Matthew Chapter 4 Summary

Matthew chapter 4 recounts Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness following His baptism and the calling of His first disciples.

Summary of Matthew 4

Jesus is led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After enduring forty days and nights of fasting, Jesus is hungry. The tempter appears and challenges Jesus to use His divine powers for personal gain.

Here are the temptations the devil used and Jesus’ response:

“Turn stones into bread”: Jesus denies this temptation saying, “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” This showed that He is not concerned with material things but with spiritual food given by God
“Throw yourself down from the highest point of the temple”: Jesus replies, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.”
“All this I give to you if you bow down and worship me”: Jesus said, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’”

Jesus resists each temptation with Scripture, affirming His reliance on God. The devil leaves, and angels come to minister to Jesus.

The chapter concludes with Jesus calling His first disciples to follow Him: two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew; and two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. Jesus also went throughout Galilee, teaching in the synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom, and healing people from sickness and disease.

Matthew 4 Themes

Temptation: This chapter is a classic depiction of temptation and Jesus’ unwavering faith.
Power of Scripture: Jesus uses scripture to counter each temptation, demonstrating its role as a guide and source of strength.
Dependence on God: Jesus’ resistance to temptation highlights His dependence on God’s will and purpose.

Summary of Matthew 4

Matthew 4 Themes

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