8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 And he said to him, “I will give you all these things if you will fall down and worship me.” 10 Then Jesus told him, “Go away, Satan! For it is written: Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.” , 11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and began to serve him. “ ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’ ” 11 Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him. (Matthew 4:8-11) High Mountain For his third temptation, Satan took Jesus to a high mountain where he could see the entire world or all the territories. Because the location of the mountain was not indicated, some believe he placed a mental image in Jesus mind. Again, we are dealing in the supernatural rather than physical. The amplified Bible translates it this way: Again, the devil took him up on a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the and the glory(the splendor, magnificence, preeminence, and excellence) of them.  Satan showed him all the kingdoms or territories of the world, its brilliance, wealth, and wonders. The temptation was visual like the temptation of Eve in the garden. We should note that what Satan was offering will come in the millennial kingdom. Power and Authority Instead of attacking Jesus’s identity as in the past two temptations, Satan offered Jesus control over physical kingdoms. Jesus was sent to have dominion over spiritual kingdoms. And that in accordance with God’s plan. The question is who has control over the spiritual dominion. Jesus came to remove all the kingdoms from under Satan’s domination. Some suggest that this was a continuation of Satan’s battle with God over control. While Satan may rule the world, he does not have power, authority, and control over it. Again, Satan’s offer was to provide a shortcut around the suffering and shame of the cross. John Piper in his book, Desiring God, said: Satan does not "own" anything in the absolute sense, as God is considered the ultimate sovereign. However, biblical interpretations suggest he is seen as the ruler of the "present evil system of opposition to God," (john 12:31; 1 John 5:19) which includes control over the world's systems of evil, deception, temptation, and oppression. He has been granted temporary, restricted power and authority over these worldly things and can influence people and events within limits set by God. However, the temptation goes beyond control. It dealt with anything that appeals to the eyes, all that glitters. The issue here is a matter of worship. What do we worship? Jesus Response Once again, Jesus responded to this temptation first by rejecting Satan and the temptation, “Go away, Satan.” And then quoting Deuteronomy 6:13. By rejecting Satan’s offer he moved directly to the issue of who had the ultimate power, authority, and control. What Satan was offering was with in the power God had given him. Satan Departed Satan had nothing more to say. He was defeated here just as he will be in the final battle with the Lord. He had appealed to (1) the lusts of the flesh-bread, (2) the pride of life, power, and control, and (3) the lust of the eyes – splendor, and he failed. These were the same temptations the Israelites faced during 40 years in the wilderness. And Jesus responded by quoting Moses messages given at the end of that journey. Note: the angels of heaven were at the ready and came down to meet Jesus needs. 1. What lust of the flesh is distracting you from your calling? 2. Are you trying to control something that is not your responsibility? 3. What are you worshiping?

5 Then the devil took him to the holy city, had him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, 6 and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down. For it is written: He will give his angels orders concerning you, and they will support you with their hands so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.” , 7 Jesus told him, “It is also written: Do not test the Lord your God.” , (Matthew 4:5-7) Transported to a High Place Satan took Jesus to a high place. The method was clearly by supernatural means. The Greek for pinnacle is not clear whether it was the temple, Herod’s portico, or Solomon’s Porch all of which were very high. This was not witnessed by people which tells us that it was supernatural in its entirety.  Prove Yourself Satan’s temptation was against Jesus identity as the Messiah, the Son of God. He was tempting Jesus to prove himself. In other words, “Do what the people expect of the Messiah, or appear in the sky or come suddenly to the Temple (Malachi 3:1). Doing so would have been against God’s will and disqualify him from being the Savior of humanity. Here, Satan misquotes Psalm 91:11-12 (command the angels coming to guard his ways). However, he left out the Psalmist’s admonition that what takes place must be in the Lord’s will. And doing what Satan was asking was not in accordance with God’s will or purpose for Jesus. Like the crowds at the crucifixion, Satan suggested Jesus save himself and avoid death on the cross or avoid the need for a sacrificial death. Again, Satan is dealing with the physical while Jesus mission was spiritual. Do Not Test Jesus did not argue against Satan’s misuse of scripture but moved directly a scriptural response: do not test God (Deuteronomy 6:16). Satan was suggesting Jesus save himself by a miracle. Scripture is clear, Jesus came as a substitute for us who deserve to die for our sins. Testing God is a matter of doing something stupid and asking God to eliminate the consequences or demand a miracle. Further, Satan’s temptation was an appeal for Jesus to test God in a situation outside of God’s will. What are some ways people might try to put God to the test? · Twisting scripture · Taking scripture out of context · Do stupid things

