The King's Expectations

Matthew 5:1-16

Context: Matthew 5:1-16

Memory Verse: Matthew 5:14

Main Idea: The blessings of the King are on the followers who exhibit His character.

FIRST THOUGHTS

     New parents testify to a lifestyle shift that stems from the arrival of a baby in the home. It’s a turning point that requires big changes. Sleep patterns become erratic. Time demands create stress. Financial resources get stretched. A new baby in the home means a change in priorities for everyone living there. One positive change that takes place involves a new love that develops in a parent’s heart. All the adjustments are worth it because the couple desires the best for their child.

What are some other events in life that can create a change in priorities?

     An encounter with Christ is a turning point. It should evoke a willing alteration in priorities for the new believer. A true conversion experience creates change. Jesus clearly identified the characteristics that He expects His followers to exhibit. These character traits are not optional for believers. They are Christ’s expectations for all His followers.

     The passage for this session shows that Jesus’ expectations are not a hardship to be endured. Rather, they define a way of life that results in God’s blessings. Believers can anticipate an exciting journey into Christlike character that causes their lives to be richly blessed.

I. UNDERSTAND THE CONTEXT

Matthew 5:1-16

     Matthew 5–7 comprises what many refer to as the Sermon on the Mount. It is the first of five discourses of Jesus recorded in Matthew. Jesus’ public ministry began in earnest with this discourse. The teachings probably took place on a mountainside somewhere near Capernaum, Jesus’ unofficial headquarters in Galilee. This prominent city on the northeast shore of the Sea of Galilee provided the setting for a number of events during Jesus’ ministry.

     In the opening verses of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus promised some blessings for believers when they exhibit His character (5:2-12). These verses are often called the Beatitudes. This literary form can be found in the Old Testament as well (see Pss. 1:1; 32:1-2; Prov. 8:34). A beatitude included a statement of God’s blessing on a person. When someone relates to God as He demands, a blessing ensues. This blessing originates with God and conveys a promised reward from Him.

     Jesus explained the outcome when Christians incorporate the attributes of Christlikeness into their lives (5:13-16). He used two common household items, salt and light, to illustrate the influence Christians exert on the world. A true disciple makes a difference in the world. The character of Christ cannot become who you are without affecting what you do.

II. EXPLORE THE TEXT

A. The new Moses (Matt. 5:1-2)

¹ Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. ² And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:

VERSES 1-2

     Jesus attracted crowds in the early days of His ministry. As crowds gathered, Jesus went up on the mountain, probably in the region around Capernaum. Several important events in Jesus’ life took place on a mountain (see Matt. 4:8; 17:1; 28:16). Ancient people believed they drew closer to God from a high vantage point. In this case, a mountainside provided a natural amphitheater from which Jesus could be heard more clearly.

     The mountain setting evokes a natural comparison between Jesus and Moses. Moses went up on a mountain to meet with God and receive the Ten Commandments. In a sense, Jesus became a new Moses in that He offered a fuller revelation of God’s expectations.

     Jesus sat down in the posture of a Jewish rabbi preparing to instruct his students. His disciples gathered around Him. Jesus invested in a small group of followers to prepare them for a future role in kingdom work. The crowds that had sought Jesus possibly came and listened in as Jesus taught the disciples (see Matt. 7:28), but He focused more on His closest followers.

     Jesus opened his mouth and taught them. He spent His entire ministry training the disciples. In the case of the crowds, some only received bits and pieces of teaching when they came into contact with Jesus. But the disciples’ lives became intertwined with His. They received more intense instruction.

What value do you see in Christians receiving intense, consistent instruction in the Bible and Christian doctrine? In what settings can that kind of teaching take place?

B. the new blessings (Matt. 5:3-12)

³ “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. ⁴ Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. ⁵ Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. ⁶ Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. ⁷ Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. ⁸ Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. ⁹ Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. ¹⁰ Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. ¹¹ Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. ¹² Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

     The Beatitudes describe the character of a person who welcomes the rule of Christ in his or her heart. The teaching applies to all believers, not simply to a select few.

     The Beatitudes fall into two distinct groups. The first four (vv. 3-6) describe a Christian’s attitude toward God. They reveal that a believer can depend on God in spite of life’s circumstances. The second four Beatitudes (vv. 7-12) portray a Christian’s attitude toward other people. They indicate qualities of life to be evidenced in all relationships. The Beatitudes are not characteristics from which believers pick and choose what suits them. All should be incorporated into the Christian life.

VERSE 3

     In each Beatitude Jesus declared the believer blessed. The word resembles Congratulations! It reflects a form of happiness. We typically think of happiness as an emotional response of satisfaction dependent on the circumstances. Jesus’ idea of “happy” or “blessed” is rooted in the truth that God is at work in us in all circumstances. The blessing of God’s acceptance and presence has nothing to do with our actions but with His grace.

     Jesus pronounced the first blessing on the poor in spirit. His disciples knew poverty when they saw it. The poor existed in large numbers. They possessed few resources to meet life’s basic needs and relied on the generosity of others to survive. To be spiritually poor implies awareness of one’s own spiritual bankruptcy. The spiritually destitute know that trusting in God is their only hope.

