil was unable to penetrate Christ’s biblical defence. He left Jesus. However, he was lurking around throughout Christ’s ministry – he left Him until a more opportune time (Lk.4:13). Jesus in turn was sustained by angels who were assisting God in His plans and purposes for the world. What was remarkable was that because Jesus had to go on the attack against the devil, Satan actually helped the sovereign God to achieve His plan – although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things He suffered (Heb.5:8). In fact – having been made perfect, He became to all those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation (Heb.5:9). Since Satan is only a created being, and a much lesser power than Christ (Who is God), we also can successfully resist him with God’s Word, and he will flee from us (Jms.4:7).
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