PREPARING FOR THE SERMON
August 18, 2024
Matthew 4:1-11
Context:
The temptation of Jesus occurs in all three synoptic gospels (though Mark contains only a brief summary statement). Matthew and Luke both involve a series of three tests with accompanying dialogue. The two writers introduce the temptations in slightly different order. Since no one but Jesus and Satan were there for the temptations, the accounts must come from Jesus recounting the events. The two authors retold the narrative with a different emphasis. Although there is no conclusive reason for the difference, it appears Matthew probably followed the chronological order while Luke seems to have had the final temptation take place in Jerusalem at the temple for overarching thematic effect for the rest of his book. The language used also slightly favors this understanding.
Structure:
4:1-4 temptation of hunger
4:5-7 temptation of testing the Lord
4:8-10 temptation of testing the kingdoms
4:11 devil leaves and angels serve Jesus
Key Ideas: temptation, biblical truth, fidelity
Some things to think about: