Cambridge Greek Testament Commentary

Matthew 4:1-11

THE TEMPTATION OF JESUS

St Mark’s account is short; the various temptations are not specified; he adds the striking expression ἦν μετὰ τῶν θηρίων. St Luke places the temptation of the Kingdoms of the World before that of the Pinnacle of the Temple.

Generally it may be remarked that the account can have come from no other that Jesus Himself. The words of the Evangelist describe an actual scene—not a dream. The devil really came to Jesus, but in what manner he came is not stated. These were not isolated temptations in the life of Jesus. Cp. Luke 22:28, ‘Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations.’ But they are typical temptations, representative of the various forms of temptation by which human nature can be assailed. For, as it has often been said, the three temptations cover the same ground as ‘the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life’ (1 John 2:16) in which St John sums up the evil of the world.

Viewing the temptation in a personal reference to Jesus Christ we discern Him tempted (1) As the Son of man—the representative of humanity—in whom human nature in its perfection triumphs over sin. An important element in the Atonement. (2) As the second Adam regaining for man what the first Adam lost for man. (3) As the Son of Abraham following the fortunes of his race, tempted in the wilderness as the Hebrews were tempted: a thought present implicitly in our Lord’s answers. (4) As the true Messiah or Christos rejecting the unreal greatness which was the aim of false Messiahs. He would not win popular enthusiasm by becoming a wonder-working γόης or μάγος greater than Theudas or than Simon Magus, or a prince more powerful than the Maccabees or than Cæsar.

Hence a warning for the Church as a Missionary Church. She is tempted to win her conquests by forbidden ways, by lying signs and wonders, by grasping at the dominion of this world, by alliance with the powers of the world, by craft and policy, not by submission and suffering.

The lesson of each and all of the temptations is trust in God and submission to God’s will—the result in us of μετάνοια.

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Cambridge Greek Testament Commentary

Matthew 4:1-11

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