     The promised blessing for the poor in spirit is receipt of the kingdom of heaven. Matthew used the terms kingdom of heaven and kingdom of God interchangeably. The Jews sometimes chose the word heaven to signify God, who lives in heaven. A king rules a kingdom. God’s rule can indicate all the universe, since He created it. In this case, however, kingdom means the reign God inaugurates in hearts through faith. Jesus came to establish supremacy in human lives. His reign in their hearts begins when a person receives freely God’s offer of salvation.

VERSE 4

     Jesus blessed those who mourn. The word mourn signified an expression of deep sadness over the dead. In this case Jesus probably referred to grief over sin and its harmful effects. Sin’s hurtful results separate people from God and destroy human relationships. That fact produces a sad world where injustice, conflict, and disappointment dominate many lives.

     At first glance the idea of a happy mourner seems confusing. How can someone be happy and grieve at the same time? The promise that Jesus included with this beatitude explains it. The mourners shall be comforted. How? God’s forgiveness prepares believers to deal with sin’s damage and move past it. The assurance of God’s healing through salvation evokes a settled comfort in the soul.

VERSE 5

     Jesus blessed the meek. Often the concept of gentleness or meekness carries with it the idea of weakness. In this case, gentleness means teachable, humble, and not self-advancing. It is the opposite of pride. A gentle person acknowledges weakness but places trust in God to help him overcome. The gentle are rooted so firmly in a dependence on God that they do not need to exert defensive behavior or pick fights with people to advance their agenda. Gentleness implies complete submission to God’s direction.

     The meek receive the promise that they will inherit the earth. An inheritance indicates things passed from one person to another and affirmed by the legal system. God can also pass things to His people. For instance, the people of Israel inherited the promised land. In Jesus’ day, few people owned land. They resided on land owned by harsh landlords. The earth Jesus said the meek would inherit refers to the new heaven and new earth promised to believers (Rev. 21:1).

VERSE 6

     Jesus blessed those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. No one can ignore the appetites of hunger and thirst. Hunger or thirst may be quenched for a time by eating or drinking, but soon we get hungry or thirsty again.

     Genuine believers desire righteousness. Righteousness can be defined as being right in our hearts and doing right in our actions. Righteousness does not mean perfect. The ultimate goal of righteousness is to think and act like Jesus through assent to God’s will.

     Those who search after righteousness gain the promise of being satisfied. Life circumstances often leave people unfulfilled. Pursuit of a righteous life leads to finding God’s way for your life; therein lies personal fulfillment.

VERSE 7

     The second section of the Beatitudes begins with this verse. These four Beatitudes highlight the Christian’s relationship with others. Jesus blessed the merciful. Mercy defines a primary trait of God. He forgives wrongdoing and shows kindness to the downtrodden. Believers practice mercy in the same manner. Mercy is active in that it does more than feel sorry for someone. The merciful stay sensitive to the disadvantaged and take action to do something about their plight.

     Jesus promised mercy to the merciful. Our willingness to bestow mercy on others brings with it an openness to receive mercy from God. The outcome of God’s forgiveness should be that we become forgivers. God replenishes any mercy we confer on others.

VERSE 8

     Jesus blessed the pure in heart. The Jews believed a person’s intellect, will, attitudes, and emotions resided in the heart. Purity of heart means more than ritual purity. It indicates single-minded devotion to God.

     The pure in heart receive the promise that they shall see God. Kings in ancient times often isolated themselves from the common people. God, however, remains accessible to believers. He welcomes fellowship with those who are pure in heart, drawing them close to experience His presence.

VERSE 9

     Jesus blessed the peacemakers. In our culture, peace means the absence of conflict. Peacemakers seek to build bridges to help resolve conflict. That can be risky. Peacemakers enter the fray to pursue reconciliation. The Hebrew concept of peace went deeper than absence of conflict. It meant a state of well-being based on a right relationship with God that overflowed into right relationships with other people. Jesus provided the best example of peacemaking on the cross. Christian peacemakers advance reconciliation between God and people.

     Jesus promised that peacemakers shall be called sons of God. A son often takes on the personality and character of his father. God actively seeks ceasefire with sinners. We do God’s work when we promote peace on any level. Peacemakers show the world how God works. What higher commendation can a Christian receive than to be deemed a child of God with all its rights and privileges?

VERSES 10-11

     In the final Beatitude Jesus blessed those persecuted for righteousness’ sake. Christian principles remain contrary to the world’s thinking. Hostility toward believers often results. When you live for Christ in a sinful world, you can expect that you will encounter the same treatment He received.

     The persecuted righteous gain the promise of the kingdom of heaven. Receiving the kingdom of heaven brackets the Beatitudes (see also v. 3).

     Verses 11-12 further explain the last Beatitude. Christlike people attract insult and criticism. As a believer, you can expect that some people will utter all kinds of evil against you falsely. Jesus got that kind of treatment when His opponents accused Him of taking orders from Beelzebul, the name of a demonic pagan god (see Matt. 12:24). Jesus acknowledged that persecution of this kind happens on my account. We get what Jesus got when we seek to be like Him.

