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Matthew Chapter
Four
Matthew 4
Having thus in grace taken up His position as man on
earth
He commences His earthly career
being led of the Spirit into the
wilderness to be tempted of the devil. The righteous and holy man
the Son of
God
enjoying the privileges proper to such a one
He must undergo the trial of
those devices through which the first Adam fell. It is His spiritual condition
which is tested. It is not now an innocent man in the enjoyment of all God's
natural blessings
who is put to the proof in the midst of those blessings
which should have made him remember God. Christ
nigh to God as His beloved
Son
but in the midst of trial
having the knowledge of good and evil
and as
to outward circumstances come down into the midst of man's fallen state
must
have His faithfulness to this position fully tried with respect to His perfect
obedience. To maintain this position
He must have no other will than that of
His Father
and fulfil it or suffer it
whatever might be the consequences to
Himself. He must fulfil it in the midst of all the difficulties
the
privations
the isolation
the desert
where Satan's power was
which might
tempt Him to follow an easier path than that which should be only for the glory
of His Father. He must renounce all the rights that belonged to His own Person
save as He should receive them from God
yielding them up to Him with a perfect
trust.
The enemy did his utmost to induce Him to make use of His privileges
"if thou be the Son of God
" for His own relief
apart from the
command of God
and in avoidance of the sufferings which might accompany the
performance of His will. But it was to lead Him to do His own will
not God's.
Jesus
enjoying in His own Person and relationship with
God the full favour of God as Son of God
the light of His countenance
goes
into the wilderness for forty days to be in conflict with the enemy. He did not
go away from man
and from all intercourse with man and the things of man
in
order (like Moses and Elias) to be with God. Being already fully with God
He
is separate from men by the power of the Holy Ghost to be alone in His conflict
with the enemy. In the case of Moses
it was man out of his natural condition
to be with God. In the case of Jesus
it is so to be with the enemy: to be with
God was His natural position.
The enemy tempts Him first by proposing to Him to satisfy
His bodily need
and
instead of waiting on God
to employ according to His own
will and on His own behalf the power with which He was endowed. But
if Israel
was fed in the wilderness with manna from God
the Son of God
however great
His power
would act in accordance with what Israel should have learnt by that
means
namely
that "man doth not live by bread only
but by every word
that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." The Man
the obedient Jew
the
Son of God
waited for this word
and would do nothing without it. He was not
come to do His own will
but the will of Him who sent Him. This is the
principle that characterises the Spirit of Christ in the Psalms. No deliverance
is accepted but the intervention of Jehovah at His own good time. It is perfect
patience
in order to be perfect and complete in allthe will of God. There
could be no sinful lust in Christ; but to be hungry was no sin
yet it was a
human need
and what harm in eating when hungry? There was no will of God to do
it
and that will by the word He came to do. Satan's suggestion was
"if
thou be the Son of God
command"; but He had taken the place of a servant
and this was not commanding: he sought to get the Lord out of the place of
perfect service and obedience
out of the place of a servant.
And note here the place the written word has
and the
character of Christ's obedience. This character is not simply that the will of
God is a rule; it is the one motive for action. We have a will arrested often
by the word. Not so Christ. His Father's will was His motive; He acted not
merely according to
but because it was
God's will. We delight to see a child
who would run off to something it delights in
stop and cheerfully do its
parents' will when called to do it. But Christ never obeyed thus
never sought
a will of His own
but was stopped by His Father's. And we are sanctified to
the obedience of Christ. Note further that the written word is that by which He
lives and by which He overcomes. All depended here on Christ's victory
as all
did on Adam's fall. But for Christ
one text
rightly used of course
suffices.
He seeks no other: that is obedience. It suffices for Satan; he has no reply.
His wiles are thus defeated.
The first principle of conquest is simple and absolute obedience
living by words out of God's mouth. The next is perfect confidence in the path
of obedience.
In the second place then
the enemy sets Him on a
pinnacle of the temple
to induce Him to apply to Himself the promises made to
the Messiah
without abiding in the ways of God. The faithful man may assuredly
reckon on the help of God while walking in His ways. The enemy would have the
Son of man put God to the test (instead of reckoning on Him while walking in
His ways) to see whether He might be trusted in. This would have been a want of
confidence in God
not obedience; or pride
presuming on its privileges
instead of counting on God in obedience. [1] Taking His place with Israel in the
condition they were in when without a king in the land
and
quoting the
directions given to them in that book to guide them in the godly path there
taught
He uses for His guidance that part of the word which contains the
divine injunction on this subject
"Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy
God"; a passage often quoted as if it forbade excess in trusting God;
whereas it means not to distrust
and try if He is faithful. They tempted God
saying
Is God indeed among us? And this Satan would have had the Lord do.
The enemy
failing to deceive that obedient heart
even
by hiding himself under the use of the word of God
shows himself in his true
character
tempting the Lord
thirdly
to spare Himself all the sufferings that
awaited Him
by shewing Him the inheritance of the Son of man on earth
that
which would be His when He had reached it through all those paths
toilsome yet
necessary to the Father's glory
which the Father had marked out for Him. All
should now be His
if He would acknowledge Satan by worshipping him
the god of
this world. This in fact was what the kings of the earth had done for only a
part of these things; how often done for some trifling vanity! but He should
have the whole. But if Jesus was to inherit earthly glory (as well as all
other) the object of His heart was God Himself
His Father
to glorify Him.
Whatever might be the value of the gift
it was as the gift of the Giver that
His heart prized it. Moreover He was in the positionof tested man and a
faithful Israelite; and whatever might be the trial of patience into which the
sin of the people had brought Him
be the trial ever so great
He would serve
none but His God alone.
But if the devil carries temptation
sin
to the utmost
and shews himself to be the adversary (Satan)
the believer has the right to
cast him out. If he comes as a tempter
the believer should answer him by the
faithfulness of the word
which is man's perfect guide
according to the will
of God. He does not need to see through everything. The word is the word of Him
who does
and in following that
we walk according to a wisdom which knows
everything
and in a path formed by that wisdom
and which hence involves
absolute trust in God. The two first temptations were the wiles of the devil
the third
open hostility to God. If he comes as the open adversary of God
the
believer has a right to have nothing to do with him. "Resist the devil
and he will flee from you." He knows he has met Christ
not flesh. May
believers resist if Satan would tempt them by the world
remembering it is
Satan's domain in fallen man!
