Matthew 4: The Beginning of the Kingdom
"IS IT TIME yet?" "How much longer?" Those are the questions children ask repeatedly as Christmas approaches. It's hard on them (and their parents) to wait. But when Christmas day comes, it's full of fun and surprises. After weeks of waiting, we all get to open our new gifts. The beginning of Jesus' ministry was like the coming of Christmas. After a long wait, the wrappings came off and the world got to see God's greatest gift.
Warming Up to God
All of us have experienced something new—starting a new job, going to a new school, moving to a new community. What did it feel like?
Read Matthew 4. »
Discovering the Word
- Look over the entire chapter to discover the locations mentioned. What do they tell us about Jesus' ministry?
- The prerequisite for Jesus' ministry was his ability to resist temptation. What can we discover about Jesus from his encounter with Satan (vv. 1-11)?
- Look specifically at each temptation (vv. 3-4, 5-7, 8-10). What was Satan trying to accomplish with each of them?
- How does Jesus demonstrate his message "The kingdom of heaven is near" in verses 18-25?
- One of Jesus' first functions as heavenly king is calling disciples. From verses 18-22 develop a brief definition of discipleship.
Applying the Word
- What can we learn about temptation and how to resist it from Jesus' example?
- Discipleship for the first disciples meant leaving job and family and following Jesus wherever he went. How has discipleship affected your life?
- Imagine the excitement of the first disciples as they watched Jesus healing and teaching among the crowds. Put yourself in their place and describe how you would feel.
Responding in Prayer
Recall the qualities of discipleship you saw. Pray that you will be made a faithful disciple.
For Further Study
Discipleship Essentials by Greg Ogden