Matthew Chapter 6
In Matthew chapter 3 we discussed how Jesus was baptized in water to identify with us. In Matthew 4 we learn that Jesus was tempted or tested by the devil to further identify with us. In fact, the very first verse teaches us that the devil didn’t just happen to be there but that the whole scenario was orchestrated by the Holy Spirit. He put Jesus in the path of the tempter. This was a necessary part of Jesus time on earth so that one day you and I might read scripture and see how we can overcome the temptations of the devil and not sin. Jesus wanted to identify with us.
Hebrews 2:17-18 Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
Hebrews 4:15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.
Let's Reflect
1. Jesus had been fasting for forty days and nights. The scripture does not say it here in this passage, but this time of fasting would have been a time of talking to His heavenly Father as well. Watching in the shadows was the devil. He knew that Jesus had not eaten for forty days. The devil’s first temptation was to entice Jesus to do what?
2. Bible scholars tell us that the length of Jesus’ fast is also significant. It is the same number of days that Noah was tested on the ark. And it is the same number of years that the nation of Israel wandered in the wilderness before entering the promised land. In this very long fast Jesus showed that it was complete dependence upon God that got Him through this trial. How did Jesus refute the devil?
3. There was a second and a third attempt by the devil to test Jesus. What did Jesus do each time He was tempted?
4. What message did Jesus begin to preach to the people?
5. Jesus went to Capernaum (another fulfillment of prophecy) where He spoke to some fishermen. What were their names?
6. These men immediately followed Jesus. There was something compelling about the person of Jesus that drew people to Him. What message were they told would be their new mission?
7. As the men followed after Jesus, they were eyewitnesses to the greatest moments in history. What was happening throughout all of Galilee, Jerusalem, and Judea and beyond?
Devotionals
