“Be on your guard against false prophets who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravaging wolves. 16 You’ll recognize them by their fruit. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes or figs from thistles? 17 In the same way, every good tree produces good fruit, but a bad tree produces bad fruit. 18 A good tree can’t produce bad fruit; neither can a bad tree produce good fruit. 19 Every tree that doesn’t produce good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 So you’ll recognize them by their fruit. (Matthew 7:15-19)  Guard (15): Jesus warned the people to continually guard against or discern the seemingly valid message of false teachers, those who come or speak in God’s name but deceive believers. They sound legitimate, but their message is intended to distract and destroy the faith of believers. Jesus describes them as wolves covered in sheep skin. Their outer appearance covers their true nature and character. Fruit (16-17): We know false teachers by their fruit. In this case do their words and deeds match? Further, their message did not match the doctrine believers had been taught. To make his point, Jesus asked if thorns come from grapevines and thistles from fig trees. That is, what is taught should be measured against the source. Bad or diseased fruit spoils the crop. The application of his illustration is that even good people sin but that is not their character. On the other hand, non-believers may do good deeds but that does not reflect their true character. Godly teachers may be incorrect on occasion, but they do not intend to deceive. But the intent of false prophets and teachers is to deceive. Their message may appear to be true, but their intent is to deceive. Quality (18-20): In these verses, Jesus repeats what he had just said in different words. Good trees produce good fruit, and bad trees produce bad fruit. He then told his listeners to measure the way the teachers lived against their words. He extends the illustration by stating that rotten trees, those that do not produce good fruit, will be removed and thrown into the fire. Bad trees have no value and just take up space. Jesus’ point is that discipleship involves more than religious activity. He concludes the point on fruit by stating that the quality of the fruit is the test of the tree just as the quality of the fruit is the test of the teacher. Good teachers produce good fruit.

23 Now Jesus began to go all over Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. 24 Then the news about him spread throughout Syria. So they brought to him all those who were afflicted, those suffering from various diseases and intense pains, the demon-possessed, the epileptics, and the paralytics. And he healed them. 25 Large crowds followed him from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond the Jordan. (Matthew 4:23-25) Teaching, Preaching, and Healing (23): This verse describes Jesus ongoing ministry throughout the 200 or so villages in the region of Galilee. He taught in their synagogues, or gathering places where people came to study the law, the center of Jewish life.), he proclaimed truth to those not familiar with the message, and healed the physical, emotional, and spiritual infirmities. His ministry met every need of the body, mind, and spirit. He was active. Unlike Rabbis who confined their teaching to a small group, Jesus cast a broad net.  Healing (24): As a result, the word spread about him outside of the region of Galilee and the people brought those who were afflicted with every type of disease, those in pain, and those disabled mentally, physically, and spiritually. His healing ministry was miraculous as well as broad-based. Sickness happens because we live in a fallen world. That Jesus healed was a part of his overcoming evil. Matthew’s point is that Jeus healed every known aliment. This reads like a summary of his three years of ministry. Where (25): Jesus drew large crowds as indicated later with the feeding of the five thousand. The point here is where the people came from: east of the Jordan River and south to Jerusalem and Judea. Challenge: How can we follow Jesus example of sharing the good news?

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Starting Out 12 When he heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee. 13 He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali. 14 This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: 15 Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, along the road by the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles. 16 The people who live in darkness have seen a great light, and for those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned. ,, 17 From then on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, because the kingdom of heaven has come near.” (Matthew 4:12-17) Jesus was not received in his hometown of Nazareth. Therefore, he moved on the Capernaum on the Sea of Galilee. It and nearby villages were homes to many fishermen. While Jesus was ministering to the crowds along the shore, he called Peter and Andrew and James and John to accompany him in his ministry. As a result, they became witness to Jeus preaching, healing, and casting out demons.  Upon hearing that John the Baptist had been imprisoned, Jesus left or abandoned Nazareth for Galilee. Luke explains that Jesus left Nazareth because of opposition to his preaching. While John’s ministry was in the wilderness, Jesus ministered among the people. Galilee was a major population and agricultural area. Jesus began is ministry in the region where the tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali lived. Matthew’s point is that Jesus relocation to this area was to fulfill Old Testament prophesy – a major theme in Matthew and one that set his gospel apart from then other three. Galilee was located on a travel route and over time foreigners came to live there. Thus, the name Galilee of the Gentiles. (16): The area was a part of the northern kingdom where the people lived in disobedience (darkness) and engaged in Canaanite practices (a land of the shadow of death). This was a long pattern resulting in the Asyrian invasion and the capture and exile of the many people in the region. Morris indicates that the religious leaders of the day looked down on Galilee and invested little if any effort in meeting the needs of the “country cousins” who lived there. But this was the area where Jesus began his ministry. As Isaiah’s prophesy notes, a new day was coming to the region. Matthew indicates that when Jesus moved to Capernaum, he changed his message. He began with preaching – not healing or miracles. His message was to repent for their failure to obey the law. It came with a sense of urgency – because the end was near. Jesus two-fold message was the same as John’s. The message was that the God had sent his Son therefore the kingdom was in front of them in words and deeds. Further, there is the indication that the kingdom was yet to come. Challenge: How can people observe Jesus’ ministry today? What did Jesus mean by repent? What is an effective way of pointing people to the kingdom of God today?

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