Matthew 4 Commentary
The first section entitled “The Temptation of Jesus” is best placed with the rest of the introductory material of chapters 1 through 3. Seen from this angle, the man Jesus Christ is defining his own ministry against the background of possible options and misunderstanding.
Remove the chapter numbers and titles from the text and see it as a flowing story – as per the original format. The temptation of Jesus follows immediately after the announcement that “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”
Like Adam, this son faces temptation; but unlike Adam, he overcomes it. Then the ministry of regeneration begins. It is about the restoration of the rule of God. This son can go ahead and have children. It is a kingdom of repentant and forgiven men and women. It is called the kingdom of Heaven.
Yes, the LORD can overturn difficulties miraculously and the needs of humanity can be met. But that isn’t the problem that humanity has. So the ministry of the Son won’t primarily be about solving human needs. What does it mean to the rest of humanity? It has a huge lure but it isn’t exactly the path ordained by the LORD. A world that needs “bread” can easily mistake the LORD’s grand plan of salvation for a mission to rid the earth of hunger.
The temple system and the religious leaders were huge institutions in Israel. Let not salvation be mistaken for upgrades on the temple systems.
Compare the kingdoms and their splendor to the fruit that was good to look at. Then know this Son of God has pleased His father in ways that Adam never did!
Capernaum would be Jesus’ next base. From here the first disciples are called, Simon, Andrew, James, and John. They are all fishermen! The LORD would use their fishing skills and apply the same faculties and zeal but for preaching. Conceptualization. Men who do nothing out there are a difficult catch even for the Body of Christ!
“Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed him.” This would probably be all of Israel during Joshua’s time – the conquered land – Canaan. Such a huge following! The shepherd with His flock! Think of Zechariah’s mention of the shepherd.
“News about him spread all over Syria.” Who hasn’t heard about Jesus Christ? He taught and proclaimed the good news of the Kingdom. Matthew has a rich collection of teachings. In the next several days, we shall be in a lecture room learning from the Master. It is all about the new kingdom and the new life.
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