VERSE 12

     In the face of opposition Jesus commanded believers to rejoice and be glad. We can endure present hardship when we know what lies ahead: the hope of a reward … in heaven. Reassurance comes when you consider how they persecuted the prophets who were before you. The Old Testament prophets experienced persecution as well. Christians are in good company.

Which of the Beatitudes do you find are the most challenging character traits to practice as a Christian? Why?

C. The New Expectations (Matt. 5:13-16)

¹³ You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. ¹⁴ You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.
¹⁵ Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

     Jesus used salt and light as illustrations of how believers should live out Jesus’ standards in the world. The world should be a better place because of Christian influence.

VERSE 13

     Jesus commanded Christians to be the salt of the earth. People of the first century used salt for two main purposes: to season and to preserve. Salt enhances food’s flavor just as Christians enhance the lives of those they influence. Salt slows food’s spoilage just as Christians direct people to Jesus, the preserver of life.

     Pure salt, sodium chloride, never loses its effect. Why, then, did Jesus allude to salt that might have lost its taste? The manufacture of salt sometimes allowed the intermingling of impurities. Compromise of salt’s purity diluted its effect. No method existed to return weakened salt to its untainted, most effective state.

     Contaminated salt was no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. Impure salt, having become useless, might be disposed of on the street where foot traffic ground it into the dirt. Jesus used this example to warn believers. A Christian with no influence on the world contradicts the very nature of Christianity.

VERSE 14

     Christians are the light of the world. Light’s purpose is to reveal. Jesus declared Himself to be the Light of the world (John 8:12). As light, then, Christians extend the work of Christ to turn sinners toward God. Jesus asserted that a city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Such a city can be seen for miles at night. It stands out in contrast to the darkness. Believers are to live differently so that God’s truth stands out for a lost world to see.

Verses 15-16

     Jesus illustrated the light principle with a lamp. Light loses its purpose if someone puts it under a basket. Failure to positively influence culture for Christ is contrary to the Christian’s purpose. Why have a light if you refuse to use it? Instead, Jesus suggested that a lamp be put on a stand so that it gives light to all in the house. Situate the light in a prominent place where its effect can be maximized. Jesus intended for Christians to engage the culture to advance the Kingdom.

     Jesus issued a command to let your light shine before others. Jesus laid out this demand as a responsibility, not a choice. Two things happen when Christians shine the light of Christ. One, people see your good works. The word good implies “attractive, beautiful.” So good works are actions that shine a positive light on Christ. Good works call attention to the Savior, not to the doer. Two, Christians shine the light of Christ to give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Everything a believer does should highlight the glory of God.

Can you think of a person you know who is salt and light in the world? In what specific ways do they influence the world for Christ?

KEY DOCTRINE

Education

In Jesus Christ abide all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

BIBLE SKILL

Use a concordance and/or Bible dictionary (either print or online version) to learn more about a prominent Bible theme.

      Use a concordance to find references in Scripture to “light.” Note instances in which the Bible attributes the origin and source of light to be God or Jesus. Contemplate what Jesus’ claim to be the Light of the world (John 8:12) and His command to Christians to be the light of the world (Matt. 5:14) mean for you.

Overcoming Temptation

Context: Matthew 3:1–4:25

Memory Verse: Matthew 4:10

Main Idea: Jesus faced temptations and yet never sinned.

FIRST THOUGHTS

        Serbian rebels shot down Captain Scott O’Grady’s aircraft in 1995 during the war in Bosnia. O’Grady, an American fighter pilot, ejected and landed safely in enemy territory. He resisted the temptation to radio for help immediately. The pilot’s training cautioned that use of the radio too soon after landing might alert the enemy to his position. So he waited and utilized his survival training. Four days into the ordeal the pilot finally switched on his radio briefly to call in his position to an American plane flying overhead. The call set in motion a dramatic rescue.

The officer’s delay in use of the radio made for some uncomfortable days and nights in the cold without food. But it probably saved his life. Resisting the temptation to call for help immediately gave the pilot opportunity to find out what he was made of. He emerged from the nightmare a stronger person.

What temptations plague you? How prepared are you to resist them? What can you learn from the struggle with temptation?

        The enticement to sin—temptation—plagues every human (1 Cor. 10:13). The reality of temptation in our world requires constant vigilance on the part of Christians. Temptation, however, is not sin. Temptation is the offer of an opportunity to sin. Often a time of temptation causes you to wrestle with yourself about how to respond. This may stretch you, as it did Captain O’Grady, to discover what you are made of when Christ changes your life.

Jesus faced temptations. Although He was the divine Son of God, He also took on a human nature. He experienced the struggles common to any person, including temptation to sin. But even when challenged by temptation, Jesus did not sin. In the process of this temptation experience, He found confirmation of God’s will for His life and the determination to follow it. From this Bible passage we can discover how confronting temptation can shape and strengthen believers. We can learn much from Jesus’ example about how to resist temptation.

