Gospel of Matthew Series: chapter 4: Jesus is tempted, and begins to preach the Good News

GOSPEL OF MATTHEW SERIES

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Chapter 4: Jesus is tempted, and begins to preach the Good News

In the narratives of the baptism, the mission of Jesus is described, He is to be the Servant.  The three synoptic gospels also narrate the temptation of Jesus, the temptations against this mission.  Jesus' stay in the desert recalls that of the chosen people, the desert in the Bible is the place of trial and of nearness to God.  The answers by which Jesus rejected the temptations are taken literally from that privileged situation of Israel.  

 

The Servant of God par excellence cannot perform a miracle on his own behalf or seek after worldly domination or make an extraordinary request of God. Jesus did not come to search of success; His mission was to be a 'servant'.  In our churches this passage from the Gospel is read at the beginning of Lent, the time of preparation for the paschal feast; every year it invites us to purify our attitude to the faith.

The second half of chapter 4 relates to Jesus' mission. You will note that Jesus fasted first, then was tempted by the devil (vs 1-11). Then He then began to preach 'Repent for the kingdom of God is close at hand'. After preaching this simple but powerful message, He then began to call the disciples, the two pairs of brothers-Simon and Andrew, and James and John.  As His fame became known, He also ministered to the people in need of healing from all kinds of diseases. In other words, Jesus prepared himself for His ministry by fasting and prayer, and experiencing temptations of the devil. We too need to strengthen our resolve in the ministry that Jesus has asked of us to be ready to serve by appropriate preparation.

ACTION PLAN FROM CHAPTER 4

This week as we reflect on chapter 4, we may wish to:

• Consider how the devil tempts us and how we reject his invitation to sin.
• Consider our ability to fast to strengthen our souls. It is important to take
• on what is practical, since not everyone is physically able to fast from food without becoming sick. If you know, like myself that fasting from food is impractical for health reasons, then consider other ways of fasting.
• Consider marking off in the diary time for a retreat. Even a retreat at home is possible if time is set aside and family respect and are supportive of our needs.
• Consider our vocation and what Jesus has called us to do.  How do we encourage others to follow Jesus?
• Consider how we can bring the ministry of healing to others whether through intercessory prayer and/or through the gift of healing that we may possess. How can we continue the healing mission of Jesus?
• How does our action plan compare with Jesus? 
  
  May Chapter 4 inspire us to consider how we are continuing the ministry of Jesus and to follow His action plan-preparation of soul through fasting, experience trials and temptations of the devil, before preaching the Good News and engaging in ministry of healing.