The believer's safeguard
morally (that is
as to the
state of his heart) is a single eye. If I seek only the glory of God
that
which presents no other motive than my own aggrandisement
or my own
gratification
whether of body or mind
will have no hold upon me; and will
shew itself in the light of the word
which guides the single eye
as contrary
to the mind of God. This is not the haughtiness that rejects temptation on the
ground of being good; it is obedience
humbly giving God His place
and
consequently His word also. "By the word of thy lips I have kept me from
the paths of the destroyer
" from him that did his own will and made it
his guide. If the heart seeks God alone
the most subtle snare is discovered
for the enemy never tempts us to seek God alone. But this supposes a pure
heart
and that there is no self-seeking. This was displayed in Jesus.
Our safeguard against temptation is the word
used by the
discernment of a perfectly pure heart
which lives in the presence of God
and
learns the mind of God in His word
[2] and therefore knows its application to the
circumstances presented. It is the word that preserves the soul from the wiles
of the enemy.
Observe also that
consequently
it is in the spirit of
simple and humble obedience that power lies; for where it exists
Satan can do
nothing. God is there
and accordingly the enemy is conquered.
It appears to me that these three temptations are
addressed to the Lord in the three characters
of man
of Messiah
and of Son
of man.
He had no sinful desires like fallen man
but He was an
hungered. The tempter would persuade Him to satisfy this need without God.
The promises in the Psalms belonged to Him as being made
to the Messiah.
And all the kingdoms of the world were His as the Son of
man.
He always replies as a faithful Israelite
personally
responsible to God
making use of the Book of Deuteronomy
which treats of this
subject (namely
the obedience of Israel
in connection with the possession of
the land
and the privileges that belonged to the people in connection with
this obedi nce; and this
apart from the organisation which constituted them a
corporate body before God). [3]
Satan departs from Him
and the angels come to exercise
their ministry towards the Messiah
the Son of man victorious through
obedience. What Satan would have Him try God about
He has fully. They are
ministering spirits for us also.
But how profoundly interesting is it to see the blessed
Lord come down
the Son of God from heaven
and take-the Word made flesh-His
place among the poor godly ones on the earth
and
as having taken that place
owned of the Father as His Son
heaven being opened and opened to Him as man
and the Holy Ghost coming down and abiding on Him as man though without
measure
and so forming the model of our place
though we were not yet in it;
the whole Trinity
as I have said
being first fully revealed when He is thus
associated with man; and then
we being slaves to Satan
going in this
character and relationship to meet also Satan for us
to bind the strong man
and give man through Him this place also: only for us redemption was needed to
bring us where He is.
John being cast into prison
the Lord departs into
Galilee. This movement
which determined the scene of His ministry outside
Jerusalem and Judea
had great significance with respect to the Jews. The
people (so far as centred in Jerusalem
and boasting in the possession of the
promises
the sacrifices
and the temple
and in being the royal tribe) lost
the presence of the Messiah
the Son of David. He went away for the
manifestation of His Person
for the testimony of God's intervention in Israel
to the poor and despised of the flock; for the remnant and poor of the flock
are already in chapters 3
4 clearly distinguished from the heads of the
people. He thus really became the true stock
instead of being a branch of that
which had been planted elsewhere; although this effect was not yet fully
manifested. The moment corresponds with John 4.
We may remark here
that
in John's Gospel
the Jews are
always distinguished from the multitude (called the people in the Gospels). The
language
or rather the pronunciation
was entirely different. They did not
speak Chaldee in Galilee.
At the same time this manifestation of the Son of David
in Galilee was the fulfilment of a prophecy in Isaiah. The force of that
prophecy is this:-although the Roman captivity was far more terrible than the
invasion of the Assyrians when they came up against the land of Israel
there
was nevertheless this circumstance which altered everything
namely
the
presence of the Messiah
the true Light
in the land.
We observe that the Spirit of God here passes over the
whole history of Jesus until the commencement of His ministry after the death
of John the Baptist. He gives Jesus His proper position in the midst of
Israel-Emmanuel
the Son of David
the Beloved of God
acknowledged as His Son
the faithful One in Israel
though exposed to all Satan's temptations; and then
at once
afterwards
His prophetic position announced by Isaiah
and the
kingdom proclaimed as at hand. [4]
[1] We
need confidence to have courage to obey; but true confidence is found in the
path of obedience. Satan could use the word in guile
but not turn Christ the
Lord from it. He still uses it as the adequate divine weapon
and Satan still
has no reply. To have forbidden obedience would have been to shew himself
Satan. As regards the place in which the Lord was dispensationally
we may
remark the Lord always quotes from Deuteronomy.
[2]
There must be no other motive for action than the will of God
which
for man
is always to be found in the word; because
in that case
when Satan tempts us
to act
as he always does
by some other motive
this motive is seen to be
opposed to the word which is in the heart
and to the motive which governs the
heart
and is therefore judged as being opposed to it. It is written
"Thy
word have I hid in my heart
that I might not sin against thee." This is
the reason why it is so often important
when we are in doubt
to ask ourselves
by what motive we are influenced.
[3] A
careful examination of the Pentateuch will shew that
though needed historical
facts are stated
yet the contents of Exodus
Leviticus
and Numbers are
essentially typical.The tabernacle was made according to the pattern shewn in
the mount-the pattern of heavenly things; and not only the ceremonial
ordinances
but the historical facts
as the apostle distinctly states
happened unto them for types
and are written for our instruction. Deuteronomy
gives directions for their conduct in the land; but the three books named
even
where there are historical facts
are typical in their object. I do not know if
one sacrifice was offered after they were instituted
unless perhaps the
official ones (see Acts 7:42).
[4] And
we may remark here
that He leaves the Jews and Jerusalem
as already remarked
and His natural place
so to speak
what gave Him His name
Nazareth
and takes
His prophetic place. The casting of John into prison was significant of His own
rejection. John was His forerunner in it
as in his mission
of the Lord. See
chapter 17:12. The testimony of Jesus is the same as that of John the Baptist.
── John Darby《Synopsis of Matthew》
Matthew 4
Chapter Contents
The temptation of Christ. (1-11) The opening of Christ's
ministry in Galilee. (12-17) Call of Simon and others. (18-22) Jesus teaches
and works miracles. (23-25)
Commentary on Matthew 4:1-11
(Read Matthew 4:1-11)
Concerning Christ's temptation
observe
that directly
after he was declared to be the Son of God
and the Saviour of the world
he
was tempted; great privileges
and special tokens of Divine favour
will not
secure any from being tempted. But if the Holy Spirit witness to our being
adopted as children of God
that will answer all the suggestions of the evil
spirit. Christ was directed to the combat. If we presume upon our own strength
and tempt the devil to tempt us
we provoke God to leave us to ourselves.
