Matthew 4 reminds that there are family patterns of behavior that seem normal, until we are old enough to interact with other families. Those behaviors are sometimes hard to change. I believe many actions of Jesus were given as a new pattern for us to follow. The chapter begins, “Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be temptedby the devil“. Notice, the name given to Satan is “The tempter“. Our tendency is to blame God when we mess up. God does not tempt you, nor does He put you in situations to test you. We read, Jesus “fasting forty days and forty nights, He was hungry“. Satan knows our weaknesses and always presents an easy option, with the assurance that no one will know; “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread“. Many of us have tripped over this challenge. It usually sounds like; “If you are a real man”, or “If you really love me”. Jesus responded, “It is written…“. The two things Satan hates most are when we learn God’s Word and when we learn stop trying to prove our own worthiness. None of us are beyond temptation. The next temptation again includes the “if” challenge, this time the Tempter twists scripture. Standing on the highest point of the Temple, “throw Yourself down. For it is written: ‘He will command His angels concerning You… so that You will not strike Your foot against a stone’.” Yes, the Tempter knows scripture, but not as well as the Author, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test“. Maybe “normal” isn’t as common as you think.
The final temptation is the culmination of the prevention plan. The Tempter tried to prevent Messiah from being born; then he tried to bypass the cross. After taking Jesus to a high mountain, and “showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor“. “All this I will give You, if You will bow down and worship me“. The Tempter offers what he does not own. Jesus answered, “Away from Me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only’“. Hebrews 4:15 reminds us that our Savior “has been tempted in every way, just as we are yet He did not sin“. Only a sinless Man can pay a debt that He does not owe.
When Jesus began to preach He taught everyone, but look at who He first called, “He saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen“. He said, “Come, follow Me, and I will send you out to fish for people“. Those that spend time on the water know that you do not fight against nature. The tides, the wind and the sea are irresistible forces that watermen know to follow. “At once they left their nets and followed Him“. Next, “He saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father… Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed Him“. I find myself asking what about dad? They just left him? I believe Jesus called to all of them, but dad was the only one that did not follow. Jesus does not divide; all are invited, but not all are ready to come along. Understand that we have to admit we are in need in order to make a change. Following Jesus should be done in a way everyone will see. The chapter closes with Jesus “teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people… Large crowds followed Him“. Friend, is it time to create a new family tradition?