Day 4 - THURSDAY, January 17: Matthew 4

Day 4 - MATTHEW 4   January 17

 

 

Forty seems to be a number of waiting -- and preparation.  Jesus' temptation in the wilderness for 40 days and 40 nights recalls the experiences of Moses (Exodus 24:18;  34:28) and Elijah (1 Kings 19:8), as well as the wandering of the children of Israel for 40 years before God led them into the promised land.   The season of Lent is also 40 days long (not counting Sundays).  Lent can be a time for us to reflect on our dependence on God as we approach the Good News of Christ's resurrection.

 

 

4:1-11  Consider the fact that Jesus was tempted to sin by the devil before he began is preaching ministry.  Why do you think this was important or significant?

 

What do you think the Devil was tempting Jesus to do?  What would have been the price of Jesus yielding to the temptations of Satan?

 

 

 

4:4, 7, 10   Jesus uses the Word of God to encounter the temptations of Satan.  In what ways can Christians mirror this victory of Christ as they encounter Satan?  What other things have you found helpful in resisting temptation?

 

 

4:17   Jesus calls for his followers to repent.  "Repent" literally means to turn around and go the other way.   If your life were a car, in what places might the Lord desire you to make a "U-Turn?"

 

4:18-22   When Jesus asks Peter, Andrew, James and John to follow Him, they leave their nets and follow Him.  What was it about Jesus that made them willing to take this new journey?    What is it about Jesus that makes you willing to follow His words?

 

 

4:23-25    Remember a time when Jesus brought healing to you or to someone you love.  Did you recognize His hand?  Did you thank Him?