I. UNDERSTAND THE CONTEXT

Matthew 3:1–4:25

        As we saw in a previous session, John the Baptist called people to repent and baptized them as a public witness to their repentance (Matt. 3:1-12). He told them to look for a special One to be sent by God. John pointed to Jesus as God’s chosen One and willingly accepted a subservient role to Jesus.

        When Jesus prepared to begin His public ministry, He chose to be baptized by John (3:13-17). Jesus did not need to repent of sin; He never sinned. But He used baptism to demonstrate obedient submission to God’s call. Through baptism, He identified with those who had confessed sin through John’s ministry. Jesus spent His ministry relating to sinners. Ultimately, Jesus asked His followers to be baptized as a way to identify with Him. His baptism served as an example for them to follow.

        God allowed Jesus to be tempted by Satan (4:1-11). The temptations served to clarify Jesus’ role as Son of God. The end result of the experience proved Him to be uniquely equipped to represent the Father in this world.

        Matthew recorded some specific steps in Jesus’ preparation for His public ministry (4:12-22). The arrest of John the Baptist served as a starting signal for Jesus. He went to Galilee, a region He knew well, and set up a base of operations. There Jesus proclaimed the same repentance theme as John. Jesus called the first of His disciples while in Galilee.

The final verses of chapter four summarize the methods Jesus used to convey His message (4:23-25). He taught in numerous settings, preached the good news of salvation, and healed people. Jesus employed these practices throughout His ministry.

II. EXPLORE THE TEXT

A. Face off (Matt. 4:1)

¹ Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.

VERSE 1

        At His baptism, Jesus received affirmation of His status as Son of God. The temptations occurred on the heels of that high point. They served as a test of Jesus’ identity. The events took place in the wilderness, a term that probably referred to the Judean wilderness near the Jordan River where John ministered. The barren area and the sparse population provided a setting subject to few interruptions. Jesus’ testing in the wilderness paralleled the testings of the Israelites in their wilderness wanderings. The Israelites often failed to depend on God and learned little from their experiences. In Jesus’ case, however, these tests confirmed His identity as God’s Son.

        Matthew said that Jesus was led up by the Spirit. The Spirit did not do the testing, but He supported Jesus throughout the experience. The Spirit endowed Jesus with the strength necessary to endure. Although God did not instigate the temptations, He allowed Jesus to be in the position to learn something from them.

        While in the wilderness, the Devil tempted Jesus. To tempt means “to draw a person toward sin” or “to test.” The Devil tried to entice Jesus to sin. The temptations became a test of Jesus’ determination to stay true to the nature and purpose of His mission. His ability to remain faithful in the face of temptation refined His focus on the work He came to do. The incident left Him more prepared than ever for His mission.

        Devil is one of the most common names used for Satan in the Bible. The Greek word translated devil means “accuser” or “slanderer.” Here, he interacted directly and personally with Jesus, clearly showing that the Devil is a real, personal being who opposes God.

For whose benefit do you think this confrontation was allowed: Jesus’ or Satan’s?

B. Temptation of provision (Matt. 4:2-4)

² And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. ³ And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” ⁴ But he answered, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

        Satan tempted Jesus to put His physical needs above His spiritual needs.

Verse 2

        The temptations occurred after fasting forty days and forty nights. The Jews practiced fasting to heighten spiritual sensitivity. A period of time focused completely on God helped Jesus get ready for the rigors of ministry. The temptations gave Him a taste of the difficulties He faced.

        Matthew stated the obvious when he wrote that Jesus was hungry after the fast Note the parallels between Jesus’ temptations and the Hebrews’ 40 years of wilderness wanderings. Both experienced food deprivation (Ex. 16). Moses spent 40 days and 40 nights on Mount Sinai when he met with the Lord in the wilderness (Ex. 24:18). In a sense, Jesus represented a new Moses to introduce God’s deliverance in a new way.

Verse 3

        While in this physically weakened state, the tempter came. The term tempter identified the Devil with his work to draw people into sin. His attack began with an attempt to raise doubt in Jesus’ mind. The evil one stated, “If you are the Son of God.” Jesus knew Himself to be the Son of God. But if He really was, why would He endure hunger? He possessed the power to acquire food to satisfy Himself. The Devil twisted the meaning of Son of God to reflect the typical rabbinic understanding of the Messiah. The Jews looked for a power-wielding political leader. Throughout His ministry Jesus dealt with this error.

        The tempter suggested that Jesus command stones to become loaves of bread. The smooth, brown stones on the ground might remind a hungry person of a bread loaf. Jesus rejected this selfish use of His power. As with the other temptations, this one presented a shortcut to Jesus’ main objective—to take up the mantle of Messiah. The easy way sabotaged God’s intentions for Jesus.

Verse 4

        Jesus answered the Devil with a statement from Deuteronomy 8:3. He began His response to each of the three temptations by saying, “It is written.” Jesus relied on Scripture. The Word of God always makes for a worthy defense against the Devil’s attacks.

