Matthew 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 |
1verseThen Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.
2verseWhen he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was hungry afterward.
3verseThe tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.”
4verseBut he answered, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of God’s mouth.’”
5verseThen the devil took him into the holy city. He set him on the pinnacle of the temple,
6verseand said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, ‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ and, ‘On their hands they will bear you up, so that you don’t dash your foot against a stone.’”
7verseJesus said to him, “Again, it is written, ‘You shall not test the Lord, your God.’”
8verseAgain, the devil took him to an exceedingly high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory.
9verseHe said to him, “I will give you all of these things, if you will fall down and worship me.”
10verseThen Jesus said to him, “Get behind me, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and you shall serve him only.’”
11verseThen the devil left him, and behold, angels came and served him.
12verseNow when Jesus heard that John was delivered up, he withdrew into Galilee.
13verseLeaving Nazareth, he came and lived in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali,
14versethat it might be fulfilled which was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, saying,
15verse“The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, toward the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles,
16versethe people who sat in darkness saw a great light; to those who sat in the region and shadow of death, to them light has dawned.”
17verseFrom that time, Jesus began to preach, and to say, “Repent! For the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.”
18verseWalking by the sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers: Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew, his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen.
19verseHe said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers for men.”
20verseThey immediately left their nets and followed him.
21verseGoing on from there, he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets. He called them.
22verseThey immediately left the boat and their father, and followed him.
23verseJesus went about in all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the Good News of the Kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness among the people.
24verseThe report about him went out into all Syria. They brought to him all who were sick, afflicted with various diseases and torments, possessed with demons, epileptics, and paralytics; and he healed them.
25verseGreat multitudes from Galilee, Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and from beyond the Jordan followed him.
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.
