V1-11
This passage tells us how Jesus was led, by the Holy Spirit, into the desert to be tested.
The devil offered Jesus three temptations:
1) to end his fast by turning stones into bread; 2) to prove that he really was the Son of God by throwing himself off the temple; 3) to worship Satan and take control of the world (and so avoid the pain of the cross). Jesus resisted all three temptations.
The Greek word for temptation in verse 1 is πειρασθῆναι (peirasthēnai) from the word, πειράζω (peirazó) which means: to try and see whether a thing can be done; to attempt, to endeavour, to make trial of, to test; to test one’s faith, virtue, character, by enticement to sin; to solicit to sin, to tempt, to inflict evil upon someone to prove their character and the steadfastness of their faith.
Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil (v1)
The word for temptation can refer to something negative: Satan wanted to entice Jesus to sin and so fail in his mission on earth. Alternatively, it can mean something positive: the Holy Spirit brought Jesus into the desert so that he could be tested, pass the test, and therefore prove that he was worthy of his calling.
The Holy Spirit may lead us into the wilderness, to the place of testing, the place where we have nothing to rely on but God.
Man shall not live on bread alone (v4)
Jesus is the perfect model for us when we experience temptation. We should not use the power of the Holy Spirit for our own basic needs but to fulfil those of others.
Jesus went through a time of testing and temptation before he began his ministry.
Before we start serving the Lord, we need to learn to rely on the Word of God and not on our physical comforts. If God has called you to do something for him, then you may not get paid. You may not always have the best food or a comfortable home, but you will always have the Word of God to restore you and sustain you.
If you are the Son of God (v6)
Probably the biggest temptation you will ever face as a Christian will be to doubt who you are in Christ. The enemy wants to make you doubt your identity as a child of God.
For it is written (v6)
There is a danger that the Devil could deceive us if we only know parts of the Bible. He may take things out of context to confuse us. That is why it is so important to read as much of the Bible as you are able. We need to know the whole thing in order to have a complete understanding of God.
Do not put the Lord your God to the test (v7)
We should not test the Lord our God but have faith and trust in him. The Devil may tempt you to do things that will draw attention to yourself or your ministry. Be careful and don’t mistake fame and notoriety for success. Be obedient to what God has called you to do.
Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only (v10)
Don’t compromise your worship; worship God only. Don’t take the easy road to a successful ministry by compromising with the Devil. Stick to God’s plan. Remember, fame for ourselves is not the end goal. We want people to worship God alone.
V12-17
To fulfil what was said through the prophet Isaiah (v14)
This passage tells us how Jesus began to preach about repentance in Capernaum, which fulfilled what was prophesied in Isaiah: A great light would dawn on the people living in darkness in Galilee.
The Greek word for light in verse 16 is φῶς (phōs). It means light, a source of light, or radiance. The word μέγα (mega) means large, spacious, long, great, numerous, abundant, mighty, strong, eminent, distinguished, more exalted, more majestic, important, on a grand scale.
When Jesus arrived, the light that dawned on the land of Galilee was so great that it was comparable to the change between night and day.
A light has dawned (v16)
When the Kingdom of God comes into a person’s life, it is as if God switches on a light inside them. Finding God is like watching the sun come up. Suddenly you see all of life in a different light.
Here is a quote from C.S. Lewis’ essay, Is Theology Poetry?
“I believe in Christianity as I believe that the Sun has risen, not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.”
V18-22
This passage tells us how Jesus called his first disciples. Simon (Peter) and Andrew were fishing when Jesus asked them to leave their nets and follow him. Later he said the same thing to James and John. Jesus changes their profession from fishermen to fishers of men.
The Greek word for fishermen in verse 19 is ἁλιεῖς (halieis) from the word ἁλιεύς (halieus), meaning fisher or fisherman. ἀνθρώπων (anthrōpōn) of men.
Come, follow me (v19)
Jesus deliberately sought out and called his disciples. God searched for you. He chose you and called you to be a follower of Christ.
I will send you out to fish for people (v19)
Jesus took the practical skills that the fishermen had and repurposed them in their new work as his disciples.
God takes the talents and skills that we already possess and uses them for his kingdom.
V23-25
This passage tells us how Jesus taught in the synagogues, preached the good news of the kingdom and healed every sick person. The news about him spread, and many more people came to listen and be healed.
The Greek word for healed used in verse 24 is ἐθεράπευσεν (etherapeusen) from the word, θεραπεύω (therapeuó). It sounds like the English word therapeutic and means to serve, cure, care for, attend, treat, heal or restore to health.
Healing every disease and illness among the people (v23)
Everyone who hung out with Jesus got healed. What do people get when they hang out with you?
and he healed them (v24)
Jesus healed everyone who was sick and disabled. I pray that we will see this same outpouring of healing in our generation.
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