This chapter points to Jesus as the one who fulfils Israels calling in Exodus 19:5-6 to be a kingdom of priests and a Holy nation. God’s people are called to be set apart from the world so that those who do not know God can see who God is through the way we live. God’s people are also called to be priests who interceded on behalf of the nations and be a channel of God’s blessing to those who do not know Him. This calling can only be achieved when we choose to walk in obedience.
walking in obedience.
v1 There are times when the Holy Spirit will lead us into the wilderness. God’s purpose for leading us into the wilderness is not to make us suffer but to prepare us for greater things. In the Old Testament, the wilderness was a place where the nation of Israel experienced God’s presence. God led the Israelites through the wilderness to prepare them to conquer the promise land.
v2-11 The forty days and nights reminds us of the forty years that Israel spent in the wilderness (Deuteronomy 8:2-3). The first temptation of bread reminds us of how the Israelites grumbled to Moses for food (Exodus 16) and the third temptation reminds us of how the Israelites worshipped the golden calf (Exodus 32). Where Israel was unfaithful, Jesus remained faithful.
Jesus’ example teaches us that scripture is our weapon against temptation. Satan’s defeat in the beginning of Matthew’s gospel highlights the reality that from this point onwards, Jesus has already won the victory over Satan. The healings, miracles and deliverances that follow in the rest of Matthew’s gospel are merely physical manifestations of this spiritual reality.
Satan’s temptation also reminds us of the garden of Eden where Adam was tempted. While Adam’s transgression gave Satan authority over the earth, Jesus took back all authority when He overcame Satan.
v11 This is a promise that when we are going through temptation, God will send His angels to strengthen us.
Question for Bible Study
What do these verses teach us about overcoming temptation?
a holy nation.
v12-16 After the death of King David, the nation of Israel was divided because civil war broke out between the Southern tribes and the Northern tribes (1 Kings 11:35). The land of Zebulun and Naphtali were situated in the Northernmost territory of the land of Israel. They were the first to be carried away into exile by the Assyrians because of Israel’s unfaithfulness to God (2 Kings 15:29). Jesus not only came to bring deliverance but to unite Israel as one nation again.
v17 The phrase “the Kingdom of God is at hand” means that God’s Kingdom has been brought near. Through Jesus, God’s Kingdom is not closed but open for those who wish to enter. As in Matthew 3:2, repentance is once again emphasised as the first step to entering God’s Kingdom.
Questions for Bible Study
What can we learn about the ministry of Jesus?
a kingdom of priests.
v18-22 Jesus calls us to partner with Him in bringing people into God’s Kingdom. When the disciples were first called, they immediately left their old way of life to follow Jesus. Leaving behind our current way of life to follow Jesus can be a frightening thought, but Matthew invites us to experience the journey of these disciples who made a radical decision to follow Jesus.
v23-25 The miracles performed by Jesus show that His authority in the spiritual realm has implications in the physical realm. The name of Jesus is power and far above all sickness, suffering, disease and spiritual oppression. The inclusion of Syria and the Decapolis highlight how Jesus’ heart is for the nations and that God’s salvation is extended to the world.
Question for Bible Study
What do you personally struggle with in your life that you need to let go off so that you can follow Jesus?
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