Malachi 4
Matthew 4 captures an important turning point where Jesus’ public ministry begins in earnest. This chapter is divided into four sections overall.
| Division | Main content |
|---|---|
| Verses 1–11 | Jesus’ wilderness testing |
| Verses 12–17 | Jesus begins His ministry in Galilee and proclaims repentance |
| Verses 18–22 | The calling of the first disciples |
| Verses 23–25 | Teaching, spreading the gospel, and healing ministry |
1verse“For behold, the day comes, burning like a furnace, when all the proud and all who work wickedness will be stubble. The day that comes will burn them up,” says the LORD of Armies, “so that it will leave them neither root nor branch.
2verseBut to you who fear my name shall the sun of righteousness arise with healing in its wings. You will go out and leap like calves of the stall.
3verseYou shall tread down the wicked; for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I make,” says the LORD of Armies.
4verse“Remember the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded to him in Horeb for all Israel, even statutes and ordinances.
5verseBehold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and terrible day of the LORD comes.
6verseHe will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children and the hearts of the children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the earth with a curse.”
Jesus’ Wilderness Testing (Verses 1–11)
After being led by the Spirit, Jesus goes into the wilderness and fasts for forty days, after which He is tested in three ways. These tests are connected to material things (bread), honor (the pinnacle of the temple), and power (showing the world). In every test, Jesus responds with God’s Word, demonstrating a true example of obedience and trust.
The Start of Jesus’ Ministry (Verses 12–17)
Jesus hears the news that John the Baptist has been imprisoned and moves to Galilee. Matthew emphasizes that this fulfills Isaiah’s prophecy that light would come through the regions of “Zebulun and Naphtali.” Jesus begins His ministry with the message, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”
Calling of the Disciples and Jesus’ First Ministry (Verses 18–25)
On the shores of the Sea of Galilee, Jesus calls Peter and Andrew—fishermen—as well as James and John. They immediately follow Jesus. Then Jesus teaches, proclaims the gospel, and heals people who are suffering from illness and pain. As a result, many crowds begin to follow Him.
Meditation Points
- The importance of the Word shown in how Jesus overcomes temptation
- The coming of the kingdom of God and the meaning of repentance
- The disciples’ immediate obedience and change
- How Jesus’ ministry brings hope and transformation to people
Applying It to Me
- In situations of testing and temptation, what is it that I rely on?
- How can I make the message of the kingdom of God and repentance concrete in my life?
- How do I respond in the face of Jesus’ call?
- I think about how I can practice Jesus’ love and ministry of restoration in the place where I am.
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This is the last chapter of Malachi.