        Jesus stated: Man shall not live by bread alone. In the wilderness, God provided manna for the hungry Israelites. He furnished what they could not acquire for themselves. Jesus acknowledged that bread might be necessary for physical survival, but greater needs exist. The greater need is to be fed by every word that comes from the mouth of God. Bread sustains temporarily, but you get hungry again. God’s Word sustains eternally. When believers feed on the Word of God, they develop the strength to obey God.

        Jesus demonstrated complete loyalty to God by His refusal to misuse His power for selfish ends.

What physical needs do people allow to come between them and God? How can Jesus’ response help you face temptation when dealing with a physical need?

C. Temptation of Protection (Matt. 4:5-7)

⁵ Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple ⁶ and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, ‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ and ‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’” ⁷ Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’”

        The Devil called on Jesus to prove God’s faithfulness to His Word.

Verse 5

        The Devil changed direction in this attack. Jesus allowed the evil one to take Him to the holy city. Jews often referred to Jerusalem as the holy city because of the dynamic works of God that took place there throughout history.

        The Devil stood Jesus on the pinnacle of the temple. The pinnacle represented a high point on the temple mount. A likely place was at the corner of Solomon’s Porch overlooking the Kidron Valley. From that spot to the ground would have been a distance of over 200 feet. Jewish tradition suggested that the Messiah would proclaim His authority from a high place at the temple. The position in which the Devil placed Jesus associated Him with the kind of Messiah the people expected.

Verse 6

        The Devil taunted Jesus again with the statement, “If you are the Son of God.” The tempter continued attempting to coerce Jesus to say and do things that negated His real purpose. In this case, the Devil challenged Jesus to throw Himself down from the pinnacle and trust angels to save Him. The tempter borrowed this concept from Psalm 91:11-12, which highlights God’s intention to take care of His people. The psalmist described how God might intervene through angels to keep His people from stumbling over rocks. He loves us that much.

        The Devil twisted the Bible’s message to advance his own position. He tempted Jesus to prove His messiahship through a spectacular miracle. The evil one insinuated that if Jesus jumped from the temple mount He would be caught by the hands of angels in a miraculous rescue before He hit the valley floor. Who can deny the attention this event might receive? A dynamic miracle of that nature would give Jesus immediate status as the Messiah in the eyes of the people. But Jesus saw such a feat as presumptuous because it pressured God to act outside of His will. The Devil tested Jesus to take the easy path to a position of authority.

        The Devil contrived a circumstance that not only tested Jesus’ faith, it tested God’s faithfulness. An unnecessary miracle proved nothing about God. Could God send angels to catch Jesus in a fall? Certainly. But what would that accomplish? Jesus relied on God through obedient faith, and God proved reliable. Those facts became clear as Jesus’ ministry progressed. He had no need to verify His faith through some extravaganza.

Verse 7

        Jesus again answered the evil one with Scripture. He said, You shall not put the Lord your God to the test (Deut. 6:16). This statement referred to the complaint of the people in the wilderness when they lacked water (Ex. 17:1-7). Moses grew impatient because of their constant grumbling. Had God not provided along the way? Moses insisted that the people not test God or attempt to pressure Him to do things their way. They only needed to trust God to take care of them as He always had.

        Jesus also refused to force God to act unnecessarily. Jesus trusted God to work on His behalf. Any effort to pressure God to do something miraculous does not affirm faith; it negates faith. Obedient faith needs nothing more than what God has provided already. He’s proven Himself to be trustworthy.

Have you or someone you know ever asked God to prove Himself in some special way? What does this passage have to say about such a practice? How can you use Jesus’ example to develop an obedient faith?

D. Temptation of power (Matt. 4:8-10)

⁸ Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. ⁹ And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” ¹⁰ Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’”

        The Devil tried to seduce Jesus with power apart from the cross.

Verses 8-9

        The Devil escorted Jesus to a very high mountain for a final temptation. The exact location remains uncertain. The Judean wilderness was a possible place for this experience. No high peaks existed there, but some areas offered views of the major trade routes that crisscrossed the region. From such a position a person might see people from all parts of the world as they came and went. The Devil, of course, could have transported Jesus to some other area where a high mountain existed.

        From the vantage point atop this high mountain, the Devil showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. Certainly no place on earth offered a view of every part of the world. In this case, however, world meant not just geographical territory but the world with all its honors and material wealth. The Devil assumed these things appealed to Jesus, as they do to most people.

        While on the mountaintop, the tempter said to Jesus: “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” Dominion over all the kingdoms of the world included the Roman Empire. The Jews anticipated a Messiah with the power to conquer the despised Romans. In the first century, Rome maintained tight control over the Jews. The Devil tempted Jesus with a strategy to gain messianic position without sacrifice. The plan involved a shortcut that avoided the cross and deviated from God’s will. Besides, the Devil offered something he had no authority to give.

