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Then Jesus was led1 up into the wilderness by the Pneuma to be tempted2 by the Devil.3
| 1 | Was led: Mark 1:12 says the Spirit “drove” so that Jesus became “driven” into the desert. |
| 2 | Tempted: God cannot be “tempted” (James 1:13,) though Jesus is here, three times. |
| 3 | Devil: The Greek is DIABOLOS. Meaning “Slanderer,” or “Liar,” this name for Satan occurs 36 times, never in the Hebrew Bible and first here. Note that the Dragon is on hand when the “woman gives birth” to a spiritual Son (Revelation 12:4). |
Dear Friends of the Nazarene,
We choose Matthew 4:1 as the theme verse of chapter four – Three Tests and Kingdom Preaching. Following his baptism Jesus is led by the spirit into the Judean desert to be tempted by the Devil. [1-11] Matthew applies Isaiah 9:1, 2 to the coming of Jesus as “a great light.” [12-17] The theme of Christ’s preaching was, “Repent, for the kingdom of the heavens has approached.” Jesus begins to call his first disciples. [18-22] Jesus preaches and cures “around the whole of Galilee.” [23-25]
Abba our Father bless those who repent.
[14 October 2002]
Christ must be tempted (1) Because it was impossible that one who came to overthrow the kingdom of Satan should not be attacked by the great adversary at the very threshold. (2) It was to test him. (3) It was to prepare him, by being tempted like as we are, and yet gaining the victory, to “succor them that are tempted” [Heb 2:18]. (4) It was to set an example for us when we are tempted. The three great temptations mentioned by Matthew are the three great classes of temptations to which men are now exposed.