Others are tempted
when drawn aside of their own lust
and enticed
James 1:14; but our Lord Jesus had no corrupt
nature
therefore he was tempted only by the devil. In the temptation of Christ
it appears that our enemy is subtle
spiteful
and very daring; but he can be
resisted. It is a comfort to us that Christ suffered
being tempted; for thus
it appears that our temptations
if not yielded to
are not sins
they are
afflictions only. Satan aimed in all his temptations
to bring Christ to sin
against God. 1. He tempted him to despair of his Father's goodness
and to
distrust his Father's care concerning him. It is one of the wiles of Satan to
take advantage of our outward condition; and those who are brought into straits
have need to double their guard. Christ answered all the temptations of Satan
with "It is written;" to set us an example
he appealed to what was
written in the Scriptures. This method we must take
when at any time we are
tempted to sin. Let us learn not to take any wrong courses for our supply
when
our wants are ever so pressing: in some way or other the Lord will provide. 2.
Satan tempted Christ to presume upon his Father's power and protection
in a
point of safety. Nor are any extremes more dangerous than despair and presumption
especially in the affairs of our souls. Satan has no objection to holy places
as the scene of his assaults. Let us not
in any place
be off our watch. The
holy city is the place
where he does
with the greatest advantage
tempt men
to pride and presumption. All high places are slippery places; advancements in
the world makes a man a mark for Satan to shoot his fiery darts at. Is Satan so
well versed in Scripture as to be able to quote it readily? He is so. It is
possible for a man to have his head full of Scripture notions
and his mouth
full of Scripture expressions
while his heart is full of bitter enmity to God
and to all goodness. Satan misquoted the words. If we go out of our way
out of
the way of our duty
we forfeit the promise
and put ourselves out of God's
protection. This passage
Deuteronomy 8:3
made against the tempter
therefore he left out part. This promise is firm and stands good. But shall we
continue in sin
that grace may abound? No. 3. Satan tempted Christ to idolatry
with the offer of the kingdoms of the world
and the glory of them. The glory
of the world is the most charming temptation to the unthinking and unwary; by
that men are most easily imposed upon. Christ was tempted to worship Satan. He
rejected the proposal with abhorrence. "Get thee hence
Satan!" Some
temptations are openly wicked; and they are not merely to be opposed
but
rejected at once. It is good to be quick and firm in resisting temptation. If
we resist the devil he will flee from us. But the soul that deliberates is
almost overcome. We find but few who can decidedly reject such baits as Satan
offers; yet what is a man profited if he gain the whole world
and lose his own
soul? Christ was succoured after the temptation
for his encouragement to go on
in his undertaking
and for our encouragement to trust in him; for as he knew
by experience
what it was to suffer
being tempted
so he knew what it was to
be succoured
being tempted; therefore we may expect
not only that he will
feel for his tempted people
but that he will come to them with seasonable
relief.
Commentary on Matthew 4:12-17
(Read Matthew 4:12-17)
It is just with God to take the gospel and the means of
grace
from those that slight them and thrust them away. Christ will not stay
long where he is not welcome. Those who are without Christ
are in the dark.
They were sitting in this condition
a contented posture; they chose it rather
than light; they were willingly ignorant. When the gospel comes
light comes;
when it comes to any place
when it comes to any soul
it makes day there.
Light discovers and directs; so does the gospel. The doctrine of repentance is
right gospel doctrine. Not only the austere John Baptist
but the gracious
Jesus
preached repentance. There is still the same reason to do so. The
kingdom of heaven was not reckoned to be fully come
till the pouring out of
the Holy Spirit after Christ's ascension.
Commentary on Matthew 4:18-22
(Read Matthew 4:18-22)
When Christ began to preach
he began to gather
disciples
who should be hearers
and afterwards preachers of his doctrine
who
should be witnesses of his miracles
and afterwards testify concerning them. He
went not to Herod's court
not to Jerusalem
among the chief priests and the
elders
but to the sea of Galilee
among the fishermen. The same power which
called Peter and Andrew
could have wrought upon Annas and Caiaphas
for with
God nothing is impossible. But Christ chooses the foolish things of the world
to confound the wise. Diligence in an honest calling is pleasing to Christ
and
it is no hinderance to a holy life. Idle people are more open to the
temptations of Satan than to the calls of God. It is a happy and hopeful thing
to see children careful of their parents
and dutiful. When Christ comes
it is
good to be found doing. Am I in Christ? is a very needful question to ask
ourselves; and
next to that
Am I in my calling? They had followed Christ
before
as common disciples
John 1:37; now they must leave their calling.
Those who would follow Christ aright
must
at his command
leave all things to
follow him
must be ready to part with them. This instance of the power of the
Lord Jesus encourages us to depend upon his grace. He speaks
and it is done.
Commentary on Matthew 4:23-25
(Read Matthew 4:23-25)
Wherever Christ went
he confirmed his Divine mission by
miracles
which were emblems of the healing power of his doctrine
and the
influences of the Spirit which accompanied it. We do not now find the Saviour's
miraculous healing power in our bodies; but if we are cured by medicine
the
praise is equally his. Three general words are here used. He healed every
sickness or disease; none was too bad; none too hard
for Christ to heal with a
word. Three diseases are named; the palsy
which is the greatest weakness of
the body; lunacy
which is the greatest malady of the mind; and possession of
the devil
which is the greatest misery and calamity of both; yet Christ healed
all
and by thus curing bodily diseases
showed that his great errand into the
world was to cure spiritual maladies. Sin is the sickness
disease
and torment
of the soul: Christ came to take away sin
and so to heal the soul.
── Matthew Henry《Concise Commentary on Matthew》
Matthew 4
Verse 2
[2] And
when he had fasted forty days and forty nights
he was afterward an hungred.
Having fasted —
Whereby doubtless he received more abundant spiritual strength from God.
Forty days and forty nights — As did Moses
the giver of the law
and Elijah
the great restorer of
it.
He was afterward hungry — And so prepared for the first temptation.
Verse 3
[3] And when the tempter came to him
he said
If thou be the Son of God
command that these stones be made bread.
Coming to him — In
a visible form; probably in a human shape
as one that desired to inquire
farther into the evidences of his being the Messiah.
Verse 4
[4] But
he answered and said
It is written
Man shall not live by bread alone
but by
every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
It is written —
Thus Christ answered
and thus we may answer all the suggestions of the devil.
By every word that proceedeth out of the
mouth of God — That is
by whatever God commands to sustain
him. Therefore it is not needful I should work a miracle to procure bread
without any intimation of my Father's will. Deuteronomy 8:3.
Verse 5
[5] Then
the devil taketh him up into the holy city
and setteth him on a pinnacle of
the temple
The holy city — So
Jerusalem was commonly called
being the place God had peculiarly chosen for
himself.
