Jesus Begins

Jesus prepared for His ministry by fasting. He battled temptations and won. Let’s look at Matthew 4:1-11. Was Jesus thirsty or only hungry after fasting?

The Holy Spirit led Jesus into the desert, so that the devil could test him. After Jesus had gone without eating for 40 days and nights, he was very hungry. (Matthew 4:1-2 CEV)

The Greek word for tempted also means tested. How did the tempter first tempt Jesus?

The tempter came to him and said, “Since you are God’s Son, command these stones to become bread.” (Matthew 4:3 CEB)

Did Jesus quote vain tradition or scripture?

But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:4 ESV cp. Deuteronomy 8:3)

Why take a foolish 50 meter (150 foot) leap? Have we made foolish decisions and blamed God?

Then the Devil took Him to the holy city, had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: He will give His angels orders concerning you, and they will support you with their hands so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.” (Matthew 4:5-6 HCSB)

Do we know scripture well enough not to be fooled?

Jesus said to him, “On the other hand, it is written: ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’” (Matthew 4:7 NASB cp. Deuteronomy 6:16)

How many people have sold their soul to the devil for worldly power?

Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. (Matthew 4:8-9 KJV)

Did Jesus want power by evil means?

Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” (Matthew 4:10 NIV cp. Deuteronomy 6:13; 10:20; Joshua 24:14)

Matthew wrote chronologically, using the word “then.” Perhaps Luke wrote more of a thematic order of events, using the word “and.” What happened next?

Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him. (Matthew 4:11 NKJV)

Do we love God more than the world?

And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. (Deuteronomy 6:5 NLT).

Do similar temptations test us?

For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, isn’t the Father’s, but is the world’s. (1 John 2:16 WEB).

Is the Bible myth? Jesus and the apostles consistently defended the scriptures.

Jesus was victorious far away from watchful crowds. Are we faithful when alone? Jesus obeyed God and told the devil to leave. James advises similar action.

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (James 4:7 ESV).

Do we submit and resist? You decide?

Jesus Begins

Where did Jesus begin His ministry? Let’s look at Matthew 4:12-23.

Now when Jesus heard that John was arrested, he went to Galilee. He left Nazareth and settled in Capernaum, which lies alongside the sea in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali. (Matthew 4:12-13 CEB)

The Village of Nahum (Caper Nahum) was a small fishing village with unpaved streets, by a major trade route, on the north shore of Lake Galilee. The synagogue, reputedly built by the Roman centurion whose servant Jesus later healed, was the community center.

Peter owned a home there. They were stone houses. A paralyzed man was later easily lowered through a thatched roof. Jesus’ first disciples came from there.

So God's promise came true, just as the prophet Isaiah had said, “Listen, lands of Zebulun and Naphtali, lands along the road to the sea and across the Jordan. Listen Galilee, land of the Gentiles! Although your people live in darkness, they will see a bright light. Although they live in the shadow of death, a light will shine on them.” (Matthew 4:14-16 CEV cp. Isaiah 9:1-4)

Jesus brought light, considered foolishness outside of Christianity (1 Corinthians 1:10-18). Most of Capernaum refused it. David sang “the Lord is my light and my salvation” (Psalm 27:1-9). Beginning at Capernaum a light shone into this dark world. What did that include?

From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 4:17 ESV)

In the beginning was physical light. In the new creation is spiritual light. Jesus began and ended by preaching repentance (Luke 24:47). Some were angry, some mocked. Like Abraham who left his country, a few left their nets and followed him.