Matthew 4

Jesus in the wilderness

Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. Matthew 4:1–2

Jesus prepares for His ministry by going to be with God in the wilderness and fasting forty days. He faced real temptation, so He knows how to help us when we are tempted.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• typified by Exodus 34:28 — Moses was with the LORD forty days and forty nights and neither ate nor drank.
• a parallel account in Luke 4:1-2 — Luke's account of the temptation.
• interpreted by Hebrews 4:15 — He was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

Son of God

Son of God — the divine Son of the Father

And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. Matthew 4:3–4

Right after the Father declared Jesus His beloved Son, Satan tries to make Him doubt it with 'If.' Jesus does not argue; He answers with scripture and trusts the Father.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• quotes Deuteronomy 8:3 — Man doth not live by bread only, but by every word of the LORD.
• alludes to Matthew 3:17 — The Father had just declared, 'This is my beloved Son.'

Son of God

Son of God — the divine Son of the Father

Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, Matthew 4:5–7

Satan twists a psalm to tempt Jesus to show off His power. Jesus refuses to test God and answers with the true meaning of scripture.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• quotes Psalm 91:11-12 — Satan misuses the promise of angels bearing him up.
• quotes Deuteronomy 6:16 — Ye shall not tempt the LORD your God.

Jesus overcomes Satan

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; Matthew 4:8–11

Satan offers Jesus the kingdoms of the world if He will worship him. Jesus commands Satan to leave, and he must obey; then angels come to serve Him.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• quotes Deuteronomy 6:13 — Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God, and serve him.
• typified by Moses 1:20-22 — Moses, in the similitude of the Only Begotten, commands Satan to depart in the name of the Only Begotten.
• a parallel account in Luke 4:5-8 — Luke's account of this temptation.

The Great Light

Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, he departed into Galilee; Matthew 4:12–16

When Jesus moves to Capernaum in Galilee, Matthew says Isaiah's prophecy is fulfilled: people living in spiritual darkness see a great light. That light is Jesus.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• quotes Isaiah 9:1-2 — The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light.
• fulfils 2 Nephi 19:1-2 — Nephi's record of the same Isaiah prophecy.
• the same title in John 8:12 — Jesus: 'I am the light of the world.'

Ministry of Jesus

From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Matthew 4:17

Jesus begins His public ministry with a call to repent. The kingdom is 'at hand' because the King Himself has come.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him

• a parallel account in Mark 1:14-15 — Mark's account of the start of His preaching.

Jesus calls His disciples

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. Matthew 4:18–22

Jesus invites ordinary fishermen to follow Him, and He promises to change what they become. They leave everything immediately.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• a parallel account in Mark 1:16-20 — Mark's account of the calling of the four.
• the same event in Luke 5:10-11 — Luke's account: 'from henceforth thou shalt catch men.'

Ministry of Jesus

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. Matthew 4:23–25

Jesus teaches, preaches, and heals everyone brought to Him. His miracles show the love and power of God among the people.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him

• fulfils Mosiah 3:5 — King Benjamin's angel foretold the Lord would go forth healing the sick and casting out devils.