On the battlement of the temple — Probably over the king's gallery
which was of such a prodigious height
that no one could look down from the top of it without making himself giddy.
Verse 6
[6] And saith unto him
If thou be the Son of God
cast thyself down: for it
is written
He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands
they shall bear thee up
lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
In their hands —
That is
with great care. Psalms 91:11
12.
Verse 7
[7]
Jesus said unto him
It is written again
Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy
God.
Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God — By requiring farther evidence of what he hath already made sufficiently
plain. Deuteronomy 6:16.
Verse 8
[8]
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;
Showeth him all the kingdoms of the world — In a kind of visionary representation.
Verse 9
[9] And
saith unto him
All these things will I give thee
if thou wilt fall down and
worship me.
If thou wilt fall down and worship me — Here Satan clearly shows who he was. Accordingly Christ answering this
suggestion
calls him by his own name
which he had not done before.
Verse 10
[10] Then
saith Jesus unto him
Get thee hence
Satan: for it is written
Thou shalt
worship the Lord thy God
and him only shalt thou serve.
Get thee hence
Satan — Not
get thee behind me
that is
into thy proper place; as he said on a
quite different occasion to Peter
speaking what was not expedient. Deuteronomy 6:13.
Verse 11
[11] Then
the devil leaveth him
and
behold
angels came and ministered unto him.
Angels came and waited upon him — Both to supply him with food
and to congratulate his victory.
Verse 12
[12] Now
when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison
he departed into Galilee;
He retired into Galilee — This journey was not immediately after his temptation. He first went
from Judea into Galilee
John 1:43; 2:1. Then into Judea again
and celebrated the
passover at Jerusalem
John 2:13. He baptized in Judea while John was
baptizing at Enon
John 3:22
23. All this time John was at liberty
John 3:24. But the Pharisees being offended
John 4:1; and John put in prison
he then took
this journey into Galilee. Mark 1:14.
Verse 13
[13] And
leaving Nazareth
he came and dwelt in Capernaum
which is upon the sea coast
in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim:
Leaving Nazareth —
Namely
when they had wholly rejected his word
and even attempted to kill him
Luke 4:29.
Verse 15
[15] The
land of Zabulon
and the land of Nephthalim
by the way of the sea
beyond
Jordan
Galilee of the Gentiles;
Galilee of the Gentiles — That part of Galilee which lay beyond Jordan was so called
because it
was in a great measure inhabited by Gentiles
that is
heathens. Isaiah 9:1
2.
Verse 16
[16] The
people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the
region and shadow of death light is sprung up.
Here is a beautiful gradation
first
they
walked
then they sat in darkness
and lastly
in the region of the shadow of
death.
Verse 17
[17] From
that time Jesus began to preach
and to say
Repent: for the kingdom of heaven
is at hand.
From that time Jesus began to preach — He had preached before
both to Jews and Samaritans
John 4:41
45. But from this time begin his
solemn stated preaching.
Repent
for the kingdom of heaven is at hand — Although it is the peculiar business of Christ to establish the kingdom
of heaven in the hearts of men
yet it is observable
he begins his preaching
in the same words with John the Baptist: because the repentance which John
taught still was
and ever will be
the necessary preparation for that inward
kingdom. But that phrase is not only used with regard to individuals in whom it
is to be established
but also with regard to the Christian Church
the whole
body of believers. In the former sense it is opposed to repentance; in the
latter the Mosaic dispensation.
Verse 18
[18] And
Jesus
walking by the sea of Galilee
saw two brethren
Simon called Peter
and
Andrew his brother
casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.
Verse 23
[23] And
Jesus went about all Galilee
teaching in their synagogues
and preaching the
gospel of the kingdom
and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of
disease among the people.
The Gospel of the kingdom — The Gospel
that is
the joyous message
is the proper name of our
religion: as will be amply verified in all who earnestly and perseveringly
embrace it.
Verse 24
[24] And
his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people
that were taken with divers diseases and torments
and those which were
possessed with devils
and those which were lunatick
and those that had the
palsy; and he healed them.
Through all Syria —
The whole province
of which the Jewish country was only a small part.
And demoniacs —
Men possessed with devils: and lunatics
and paralytics - Men ill of the palsy
whose cases were of all others most deplorable and most helpless.
Verse 25
[25] And
there followed him great multitudes of people from Galilee
and from Decapolis
and from Jerusalem
and from Judaea
and from beyond Jordan.
Decapolis — A
tract of land on the east side of the sea of Galilee
in which were ten cities
near each other.
── John Wesley《Explanatory Notes on
Matthew》
Chapter 4.
Triumph over Temptation
Got by the Lord
Get for the Lord
I. Temptation from the Devil
II. Jesus Begins His Ministry
III. Calling of the First four Disciples
── Chih-Hsin Chang《An Outline of The New Testament》
The Temptation Of Jesus (4:1-11)
INTRODUCTION
1. One of the blessings of having Jesus as our Savior is His ability to comfort and aid those who are tempted... a. This is because He too was tempted - He 2:18 b. He is sympathetic
and can provide mercy and grace to help in time of need - He 4:14-16 2. One of His greatest periods of temptation was at the beginning of His public ministry... a. Immediately following His baptism by John - Mt 3:13-17 b. Just prior to starting His preaching ministry - Mt 4:12-17 3. Studying "The Temptation Of Jesus" can be fruitful for several reasons... a. It reminds us that Jesus can understand our own temptations b. It reveals how we can be more successful in overcoming temptation [With that in mind and using Mt 4:1-11 as our basic text
let's beginwith...] I. THE TEMPTATION OF JESUS REVIEWED
A. THE SETTING OF THE TEMPTATIONS... 1. Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness - Mt 4:1 a. The same Spirit which descended upon Him in bodily form as dove - Mt 3:16; Lk 3:22 b. It was likely the wilderness of Judea
a desolate place 2. To be tempted by the devil - Mt 4:1 a. It appears that this challenge was initiated by the Spirit b. For it was the Spirit who led Jesus to the wilderness for this purpose 3. Where Jesus fasted and was tempted for forty days - Mt 4:2 a. His fasting is reminiscent of Moses and Elijah - Exo 34:28;1 Ki 19:8
b. Luke reveals that temptations occurred over the period of forty days - Lk 4:2 c. Mark mentions wild beasts - Mk 1:13 -- Thus it was after forty days of temptation that we find Satan approaching Jesus for a "climax" involving three particular temptations B. THE CLIMAX OF THE TEMPTATIONS... 1. The first temptation - Mt 4:3-4 a. Satan's appeal to the lust of the flesh 1) Having fasted for forty days
