Matthew 4:1-11

Throughout the history of the world there have been some epic battles but none as significant for our race as the battle between Satan and Jesus Christ in the wilderness of Judea. Immediately after the proclamation of the Father, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,” (Matt 3:17) Jesus was lead by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil (4:1). God’s intent was to test his beloved Son to prove that he was fit for the the task of accomplishing salvation. The devil’s intent was to tempt Christ to question his Father’s care and methods. The devil used basically the same strategy against Adam and Eve in the garden and Israel in the wilderness, but where they failed Christ overcame. Jesus’ victory means our salvation.

Matthew 4:1-11

Throughout the history of the world there have been some epic battles but none as significant for our race as the battle between Satan and Jesus Christ in the wilderness of Judea. Immediately after the proclamation of the Father, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,” (Matt 3:17) Jesus was lead by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil (4:1). God’s intent was to test his beloved Son to prove that he was fit for the the task of accomplishing salvation. The devil’s intent was to tempt Christ to question his Father’s care and methods. The devil used basically the same strategy against Adam and Eve in the garden and Israel in the wilderness, but where they failed Christ overcame. Jesus’ victory means our salvation.

Matthew 3:13-17

The first time Jesus speaks in this gospel he tells John the baptist to baptize him, "for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness" (Matt 3:15). John had tried to prevent Jesus from being baptized because he recognized that Jesus should be the one to baptize him.  But why was it fitting for Jesus to be baptized? After all, John's baptism was for repentance and Jesus had no need of repentance.  Listen to this sermon from Pastor Mike to see how Jesus' baptism initiates his work to save his people from their sins (Matt 1:21).

Matthew 3:13-17

The first time Jesus speaks in this gospel he tells John the baptist to baptize him, "for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness" (Matt 3:15). John had tried to prevent Jesus from being baptized because he recognized that Jesus should be the one to baptize him.  But why was it fitting for Jesus to be baptized? After all, John's baptism was for repentance and Jesus had no need of repentance.  Listen to this sermon from Pastor Mike to see how Jesus' baptism initiates his work to save his people from their sins (Matt 1:21).

Matthew 3:1-12

Before we meet Jesus in this gospel we are introduced to John the Baptist's ministry of preparation.  John's preaching, baptism, dress, food, and message were remarkable, but even greater was his testimony to Jesus Christ.

Matthew 3:1-12

Before we meet Jesus in this gospel we are introduced to John the Baptist's ministry of preparation.  John's preaching, baptism, dress, food, and message were remarkable, but even greater was his testimony to Jesus Christ.

Selected Scriptures

Selected Scriptures

Ephesians 5:1-2

Ephesians 5:1-2