GOSPEL READING
THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW
Chapter 4: Overview
The chapter begins with the temptation of Jesus in the desert, 4,1-11. This as we noted earlier is a follow up to the baptism as Jesus' commitment is tested. This will be our first page for reading this chapter.
The remainder of the chapter, 4,12-25, brings Jesus back to Galilee (4,12) and is followed by three short scenes setting up his ministry there:
- 4,12-17: Jesus' arrival in Galilee
- 4,18-22: the call of the first four disicples (Mt 3,18-22)
- 4,23-25: A summary of Jesus' teaching
These scenes give us the second page for our reading of this chapter.
The summary of Jesus' teaching (4,23-25) at the end is special to Matthew. We will see its significance as we read.
Look at this point how Matthew has expanded seven verses in Mark (Mk 1,14-20) up to fourteen verses (4,12-25).
We can move straight on to begin our reading about the testing of Jesus, Mt 4,1-11.