Jesus was naturally hungry 2) Challenging Jesus' identity
Satan appeals to His fleshly hunger: "command that these stones become bread" b. Jesus responds with Scripture 1) Quoting Deu 8:3
"Man shall not live by bread alone..." 2) There is more to life than just fulfilling physical desires; man is dependent upon the Word of God to truly live! 2. The second temptation - Mt 4:5-7 a. Satan appeals to the pride of life 1) Again challenging Jesus' identity
Satan sets Jesus on the pinnacle of the temple
tells Him to "throw Yourselfdown"
2) Quoting scriptures himself
using Psa 91:11
12 b. Jesus responds with Scripture 1) Deu 6:16
"You shall not tempt the LORD your God" 2) While the passage Satan quoted is true
it would be an abuse of it to purposely test God 2. The third temptation - Mt 4:8-10 a. Satan appeals to the lust of the eyes 1) Taking Jesus to high mountain and showing Him the kingdoms of the world 2) Offering to give Jesus all the kingdoms if He will worship Satan b. Jesus responds with Scripture 1) Deu 6:13
"You shall worship the LORD your God
and Himonly you shall serve"
2) Though offered a shortcut to receiving power over the nations
Jesus does not take the easy path - cf. Re 2:26-27; 3:21
C. AT THE END OF THE TEMPTATIONS... 1. Angels came and ministered to Jesus - Mt 3:11 a. Exactly what they did is not mentioned b. Perhaps they provided bodily nourishment (Hendricksen) 2. This would not be the last time Satan would seek to tempt Jesus - cf. Lk 4:13; Mt 16:21-23 [With forty days of overcoming temptation behind Him
especially thetemptation of taking a short cut to His rule as the Messiah
Jesus wasnow prepared to begin His public ministry. What observations might one make regarding "The Temptation Of Jesus"?Here are a few...] II. OBSERVATIONS FROM THE TEMPTATION OF JESUS
A. WE HAVE THE SAME ADVERSARY... 1. Jesus was tempted by the devil
and so are we - 1 Pe 5:8-9 2. The devil now directs his attention towards the disciples of Christ - Re 12:17 -- We should not treat him lightly
for the conflict is real! - Ep 6:12 B. WE HAVE SIMILAR TEMPTATIONS... 1. The lust of the flesh - e.g.
immorality
especially when young 2. The lust of the eyes - e.g.
materialism
especially when middle-aged 3. The pride of life - e.g.
pride and arrogance
especially when elderly -- These we must overcome
if we wish to have the love of the Father - 1 Jn 2:15-16 C. WE HAVE THE SAME TOOLS TO OVERCOME... 1. Jesus appealed to the Word of God
and so can we - cf. Ep 6:17 2. Jesus had faith in the plan of God (victory through suffering)
we need a similar shield of faith - Ep 6:16; cf. He 10:35-39 3. Jesus undoubtedly prayed
for He taught us to use prayer in overcoming temptation - Mt 26:41 -- The Word of God
faith
and prayer...against these the devil has no chance! D. WE HAVE SIMILAR BLESSINGS WHEN WE OVERCOME... 1. Jesus was administered to by angels
angels will carry us home - cf. Lk 16:22 2. Jesus received wonderful blessings when He ultimately overcame and ascended to heaven; He has promised similar blessings for us - cf. Re 2:10
26-27; 3:21 E. WE CAN LEARN SOME IMPORTANT LESSONS... 1. Material sustenance alone cannot truly satisfy
we need the spiritual sustenance from God's Word 2. While we are to trust in the Lord
we should not foolishly tempt Him 3. Scripture can easily be abused
as well as used - 2 Pe 3:16 4. The way to glory is not quick and easy
but long and hard - Ac 14:22; Ro 2:7 CONCLUSION
1. But perhaps the greatest lesson to glean from "The Temptation OfJesus" is that we have a Savior who in all things was made like
us... a. That He might be our merciful and faithful High Priest - He 2:17 b. That having suffered
being tempted
He can aid us who are tempted - He 2:18 c. That He might be sympathetic
providing mercy and grace to help in time of need - He 4:15-16 2. Are you burdened with temptations? a. Look to Jesus as your example in learning how to overcome temptation in your life! b. Look to Jesus as your High Priest when you need to approach God in prayer and receive mercy and grace for those times when you succumbed to temptation! As in all things
look to Jesus
as the writer to Hebrews exhorts us... "looking unto Jesus
the author and finisher of our faith
who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross
despising the shame
and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself
lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls." - He 12:2-3
The Preaching Ministry Of Jesus (4:12-17)
INTRODUCTION
1. In Mt 4:12-17
we read of Jesus' public ministry in Galilee ... a. Which followed the imprisonment of John the Baptist - Mt 4:12 b. Which began at Capernaum
on the edge of the Sea of Galilee - Mt 4:13 c. Which fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah - Mt 4:14-16; Isa 9:1
2 2. His public ministry involved "preaching"... a. "From that time Jesus began to preach..." - Mt 4:17 b. Compare also Mt 4:23
"Jesus went about all Galilee
teaching intheir synagogues preaching the gospel of the kingdom..."
3. The word "preach" (Gr.
kerux) means "to herald
to proclaim"... a. But what was the message Jesus was proclaiming? b. Is it a message that should be proclaimed today? [In this study our focus will be on Mt 4:17
as we seek to understandthe message proclaimed by Jesus during His public ministry. From thisverse we learn first that...] I. JESUS PREACHED REPENTANCE
A. HE CALLED UPON PEOPLE TO REPENT... 1. Just as John the Baptist did - Mt 3:2 2. As Jesus would say later: "For I did not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance." - Mt 9:13
B. WHAT DOES "REPENT" MEAN? 1. Many people have misconceptions concerning repentance a. E.g.
that repentance is "sorrow" 1) But repentance is an outcome of sorrow - cf. 2 Co 7:9-10 2) Sorrow leads to repentance; sorrow itself is not repentance! b. E.g.
that repentance is "a changed life" 1) Thinking that repentance is a converted life 2) But repentance and conversion are two separate things - cf. Ac 3:19 a) Peter says "Repent therefore and be converted" b) If repentance means the same as conversion
then Peter was redundant 2. W. E. Vine defines "repentance" as: a. A "change of mind" b. That which "involves both a turning from sin and a turning to God" 3. Repentance is thus "a change of mind" in which we DECIDE to"turn from sin and turn to God"
a. Which is preceded by sorrow b. And followed by a changed life -- Jesus was therefore calling upon people to change their minds regarding sin
because of what He taught about the kingdom (more on that shortly) C. DOES REPENTANCE NEED TO BE PROCLAIMED TODAY? 1. Most certainly! a. Repentance is to be preached in Jesus' name to all nations - Lk 24:46-47 b. God now calls men everywhere to repent - Ac 17:30 c. Thus Paul preached to both Jews and Gentiles that they should repent - Ac 26:20 2. Wherever there is sin
the message of repentance needs to be proclaimed! a. People need to be told to "change their minds" (repent) b. They need "turn to God
and do works befitting repentance" - cf. Ac 26:20; Mt 3:8 -- Any gospel preaching that does not include a clarion call to repent is not the true gospel! [In calling people to repent
Jesus proclaimed why they needed to change their minds and turn from sin to God: "for the kingdom of heavenis at hand". This leads to our next point...]
