Matthew 4:1-12: Tested and True

Introduction

Jesus is sent out from his baptism into the desert to be tempted.

Jesus’ baptism identified Jesus with the sinners he came to save.

“The main point is that both “sons” were tested by God’s design, the one after being redeemed from Egypt and the other after his baptism, to prove their obedience and loyalty in preparation for their appointed work. The one “son” failed but pointed to the “Son” who would never fail. In this sense the temptations legitimized Jesus as God’s true Son.”

D. A. Carson, “Matthew,” in The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Matthew, Mark, Luke, ed. Frank E. Gaebelein, vol. 8 (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1984), 112.

Jesus’ test (vs. 3-10)

Satan was tempting Jesus with good things that were outside of God’s commands.

(vs. 2-4) Bread to eat-break his fast.

(vs. 5-7) Prove his sonship (we are commanded to examine ourselves)- testing God

(vs. 8-10) The nations- his reward before his suffering (Psalm 2:8)

Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament Matthew 4:4

The clause “if you are the Son of God” (4:3, 6) is in Greek a first-class condition and does not suggest that the devil doubts Jesus’ sonship; rather, he wants to find out what kind of Son Jesus will be. In each instance the devil tempts Jesus to bypass the suffering that God has marked out for him and to use his power in a triumphalist, self-glorifying fashion

Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament Matthew 4:4

The point, however, is that the devil is asking Jesus to do it in a context that would break his fast, use his divine power for solely self-serving ends, and demonstrate his unwillingness to depend on his heavenly Father for the strength he needs.

Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament Matthew 4:4

One will die physically without food and water, but one will die spiritually and be lost for all eternity without salvation. The unique lesson of all three temptations for Jesus is that he cannot bypass the road of suffering that eventually will lead to the cross.

“At the same time Jesus’ hunger introduces us to a number of ironies to which Matthew more or less explicitly alludes: Jesus is hungry (v. 2) but feeds others (14:13–21; 15:29–39); he grows weary (8:24) but offers others rest (11:28); he is the King Messiah but pays tribute (17:24–27); he is called the devil but casts out demons (12:22–32); he dies the death of a sinner but comes to save his people from their sins (1:21); he is sold for thirty pieces of silver but gives his life a ransom for many (20:28); he will not turn stones to bread for himself (4:3–4) but gives his own body as bread for people (26:26).”

D. A. Carson, “Matthew,” in The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Matthew, Mark, Luke, ed. Frank E. Gaebelein, vol. 8 (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1984), 112.

Jesus’ Response

Prayer- How easy is it to forget to pray! (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

Fasting- Have you even fasted this year? ( Matthew 6:16-18 and 1 Corinthians 7:5)

Meditated upon Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16-17, Psalm 1:2)

God’s Response

Sends angels to give him food and support him. Accomplishing the first two of Satan’s challenges.

The Father has given all authority to the Son! (Matthew 28:18-19, Psalm 2:8)

Our Responsibility

Submit to God’s commands and depend upon Him just as Jesus did.

Pray, fast, and meditate upon the scriptures.

Finally, let us go disciple the nations under the kingship of Jesus!