Verse 10

        Jesus rejected the offer with the strong, authoritative command, “Be gone, Satan!” Jesus used a different term for the evil one than had been used earlier in this passage. The designation Satan derives from a Hebrew word that means “adversary.” Adam and Eve fell victim to the temptations of Satan (Gen. 3:1-7). Ever since that time, Satan has set himself in opposition to God by tempting humans. Jesus proved to be strong enough to withstand this adversary.

        A third time Jesus drew from Scripture to block Satan’s attack. Jesus said, You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve (Deut. 6:13). Jesus shunned the temptation to associate the messianic role with political activity. He came to build a kingdom where He reigned in human hearts. Political kingdom-building was short-sighted. Human kingdoms come and go. God’s kingdom, however, is eternal.

        Jesus refused to serve Satan, even though it could have provided a level of human comfort and authority. Instead, Jesus chose a life of suffering service. He demonstrated a new way of kingship. Jesus gave His life for the people God loved. By doing so, Jesus related to His human subjects in a way no other royal could do.

        Through the temptation experiences, Jesus engaged in a real-life battle with evil. The human Jesus experienced what we do. He did not create these events in His mind. His temptations resemble those common to every Christian. Jesus’ experience with the Devil gives all believers confidence that He can win the battle against sin (Heb. 4:15).

What are the “gods” believers are tempted to worship today? How can Jesus’ defense against Satan help when you are tempted to lose your resolve to worship God alone?

KEY DOCTRINE

Jesus

Jesus perfectly revealed and did the will of God, taking upon Himself human nature with its demands and necessities and identifying Himself completely with mankind yet without sin.

BIBLE SKILL

Use other Scripture to help understand a Bible passage.

Jesus used Old Testament Scripture from Deuteronomy to defend against temptation. The Old Testament helped strengthen Him to be obedient to God alone. The New Testament offers similar instruction for Christians on overcoming temptation. Read and reflect on 1 Corinthians 10:13 and James 1:13-18. What principles do you find in these passages that can bolster you when your faith is tested?

The King Worshiped

Context: Matthew 2:1-23

Memory Verse: Matthew 2:11

Main Idea: Jesus is worthy of worship.

FIRST THOUGHTS

     Astronomers are elated when they discover a new star in the process of being born. Nova is a term used for a star that suddenly increases in brightness by thousands to millions of times its original intensity, and then decreases in brightness over a period of months to years. A supernova is the explosion of a star that may reach a maximum brilliance one billion times that of the sun. With the invention of larger and stronger telescopes, scientists are becoming more knowledgeable concerning objects in outer space.

     The wonder of it all is that God created the universe and all it contains. He established a time cycle in which we live our lives. The birth and death of a star, which we calculate in time, is but a small part of the magnificence of God’s creation.

List occurrences in nature that fascinate you. What feature or element of each item listed captures your attention the most?

     God used a star to figure into the events surrounding the birth of His Son. This is one of many instances in the Bible where God demonstrated His sovereignty by doing something that went beyond the boundaries of our human understanding. By providing a fabulous GPS system from outer space, God enhanced the wise men’s determination to find the baby Jesus and worship Him.

I. UNDERSTAND THE CONTEXT

Matthew 2:1-23

     Matthew did not record details about the actual birth of Jesus. Chapter 1 informs readers about the coming birth of a King and its significance. Chapter 2 takes up the story after the birth when Jesus was a young child.

     Matthew 2 highlights two responses to the birth of Jesus that echoed throughout His life. Some people, like the wise men, reacted in a positive way to the news of a King. They sought Jesus and worshiped Him. Others, like Herod, rebelled against God’s truth as revealed in Jesus. They rejected Jesus and sought to eliminate Him. This opposition, however, did not change the truth of Jesus’ kingship. Even as a child He divided people. The truth about Jesus demands a decision.

     In Jesus’ most vulnerable stage of life, childhood, God provided protection for Him. Early in Jesus’ life God demonstrated what proved to be true throughout Jesus’ journey: He served a high and holy purpose. And no human opposition could stop that purpose until God’s timing was right.

     When threatened by Herod the Great, Mary and Joseph fled to Egypt (Matt. 2:13-15). This relocation probably involved great sacrifice. Mary and Joseph demonstrated obedient faith as they relied on God’s provision. The unstable Herod ordered that infants two years old and under in Bethlehem be massacred (vv. 16-18). This tragedy foreshadowed the depth of hatred Jesus stirred in some people.

     After Herod’s demise the family came back to their homeland. Herod’s kingdom was divided among his sons. Bethlehem remained under the control of a demented, evil son. So Joseph and Mary chose not to return there. Instead they moved to Nazareth in Galilee where a more benevolent ruler took charge (vv. 19-23).

II. EXPLORE THE TEXT

A. The Search (Matt. 2:1-2)

¹ Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, ² saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

     God’s people anticipated a Messiah long before Jesus’ birth. After His birth, however, the people searching for this special King extended beyond the Jews. The opening verses of this chapter record evidence of sincere searchers from outside the Israelite people. This foreshadows the wide-ranging nature of Jesus’ influence.