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 After he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 Then the tempter approached him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” 4 He answered, “It is written: Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” , (Matthew 4::1-4) Led by the Spirit “Then,” meaning following his baptism. The Spirit led Jesus up into the wilderness (indicating a high place). The purpose was for Satan to test Jesus or cause him to do wrong. The Spirit led him away from civilization and into difficult terrain. Satan had rebelled against God. His rebellion having failed, he turned his attack on humanity. God did not tempt Jesus but allowed Satan to tempt him. Here, by being tempted, Jesus identified himself with humanity. Weakened State Jesus went without food for 40 days. The nature of the fast is not indicated, but the result was; he experienced intense hunger as the Greek indicates. This was a voluntary fast. The purpose of fasting is to focus entirely on prayer. Note that Jesus identified with humanity in his hunger. Further, Satan challenges us when we are alone, lonely, weak, tired, ill, angry, stressed, or bored. This is when Satan shows up. The Adversary Satan tempted Jesus by suggesting he turn stones into bread to satisfy his hunger. In other words, “You can meet your own physical needs.” Satan’s underlying thought was to get Jesus to prove that he was fully God. By meeting his own needs Jesus could not identified with the people to whom he came to serve. It is Written In response, Jesus quoted (Deuteronomy 8:3) where God met the needs of the Israelites in the desert by providing manna. “It is Written. . .“ the authoritative Word of God is an effective weapon against Satan’s temptations. Here, Jesus was pointing out the reliability of God’s Word. He relied on the Word. Satan’s temptation was to meet Jesus’ (and our) physical needs. Jesus response relates to his (and our) spiritual needs, our relationship with the Father. This is a common misunderstanding in our’s and other’s conversations with the Lord. He overcame the temptation using the same resources available to us. In the Lord’s prayer outline, are we to ask for our daily bread. Is that for physical or spiritual bread? · Physical bread – but it is readily available · Spiritual bread – needed each day – alluding to God providing manna to the Israelites in the wilderness

13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. 14 But John tried to stop him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and yet you come to me?” 15 Jesus answered him, “Allow it for now, because this is the way for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John allowed him to be baptized. 16 When Jesus was baptized, he went up immediately from the water. The heavens suddenly opened for him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming down on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased.” (Matthew 3:13-17) Verse 6 states that John was baptizing people in the Jordan River. That means people were there to be baptized as well as the Pharisees and Sadducees.  Submission and Humility Jesus came to John to be baptized. He came by choice, purposefully, voluntarily. The word baptism means to immerse or put under. It is a act of submission, being put under the authority of a superior. Baptism is an act of repentance, surrender, commitment, and obedience to God the Father. But Jesus did not need to repent. Why did he come to John for baptism? · Surrender and obedience · To launch is ministry · Identification with sinners Cleansing When John saw Jesus coming, he recognized him immediately as the Messiah. When Jesus asked to be baptized, John naturally objected because he, as a Jew saw baptism as a form of repentance and cleansing. And John recognized his own need for repentance and cleansing. The Right Relationship. Jesus told John to go ahead and baptize him “to fulfill all righteousness,” that is (1) confirm him as the Messiah and (2) to affirm John’s ministry. The verses above indicate that Jesus was looking for spiritual baptism not a water baptism as offered by John. · He saw it as a necessary step in fulfilling God’s purpose of salvation. · Jesus endorsed John’s ministry and message and linked his ministry with John’s. · Further, by baptism, Jesus identified himself with sinful people who need repentance and cleansing. · Moreover, he was going to be the substitute for them by his life and death. The Father’s Blessing/Endorsement. After being immersed, Jesus rose up and the Spirit of God anointed Jesus for ministry in a visible way. God spoke affirming Jesus as his son (relationship) and his ministry. (God affirmed Jesus on two other occasions: at the mount of transfiguration in front of his disciples (Matt 17:5) and before his crucifixion (John 12:27)). Note that when God said, “this is my son,” he was speaking to the people present. As Jesus came up (representing rising from the dead) the Spirit came down (representing empowerment for ministry). All three persons of the Godhead were present: the Father; Jesus, the Son; and the Holy Spirit. Why do we baptize believers? · To symbolize our repentance and cleansing · A representation of our own death, burial and resurrection · A willingness to identify with Christ (Romans 6:4) · Adult baptism: voluntary, intentional, reflecting repentance and identification with Christ. Why are words of affirmation important in a new endeavor? · To bring confidence · It is empowering · It is confirming even when some object