II. JESUS PREACHED THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN
A. THIS WAS A MAJOR THEME OF HIS PREACHING... 1. Just as it was with John the Baptist - Mt 3:2 2. It was the focus of His itinerant ministry - Mt 4:23 a. The theme of His Sermon on the Mount - Mt 5:3
10
19-20; 6:33; 7:21
b. The theme of many of His parables - e.g.
Mt 13:24
31
33
44 45 47
3. It was the theme of the Limited Commission - Mt 10:7 -- During this time
the kingdom of heaven was "at hand" (drawing near) B. WHAT IS THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN? 1. It is the same thing as "the kingdom of God" a. Some try to make a distinction (e.g.
Scofield Reference Bible) b. But a quick comparison of the gospels indicate the terms refer to the same thing 1) Cf. Mt 4:17 with Mk 1:14-15 2) Cf. Mt 5:3 with Lk 6:20 3) Cf. Mt 13:31 with Mk 4:30-31 c. Matthew used the expression "kingdom of heaven" almost exclusively
while the other gospel writers used the phrase "kingdom of God" d. It may be that since Matthew wrote his gospel to the Jews
he chose to use the phrase "kingdom of heaven"... 1) Because of the Jews' reluctance to use the name of God (out of reverence) 2) Because of the Jews' misconception of the coming kingdom a) Many anticipated a physical kingdom b) The expression "heaven" (literally
"heavens") would emphasize a spiritual kingdom 2. The "kingdom of heaven" involves four inter-related concepts a. God's kingship
rule
or recognized sovereignty 1) The term "kingdom" as used by the Jews often stressed the abstract idea of rule or dominion
not a geographical area surrounded by physical boundaries 2) It is used this way by Jesus in Mt 6:10 - "Your KINGDOMcome; Your WILL be done..." (note the connection
between kingdom and will) -- Thus
the "kingdom of heaven" would involve the rule of heaven in the hearts of men b. This rule of heaven is spiritual in nature 1) It is not a physical kingdom - cf. Jn 18:36 2) But one that is spiritual - cf. Ro 14:17 c. Its visible manifestation today is in the form of the Lord's church 1) For the church is that community of souls in whose hearts God is recognized as Sovereign 2) That the church constitutes the kingdom of God on earth
consider: a) How the term "church" and "kingdom" were used interchangeably - Mt 16:18 b) Comments made to those who were in the church - Co 1:13; 1 Th 2:12
c) The description of those in the churches of Asia - Re 1:4
6
9 d. It has a future element as well as a present one 1) Its future aspect is spoken of by Jesus
Paul
Peter - Mt 25:34; 1 Co 15:50; 2 Ti 4:18; 2 Pe 1:10-11 2) Peter described the coming of its future state in 2 Pe3:10-13
3. Thus the "kingdom of heaven" today is both present and future a. In the present sense... 1) It is found wherever the sovereignty of God is accepted in the hearts of men 2) It is a spiritual kingdom
for God rules in the hearts of men 3) Its outward manifestation today is the Lord's church 4) This rule or kingdom of God was "inaugurated" on the Day of Pentecost (Ac 2) b. In the future sense... 1) The rule or kingdom of God will be "culminated" with the coming of the Lord 2) It will involve that "news heaven and a new earth in which righteousness dwells"
described by Peter and John - 2 Pe 3; Re 21-22 3) It will be experienced only by those in the church who are submitting to God's will today! - cf. Mt 7:21-23;2 Pe 3:13-14
C. DOES THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN NEED TO BE PROCLAIMED TODAY? 1. Most certainly! a. Philip "preached the things concerning the kingdom of God" - Ac 8:12 b. The apostle Paul in his preaching and teaching: 1) Spoke of the challenges in entering the kingdom in the future sense - Ac 14:22 2) Reasoned and persuaded with people concerning the kingdom - Ac 19:8 3) Had gone among the Ephesians
"preaching the kingdom of God" - Ac 20:25 4) Solemnly testified of the kingdom of God to the Jews in Rome - Ac 28:23 c. In his epistles
Paul wrote of: 1) The nature of the kingdom - Ro 14:17 2) Those who will not inherit the kingdom - 1 Co 6:9-10;Ga 5:21; Ep 5:5
3) Jesus giving the kingdom to God when He returns - 1 Co15:24-26
4) How flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom - 1 Co15:50
5) How we are now in the kingdom - Co 1:13 6) His companions as fellow workers for the kingdom - Co 4:11
7) How we might be counted worthy of the kingdom - 2 Th 1:5 8) God calling us into His kingdom and glory - 2 Th 2:12 9) Jesus judging us at His appearing and His kingdom - 2 Ti4:1
10) The Lord preserving him for His heavenly kingdom - 2 Ti4:18
d. The Hebrew writer referred to our receiving a kingdom which can't be shaken - He 12:28 e. James described the faithful poor as "heirs of the kingdom" - Ja 2:5 f. Peter wrote of how we might have an abundant entrance into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord - 2 Pe 1:10-11 g. John described himself as a brother and companion in the kingdom of Jesus Christ - Re 1:9 2. There is a slight difference in our message
however... a. John the Baptist
Jesus
His disciples in the Limited Commission...all proclaimed the kingdom "at hand" (drawing near) 1) For the rule of God as foretold by the prophets was about to be manifested - cf. Mk 1:14-15 2) During Jesus' earthly ministry that kingdom (reign) was yet future -- That was the "good news" (gospel) of the kingdom then:it was near!
b. However
after the ascension of Christ
the preaching of the kingdom proclaimed it both present and future 1) The rule of God is now being fully manifested in the person of Jesus Christ - cf. Mt 28:18; Ep 1:20-22; 1 Pe3:22
2) Those who "gladly receive" the message can be added by the Lord Himself to His church or kingdom (i.e.
the community of believers who submit to His authority) - cf. Ac 2:36-41
47; Co 1:13; Re 1:9 3) Those who persevere to the end can inherit the heavenly and everlasting kingdom of our Lord - Ac 14:22; 2 Pe 1:10-11
-- This is the "good news" (gospel) of the kingdom now: itis both now and coming!