VERSE 1

     Bethlehem of Judea lay about five miles south of Jerusalem. The location in Judea distinguished this Bethlehem from one in Galilee. King David came from Bethlehem. Matthew previously connected Jesus with the line of David (1:6).

     Herod the Great was king of the Jews at the time. The Romans appointed Herod king of the Jews in 40 B.C. Jesus was born King. Herod was half-Jew and half-Idumean, which technically disqualified him for the position. Jesus was completely qualified by God as His Son. Herod reigned as a cruel despot. Jesus reigned with love for all.

     Wise men from the east arrived in Jerusalem. These wise men or magi originated in Persia or some other distant place. The term identified them as well-respected, educated persons with expertise in religion, science, or medicine. Astrology, the study of heavenly bodies, probably existed in their knowledge base.

     Why did they come to Jerusalem? If they originated in Persia, they probably knew Jews who remained there after the exile. Those resettled Jews touted Jerusalem as a center of religious activity. Additionally, historical records indicate that many people in the world at that time sensed something drastic was going to happen in that region.

VERSE 2

     The wise men specifically sought the person born king of the Jews. The men knew enough about the Jewish faith to be aware that the Jews anticipated a king or Messiah to arrive in their midst.

     The magi saw his star when it rose. Many ancient peoples put great emphasis on the study of the heavenly bodies. The tradition of the day associated a new star in the sky with the birth of a significant figure. Probably these men saw the star in the sky, associated it with the Jewish teachings about a Messiah, and traveled to Jerusalem, headquarters of the Jewish religion.

     Many speculate about what the wise men actually saw. Was it a comet, a conjunction of planets that brightened the sky for a time, or a new star exploding to produce a brighter than normal light? No reason exists to deny the supernatural appearance of a super bright star that stood out in the sky. It got the attention of these students of the stars.

     The wise men made clear the purpose of their search. They wanted to find this King so that they might worship him. They intended to pay homage to Him as royalty. Nothing reveals that these men possessed an advanced knowledge of the Jewish faith. But they expected to find a special One who deserved their honor and respect.

How were you first introduced to Jesus? How has your journey with Him progressed from your first awareness of Him?

B. The inquiry (Matt. 2:3-6)

³ When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; ⁴ and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. ⁵ They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: ⁶ ‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

Verse 3

     The wise men’s arrival in Jerusalem and subsequent search for the “King of the Jews” got Herod’s attention. It troubled him. Herod earned a reputation for mental and emotional instability, so the possibility of another king threatened him. He tolerated no person who sought to take his place. In his paranoia, Herod even had one of his wives killed. He trusted no one, and he placed no value on human life.

     Naturally, Herod’s instability made everyone around him nervous. His reputation for irrational acts extended far and wide. All Jerusalem, then, shuddered when Herod went on a rampage.

     Herod’s suspicion of Jesus foreshadowed a wider opposition to come. The religious leaders based in the city eventually perceived Jesus to be a similar threat to their position. Throughout His life, leaders living in Jerusalem, God’s holy city, set themselves in opposition to Jesus.

VERSE 4

     Herod determined to root out the source of the threat. He assembled the Jewish religious authorities to gather information about where the Christ was to be born. He determined to investigate and confront this menace.

     Herod questioned two groups of leaders. Since the priestly authorities exerted great influence on the culture, Herod consulted the chief priests. Possibly this meant the Sanhedrin or Jewish high court. Or it might indicate the leading priests in the city with supervisory roles over other priests of lesser authority. At any rate, Herod pursued help from the priestly leadership.

     The other group Herod conferred with consisted of scribes of the people. The scribes interpreted the Old Testament, copied it, and taught it. In that day most scribes belonged to the Pharisees. These lawyers certainly knew the law well enough to provide information on the topic.

     These two segments represented the Jewish religious establishment of the day. If anyone knew the answers to Herod’s questions, they did. Probably they were curious as well about the report. Another king presented as much of a threat to them as to Herod.

     Herod sought information about the birthplace of this Christ. His awareness of a Messiah in Jewish tradition shows that Herod possessed some knowledge of the Old Testament. He wanted to know the birthplace in order to formulate a plan to locate and eliminate the Messiah.

VERSE 5

     The religious leaders knew Scripture. They identified Bethlehem of Judea as the Messiah’s birth location. These Old Testament students pointed to a prophetic passage (Mic. 5:2) as the source of their information. This follows the prophetic fulfillment theme of Matthew. The prophets pointed to God’s accomplishment of His ultimate purpose through the Messiah.

VERSE 6

     The loose quotation of Micah 5:2 identifies Bethlehem as by no means least among the rulers of Judah. The people of that day knew Bethlehem to be a small town. But it held a position of high honor as the birthplace of King David. Its heritage as a city of kings supported Bethlehem’s identity as the Messiah’s birthplace.

     In typical rabbinic fashion, the Jewish leaders added to the Micah quote with a phrase from 2 Samuel 5:2. The rabbis often combined Scriptures with similar emphases to support an argument. This statement clarified the type of leadership the Messiah would give. He would shepherd my people Israel. As shepherd of God’s flock, the Messiah’s rule contrasted with that of Herod. Herod oppressed the people. The Messiah would lift people toward God. Jesus became a new kind of King who ruled in the hearts of people instead of over them.