9 After hearing the king, they went on their way. And there it was—the star they had seen at its rising. It led them until it came and stopped above the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overwhelmed with joy. 11 Entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and falling to their knees, they worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 And being warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their own country by another route. (Matthew 2:9-12) Direction Following Herod’s instructions they started for Bethlehem, just 6 miles south of Jerusalem. When they resumed their journey, the star studently appeared again and led them to the place where Jesus was, stopping over then place where Jesus was. Leon Morris suggests that they no longer looked for the star upon reaching Jerusalem. Great Joy Upon seeing the star again, they were overwhelmed with joy or “rejoiced with exceedingly greatest joy.” That joy came from the assurance by the star that they were on the right track. Notice that the star did not appear until they started toward Bethlehem. Often direction comes once we step out in faith. The Place Where They Lived (Luke reported that there was no room in the inn, so Jesus was born where animals were kept (Mary laid him in a manger or feeding trough). Others believe he was born in a cave where shepherds kept sheep that would be used for sacrifices at the temple. What is important is that the wise men found Jesus in a house – indicating that after he was born Joseph and Mary found a place suitable for raising a child. When the wise men arrived at the house they saw the child with Mary. Notice Matthew’s order, the child first, his emphasis on Jesus. They emptied their treasure boxes and gave him gifts. These were not the normal gifts for a child, at least in our culture, they were gifts for a King. Many believers see symbolic meaning in the gifts: · Gold – for a King, royalty · Frankincense – the incenses used on the altar in the Temple and was use for healing · Myrrh – also an incense, more important, it was a spice used in preparing a body for burial The Warning The wise men were warned in a dream not to return to Harod and went back to Persia by another route. The Greek indicates they received a divine utterance. Why is Jesus worthy of our worship? · He has saved us · He has given us physical life · He has given us his Spirit - transformation · He has given us purpose, meaning · He provides for us What gift or gifts do you bring to Jesus?  “When Christ calls a man, he bids him to come and die.” Deitrick Bonhoefer

Finding the King 4 So he assembled all the chief priests and scribes of the people and asked them where the Messiah would be born. 5 “In Bethlehem of Judea,” they told him, “because this is what was written by the prophet: 6 And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah: Because out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.” , 7 Then Herod secretly summoned the wise men and asked them the exact time the star appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. When you find him, report back to me so that I too can go and worship him.”,(Matthew 2:4-8)  King of the Jews Herod may not have understood the word “ Messiah.” But he was certainly threatened by the term “King of the Jews.” He did not understand the spiritual nature of the term. Once again, we encounter the disconnect in people’s minds between the physical and spiritual nature of what was happening, a common thread throughout scripture. Therefore, Herod gathered the religious leaders, meaning those with spiritual and legal authority, and the scribes who understood the scriptures. Prophesies Matthew reported that the scribes provided Herod prophesies about from at least two sources: (1) He would be born in Bethlehem in Judea, the birthplace of David (Micah 5:2) (1) He would be a ruler, leader, or shepherd (2 Samuel 5:2). The Hebrew indicates one who shepherds his flock It is important to note that there was no indication that the priests and scribes were interested in seeking the Messiah themselves. Investigate With that information, Herod secretly called the wise men and asked when the star appeared to determine the age of the “King of the Jews.” From that he calculated the time of preparation and the length of the journey. From Ezra 7:9, we know the journey from Babylon (Persia) to Jerusalem took about four months. Because of the uncertainties, Herod estimated that Jesus might have been about two years old. Sent Away Herod sent the wise men to Bethlehem and told them to diligently search for the child and report back to him so that he could worship him as well. However, Herod’s intent was to kill the child. Who or What are the “Herods” that seek to interfere or kill your relationship with Christ?

