Matthew 4:1-11

Matthew 4:1

I. One cannot help thinking and wondering why this temptation should take place, and though all the reasons cannot be known, some of them we think we can see. We know there is a devil. Perhaps the most clever of all Satanic schemes is that in which he persuades men that he does not exist. What would suit a general better than to persuade the troops he is seeking to destroy that he is a mere creature of the imagination, that all the stories told about his being seen are mere inventions, and that, therefore, there is no need to take any precautions?

II. If Christ had not been tempted, we should have heard the old mocking laugh of Satan, as when God spoke of Job, "Thou hast set an hedge about him." If Satan had not been worsted in the struggle how cleverly would he have insinuated that the Saviour was not perfect. Satan cannot now say that Christ is untried.

III. Then, it has been proved that a man can resist sin in its strongest forms, for it was not as God that Jesus was tempted, but as the Son of man. It was the human nature that was tempted. Where would be the force of reasoning in Hebrews 4:13 if we are to believe that it was the Divine and not the human which fought and won the battle?

IV. As we read the story of the temptation, we cannot but be struck with the ignorance of Satan concerning Jesus. He did not understand Him. Let us not lose sight of the fact that the arch-enemy is not omniscient. He learns quickly, but there are many things he has yet to learn. Besides, he, like bad men, is ready to think that every one is as bad as himself. The fact is, Satan cannot appreciate goodness, and makes as many mistakes as ever.

V. Jesus has taught us the use of the Bible in self-defence. The Captain of our salvation girded Himself with the sword of the Spirit. It is useless to expect to conquer without the heavenly brand. You will be mortally wounded if you are not able to parry the strokes of the enemy. Search out the meaning of God's word, and what you know, use. There was great vehemence in the words of Jesus. He was not content to parry the stroke; He cut with the edge of His blade. And the wounds He made have not healed to this day.

T. Champness, New Coins from Old Gold,p. 55.

References: Matthew 4:1. Homiletic Quarterly,vol. i., p. 57; vol. ii., p. 419; vol. viii., p. 68; T. Collins, Christian World Pulpit,vol. xiv., p. 248; R. C. Trench, Studies in the Gospels,p. 1; Clergyman's Magazine,vol. i., p. 96; Preacher's Monthly,vol. iii., pp. 44, 161; A. Macleod, Talking to the Children,p. 21; Parker, Inner Life of Christ,vol. i., pp. 99, 109; A. M. Fairbairn, Expositor,1st series, vol. iii., p. 321; J. J. Murphy, Ibid.,2nd series, vol. iv., p. 312; G. Macdonald, Unspoken Sermons,p. 126. Matthew 4:2. J. Keble, Sermons from Lent to Passiontide,p. 44; W. H. Hutchings, Mystery of the Temptation,p. 32.