     The Jewish religious leaders, then, knew the truth about the Messiah. They conveyed this information to Herod, but Herod and the leaders closed their hearts to Jesus.

How do you account for the religious leaders being so well-versed in the Scriptures yet missing the arrival of the Messiah? How does the same thing happen today?

C. The plot (Matt. 2:7-8)

⁷ Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. ⁸ And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.”

VERSES 7-8

     Herod got information about the Messiah from the religious leaders, but they did not possess all the details Herod needed to find the threat. He anticipated that the wise men could fill in the final pieces of the puzzle. So Herod summoned the wise men secretly. He questioned them as to the timing of the star. This tidbit might help him narrow down the Child’s age.

     Herod’s investigation uncovered Bethlehem as the location the wise men sought. He provided this news to them in hopes that they might assist him with his plan. The wise men came to Jerusalem through their observation of the heavens. They made it the final few miles to Bethlehem, though, because of information that came from Scripture through Herod.

     The wise men received orders from Herod to “Go and search diligently for the child” and then to report back to Herod with their findings. He considered this information swap an even trade. Herod revealed his deceptive spirit, however, when he told the wise men he wanted to come and worship him.

     Herod never intended to worship the Child. In hindsight, we know that his purpose was to remove the threat to his rule. We do not know how long the wise men remained in Jerusalem before they traveled to Bethlehem. However, they never returned to report. They went home by another route (v. 12). History affirms the wisdom of that decision. In Herod’s rage, he massacred all male children two years old and under (v. 16).

What current events expose efforts to undermine the role of Christ and Christians in our culture? How should Christians respond to those situations?

D. The presentation (Matt. 2:9-12)

⁹ After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. ¹⁰ When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. ¹¹ And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. ¹² And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

VERSE 9

     The magi took the evidence Herod provided and went on their way. As they set out on the journey, a familiar sight reappeared in the sky. The star that formerly alerted them to a special event now went before them. Apparently the star became more specific in its direction. The original appearance could have been a scientifically explainable occurrence. But the direct guidance provided on the second leg of their journey signaled a supernatural event.

     The star came to rest over the place where the child was. It led them not only to Bethlehem but to the specific dwelling in which Jesus resided. The approval of God rested on these non-Jews. Ironically, the religious leaders in Jerusalem had no interest in Jesus. They knew about the possibility of a Messiah but remained so wrapped up in their own religious practice that they missed God’s initial revelation of Christ.

VERSE 10

     Somehow this star conveyed to the wise men a special work of God. They rejoiced exceedingly with great joy when they saw the star. Apparently the star’s presence spurred them to a unique spiritual encounter with God. It lifted their spirits with the reality that they were on the right track. Did they realize that they were about to experience the fulfillment that comes from the completion of a divinely approved objective? This exhausting trek brought them to something that held a meaning higher than they ever expected.

VERSES 11-12

     The star led the wise men to the house where the family lived. By this time, possibly as much as two years after Jesus’ birth, the family had found a permanent place to reside. The magi laid eyes on the child, a term that identified one older than a newborn. They fell on their knees and worshiped him. That they fell down reveals the humility with which they undertook this endeavor. With reverent worship the magi acknowledged Jesus’ divine nature. This worship of the Messiah by Gentiles highlights one of the incongruities of Jesus’ coming. These Gentiles adored a Jewish Messiah. The Jews, however, refused to see Him in that role.

     Tradition dictated that gifts be offered by persons granted access to royalty. The wise men traveled with treasures or valuable items. They offered him gifts. Matthew mentioned three gifts. That cannot, however, support a conclusion that three wise men sought Jesus.

     Note the suitability of the gifts for Jesus. Gold was a commodity universally associated with royalty. Frankincense, a fragrant gummy substance, was used by priests in worship. Myrrh, also a gummy material used in perfumes, often depicted suffering or human weakness. Presentation of these gifts augmented the wise men’s worship. The gifts possibly served as a resource to aid in survival of the ordeal the family faced when they fled to Egypt (Matt. 2:13-15).

     The wise men received a warning in a dream not to report back to Herod as he demanded. Scripture often depicts dreams as a method by which God conveys His will. The magi exhibited spiritual sensitivity. They went back home by another way. They did not return to Jerusalem and Herod.

     Could the choice of an alternate route carry a subtle message intended by Matthew? When you choose to follow Jesus, you often travel a path contrary to what others expect.

What challenge does this passage bring to you about the correlation between worship and gift-giving? What gifts do you have to offer out of the treasures of your life?

KEY DOCTRINE

God

To God we owe the highest love, reverence, and obedience.

BIBLE SKILL

Create a compare/contrast chart to study a passage.

     On one side of the vertical line, identify words and phrases that describe Herod’s attitude and actions toward Jesus. On the other side, note words and phrases that describe the wise man’s attitude and actions toward Jesus.