GOSPEL READING
THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW
THE TESTING OF JESUS: Mt 4,1-11
Traditionally, this scene is known as the "temptation of Jesus". Why might "testing" be a better description? Consider who initiates the testing.
As the background to this scene, read Deuteronomy chapter 6 and 8,1-6. Psalm 91 is also relevant. (There may be differences between your Bible and the quotations we are about to consider. Our translations are based on the Hebrew but Matthew used the Greek version known as the Septuagint.)
Read through the scene. See how it has a beginning and an end with three tests by the devil in between. Look at the similar account in Luke 4,1-13. How do they differ?
Looking at the first two verses, we noted who takes the initiative in verse 1. What is the purpose of the testing? "Afterwards" in verse 2 suggests a clue.
What is the significance of the desert and forty days and nights? What parallels is the evangelist making here? See Ex 34,28; Dt 9,9; 1 Kings 19,8.
The first test is told in verses 3 and 4. The tempter in verse 3 was identified in verse 1. Look at Job 1,12 and 2,6.
How is this linked with the baptism (3,17)? See also 2,15.
Turning stones into bread recalls Dt 2,7. See also Ps 78,18-22.
For the quotation in verse 4, see Dt 8,3. What does Matthew add that Luke does not (Lk 4,4)? See 13,18-23.
The next test follows in verses 5-7. It's possible that "pinnacle" could be translated "wing", making a reference to Ps 91,4.
Ps 91 is certainly in the devil's mind as he quotes verses 11-12. Why might the devil have a special interest in this psalm? How does Jesus "trump" this in the next verse with Dt 6,16?
The climax comes with the third test in verses 8 to 10. We have seen how Matthew is different to Luke. Also notable is the setting of this test which is special to Matthew. See especially 28,16. Note too 5,1.
The sight of all the kingdoms recalls Moses, Dt 34,1-3. Worshipping the devil beast is the theme of Apocalypse chapter 13. See also 2,8.
Jesus' response in verse 10 is stronger than in Luke (Lk 4,8). We have seen already the importance of true worship for Matthew in 2,11 which is anticipating 28,17. Look at Dt 6,13.
Finally, in verse 11, note how Matthew echoes Mark with the care of the angels (Mk 1,13). See verse 6 and Ps 91,11.
Look now at my response.
We are now ready to move on to the second half of the chapter, as Jesus returns to Galilee, 4,12-25.