CONCLUSION
1. In "The Preaching Ministry Of Jesus"
two themes permeated His message... a. The need to repent b. For the kingdom of heaven was at hand 2. As we fulfill the Great Commission today (Mt 28:18-20)
our themes should be similar... a. The kingdom of heaven has come and is coming (implied in "Allauthority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.")
b. The need to repent (implied in "Make disciples of all thenations")
If you desire to experience the bliss of the everlasting kingdom of ourLord and Savior
you must do the Father's Will (cf. Mt 7:21-23) and bein the kingdom of His dear Son today (cf. Co 1:13). Have you submitted to the gospel of the kingdom as proclaimed by ourLord's apostles?
The Discipling Ministry Of Jesus (4:18-22)
INTRODUCTION
1. We saw where the public ministry of Jesus involved "preaching"... a. Proclaiming the need to repent
for the kingdom of heaven was at hand - Mt 4:17 b. Taking this message to synagogues throughout the land - Mt 4:23 2. His ministry was not limited to preaching; it also involved "discipling"... a. In which He called select individuals to follow Him b. Creating His own group of "disciples" 1) Just as John had his disciples - Mt 9:14 2) Even the Pharisees had their disciples - Mt 22:15-16 3. We read of Jesus calling His first disciples in our text... a. The call of Peter and Andrew - Mt 4:18-20 b. The call of James and John - Mt 4:21-22 4. Throughout His public ministry... a. Jesus would call others to become His disciples - cf. Mt 9:9 b. Jesus would spend much time with His disciples c. Jesus would end His time on earth with a command for them to make more disciples - Mt 28:19-20 [Such an important subject to our Lord naturally raises some questions.For example...] I. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BECOME JESUS' DISCIPLE?
A. THE WORD "DISCIPLE"... 1. The word "disciple" literally means a learner 2. According to Vine's Expository Dictionary Of New Testament Words
it denotes "one who follows another's teaching" 3. But a disciple was not only a learner
he was also an adherent 4. For this reason disciples were spoken of as imitators of their teachers -- When Jesus told Peter
Andrew
James
and John to "Follow Me" (Mt 4:19)
it meant more than to just physically follow Him! B. THE GOAL IN BECOMING HIS DISCIPLE... 1. Stated by Jesus on this occasion: "I will make you fishers ofmen"
a. Just as they had worked in going after fish
now they would be going after men! b. As indicated in the Great Commission
they would be making more disciples - Mt 28:19 2. Stated by Jesus on another occasion: to be like their teacher a. Those perfectly trained will be like their teacher - Lk 6:40
b. Just as Christ sought to save men and make them disciples
so His disciples were to seek and save the lost [A disciple of Jesus
then
is one who desires to imitate Jesus. SinceHe was concerned for the lost
His disciples would be also! Anotherquestion...] II. HOW DOES ONE BECOME JESUS' DISCIPLE?
A. JESUS SAID "FOLLOW ME"... 1. This command He gave to His future disciples - Mt 4:19; 9:9 a. They would spend three years following Jesus around Palestine b. During that time they would listen to what He said
observe what He did c. Eventually they would be told to carry on His work - Mt 28:19-20
d. Their success was related to this time spent with Jesus - cf. Ac 4:13 2. To be a disciple of Jesus
then
requires that one: a. Follow Him b. Spend time with Him c. Carry on His work -- But how can we do this when He is no longer with us on earth? B. JESUS SAID "ABIDE IN MY WORD"... 1. This He said to those who believed in Him - Jn 8:31 a. By learning and observing what He taught
they would truly be His disciples b. As Jesus would say later
future disciples would be made as they were taught "to observe all things that I havecommanded you" - Mt 28:20
c. It would begin with baptism
for He had just commanded His disciples to make disciples by baptizing them - Mt 28:19; cf. Mk 16:16; Ac 2:38 2. To be a disciple of Jesus
then
requires that one: a. Be baptized (having repented and confessed one's faith in Jesus) b. Follow Jesus by doing what He taught His first disciples (the apostles) -- By continuing steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine (i.e.
their gospels and epistles)
we can be Jesus' disciples today! - cf. Ac 2:41-42 [To follow Jesus by abiding in His word implies some degree of effortand cost. This leads to our next question...] III. WHAT DOES IT COST TO BECOME JESUS' DISCIPLE?
A. HIS FIRST DISCIPLES LEFT "ALL" TO FOLLOW JESUS... 1. They left their business and family - Mt 4:20-22 2. As Peter would say later: "we have left all and followed You"- Mt 19:27
B. JESUS EXPECTED THE SAME OF OTHER DISCIPLES... 1. That He must come before family - Mt 10:37; Lk 9:59-62; 14:25-26
2. That one must be willing to suffer hardship - Mt 10:38; Lk 9:57-58; 14:27
3. Simply put
to forsake all to follow Him - Lk 14:33 C. JESUS EXPECTS THE SAME OF HIS DISCIPLES TODAY... 1. To seek first the kingdom of God - Mt 6:33 2. As illustrated in The Parable Of The Great Supper
family and business cannot come before accepting the call of the gospel! - Lk 14:15-24 CONCLUSION
1. In calling people to repent
Jesus was also calling people to become His disciples... a. But like John the Baptist before Him
Jesus expected that people "bear fruits worthy of repentance" - cf. Mt 3:8 b. As He would say later
"By this My Father is glorified
that youbear much fruit; so you will be My disciples." - Jn 15:8
2. For those willing to accept His call
along with the cost
there is promise of great blessings... a. As Jesus told Peter - Mk 10:28-30 b. As Paul would encourage the Christians at Corinth - 1 Co 15:58 3. Have we accepted the call and responsibility of discipleship
or do we just "go to church"? a. Which comes first
our families
our businesses
or Jesus Christ and His kingdom? b. Are we busy building our lives
enjoying our retirement
while the Lord's church suffers? c. Do we spend more time on fishing and other forms of recreation
than we do on fishing for men? -- How we answer such questions reveals much as to whether we are truly the disciples of Jesus! May we all be open to the call of Jesus: "Follow Me
and I will make you fishers of men."
The Itinerant Ministry Of Jesus (4:23-25)
INTRODUCTION
1. Jesus started His public ministry by moving to Capernaum - Mt 4:12-17
a. A city on the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee b. A fulfillment of the prophecy in Isa 9:1-2 c. From which He began to preach His message of the kingdom 2. But Jesus' work was not what you might call a "located ministry"... a. He did not stay in one place b. Where people might easily come to see and hear Him 3. His ministry was an "itinerant ministry"... a. He traveled from place to place b. If people wanted to hear Him more than once
they had to follow Him [In our text
Mt 4:23-25
we find a summary of "The Itinerant MinistryOf Jesus." In this study let's begin by taking a look at...]