2 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of King Herod, wise men from the east arrived in Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star at its rising and have come to worship him.” 3 When King Herod heard this, he was deeply disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. Matt 2:1-3 Assessing Jesus’ Age (1): Matthew does not give a specific date for the arrival of the wise men but sets it in the time of Herod the Great. At that time Joseph, Mary, and Jesus were still in Bethlehem. Following the Star (2): They followed or the star which led them to Jerusalem, the “capitol city,” a natural place to find a king. The star was not a natural phenomenon because of its movement. The men likely came in a large group because: (1) the importance of their journey, (2) the need for protection from thieves, and marauders (3) the commotion they caused in Jerusalem. They came to worship Jesus. Not to pay homage or respect, but worship. Why did the Star lead them to Jerusalem if that was not where Jesus, the King was located? o It was part of God’s plan o It was to alert the religious leaders that the Messiah had come Herod was Upset (3): They probably did not go directly to the palace since they were not on a diplomatic mission and lacked formal papers. It is likely they inquired among the residents about the new King and word got to Herod. And he was upset. A new king would meddle in his coveted position, interfere with his authority, and disturb his relationship with the Romans. In addition, “all of Jerusalem was disturbed, specifically the religious leadership. Further, Jerusalem was disturbed because the unstable Herod was disturbed. In what ways is Jesus a King? (1) He has authority (2) He is the Son of God (3) He has dominion – ownership (4) He is the leader How would you describe your journey to Christ? (1) A point in time (2) Developing a personal relationship at glacial speed  Who/What was the star the led you on your journey to Christ? (1) Sunday school teachers (2) Camp counselors (3) Pastors (4) Believing friends

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26 There is none like the God of Jeshurun, who rides the heavens to your aid, the clouds in his majesty. 27 The God of old is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms. He drives out the enemy before you and commands, “Destroy!” 28 So Israel dwells securely; Jacob lives untroubled , in a land of grain and new wine; even his skies drip with dew. 29 How happy you are, Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord? He is the shield that protects you, the sword you boast in. Your enemies will cringe before you, and you will tread on their backs. (Deuteronomy 33:26-29)  In verses 6-25 Moses blessed each of the individual tribes. The next verses focus on the God of Israel, his power and his presence. Rescuer and Protector (26-27): The author describes God as riding to the rescue of his people and displaying his majesty over all the earth. He is triumphant unlike the gods of Egypt or the gods they would encounter in the promised land. Further, he would be their protector. He commanded the destruction of his enemies. The Lord will undertake for his people because he created them. He was a refuge for them and provided security in difficult times. They did not create him. He was not a god among many; he is the only God. Being the God of old meant he was present from the beginning of time. He was their dwelling place. They would live in the land, but ultimately their home was with and in the presence of God just as he has promised us today. Looking Ahead (28): Moses was looking ahead to the time Israel had subdued the Canaanites; a time when Israel would live in peace (dwell securely) because her enemies had been defeated. Further, the land would produce an abundance of grain and grapes for wine, and the Lord would provide dew and life-giving water for their crops. (29): Verse 26 points out how unique their God was. Verse 29 is the declaration that the Israelites were unlike any other people. They were a unique people, a people chosen and saved by God. He had set aside the land for his people. The verse continues by repeating that he, not the people, would be their protector (a defense) and their “Divine Warrior” or offensive weapon. “The battle is the Lord’s” and victory was theirs. This was an assurance that as God had been with them and, led them for forty years, he would be with them in conquering the Canaanites. In conclusion the narrative states that there is nothing like defeat to silence the boasting of the enemy and that the enemy would cower before Israel and lay defeated under her feet. The people went from being victims in Egypt to be victors in the promised land. Challenge: Do you worship things made by human hands? Is the Lord your dwelling place? How has the Lord provided for you? Are you ministering to people who are going through what you have been through? Heaven and earth, all the emperors, kings, and princes of the world, could not raise a fit dwelling-place for God; yet, in a weak human soul, that keeps His Word, He willingly resides. Martin Luther