I. THE NATURE OF JESUS' ITINERANT MINISTRY
A. HE DID NOT STAY IN ONE PLACE LONG... 1. He "went about all Galilee" - Mt 4:23 2. He went about "teaching in their synagogues" - Mt 4:23 3. Luke records an example: in the synagogue at Nazareth - Lk 4:14-30
4. But as mentioned by both Mark and Luke
Jesus felt compelled to keep moving - Mk 1:35-39; Lk 4:42-44 B. HE PROCLAIMED THE GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM... 1. His preaching involved "good news" about the kingdom - Mt 4:23; cf. Mk 1:14
2. As recorded by Mark
this "good news" included the following: a. "The time is fulfilled" - the time foretold by the prophets
cf. Dan 2:44 b. "The kingdom of God is at hand" - the kingdom foretold by the prophets
cf. Dan 2:44; Lk 1:32-33 C. HE HEALED ALL KINDS OF SICKNESS AND DISEASE... 1. He healed people afflicted with various diseases and torments - Mt 4:23-24 2. Including the demon-possessed
epileptics
and paralytics - Mt 4:24 3. Both Mark and Luke provide more detail at this point in their gospels a. Casting out an unclean spirit - Mk 1:21-28; Lk 4:31-37 b. Healing Peter's mother-in-law - Mk 1:29-30; Lk 4:38-39 c. Healing many after a Sabbath sunset - Mk 1:32-34; Lk 4:40-41
-- Matthew records these events after The Sermon On The Mount in his gospel D. HIS FAME SPREAD... 1. Throughout all Syria
the region to the north of Galilee - Mt 4:24 2. Evidently throughout Decapolis
Judea
and beyond the Jordan
regions to the south and east - Mt 4:25 3. The healing of a leper forced him to stay in deserted places - Mk 1:45 E. GREAT MULTITUDES FOLLOWED HIM... 1. From Galilee and regions all around - Mt 4:25 2. Mark says they came to Him from every direction - Mk 1:45 3. They came to hear Him
and to be healed by Him - Lk 5:15 II. OBSERVATIONS REGARDING JESUS' ITINERANT MINISTRY
A. EVERYONE NEEDS TO HEAR THE GOSPEL... 1. Jesus' concern was not just for those in his town of Capernaum a. Compelled to preach the gospel in other cities
He went about "all Galilee" b. He later sent His disciples to preach throughout all the cities of Israel c. He finally commissioned to them to preach to every person
making disciples "of all the nations" - Mk 16:16; Mt 28:19 2. It has been said
"No one has the right to hear the gospeltwice before everyone has heard it once"
a. This statement reflects a sentiment worth remembering b. Once the gospel has been shared
we are not under obligation to repeat it again and again to one not interested c. If those who hear are not interested
they have judged themselves unworthy of eternal life - e.g.
Ac 13:44-47 d. As long as there are souls who have not heard
we do not always have the luxury of "spoon-feeding" the spiritually indifferent in an attempt to reach them! 3. Similarly
churches may not always have the luxury to hold on to their evangelists a. Some are like the people who tried to keep Jesus from leaving them - Lk 4:42 b. But having received the word
they need to appreciate the need for others to hear - Lk 4:43 c. Especially today
when we have Bibles to teach us
we can more liberal with letting evangelists do their work of evangelizing! - cf. Ro 10:14-15 B. THE PURPOSE OF THE HEALING MIRACLES... 1. Certainly they were an expression of Jesus' compassion - Mt 14:14; 20:29-34 2. Such miracles were also confirmation of prophecy - Mt 8:16-17 a. They were recorded that we might believe - Jn 20:30-31 b. They were intended to confirm who Jesus was - cf. Jn 5:36 3. In a similar way
the miracles done by His followers was for the purpose of confirming their message as being from God - cf. Mk 16:19-20; He 2:3-4 a. Their purpose was not to make Christians "healthy and wealthy" b. Their purpose was not for personal benefit; e.g.
Paul did not heal Timothy of his stomach ailments and frequent infirmities
prescribing medicinal treatment instead - 1 Ti 5:23 -- The primary purpose of such miracles
as always
was to confirm God's messengers; in this case
confirming Jesus to be the Son of God! - cf. Ac 2:22 C. AUTHENTIC MIRACLES CAN'T BE KEPT SECRET... 1. Jesus' reputation quickly spread throughout the region 2. Even His enemies had to admit His miracles were real - Jn 11:47
3. Such was true with the miracles performed by the apostles - Ac 4:14-16 4. If one could truly heal today as Jesus and His apostles did... a. It would be on every TV network b. None would deny it
especially Christians who question the validity of what is often claimed to be miraculous today! -- The more you study the miracles of the Bible
the easier it is see that those who claim to do miracles today are either sincerely mistaken or deliberate deceivers! D. FOLLOWING JESUS REQUIRES EFFORT ON OUR PART... 1. The multitudes who wanted to hear and see Jesus had to follow Him where He went a. It required leaving their homes
probably at great expense b. It was probably very inconvenient
especially when sick and disabled! 2. Following Jesus today requires some effort also! a. Time and energy must be expended to learn and grow in the teachings of Christ b. It may not always be convenient to utilize opportunities to learn more about Jesus -- The next time you stay home because of some physical inconvenience
think of those souls who followed Jesus on His itinerant travels! CONCLUSION
1. Many Christians have often thought how wonderful it must have been to see Jesus on earth during His public ministry... a. To see the miracles
to witness the healings b. To hear His sermons proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom b. To sit at His feet
listening to His gracious words of instruction 2. In reality
it may not have been as easy as one might think... a. You would have had to leave home for an extended period of time b. Contending with the multitudes
it might have difficult to even get close to Jesus -- I wonder if many Christians today would have made the effort! 3. As we think of "The Itinerant Ministry Of Jesus"
I hope we will remember... a. The importance of spreading the gospel of the kingdom today b. The compassion our Lord had for the sick and oppressed c. The effort we should be willing to make to follow the Lord 4. Perhaps most importantly
to realize... a. That once you have heard the gospel of the kingdom
no one is obligated to repeat it to you again and again b. That having heard it once
you may never have the opportunity to hear it again! It is _your_ responsibility to heed the call to repent and accept thegood news concerning the Lord Jesus Christ. Have you?
－－《Executable
Outlines》