Friday 20 September 2013

Background

If the story of the Baptism of Jesus leaves thereader in suspense about what kind of leader Jesus is going to be,then today's passage answers any questions. Jesus leaves the Jordanin the knowledge that God is with him, and that God's power is athis disposal. What an extraordinary understanding to have - andwhat a temptation! Little wonder that God's Spirit leads Jesus to aplace (verse 1) where he can sort himself out and get his headstraight for the divine task of reconciliation ahead.

Jesus is alone, so the account we have can only have come fromJesus relating these temptations to his followers at a later pointin his ministry. When did he tell them? When they were possiblygetting ahead of themselves and throwing their weight around? Atthe Last Supper? When they argued about who would be the greatestin heaven? I am guessing. What is clear is that at the beginning ofthis story in Matthew 4, immediately after the Baptism, Jesus hadyet to call his disciples. Apart from the presence of God's Spirit,he was alone.

There are so many parallels between Jesus' temptations and theExodus story. Jesus answers the devil in verses 4, 7, 10 by quotingfrom Deuteronomy 8:3; 6:16; 6:13, a book that is like a theologicalcommentary on Israel's time in the wilderness. The temptations ofJesus draw to mind those faced by God's chosen people in thedesert; and the 40 days of Jesus is like a very much smallerversion of 40 years! What Jesus rejects in Matthew 4 is the use ofGod-given power for personal glory; and reinforces his faithfulnessto his Father God. The specific testing over food, heavenlyprotection and changing allegiance, all demonstrate Jesus'sunderstanding that the power at his disposal is not for his ownglory, but to enable him to serve both God and humanity. Hisleadership style will be as a servant.

Thus, with his head sorted about what will be at the heartof hisleadership, Jesus now calls his first disciples (verses 18-22).They are drawn both to follow him and to serve others. They willhave as their example, the servant king.

To Ponder

• "Lead us not into temptation"; "Save us from the time oftrial". What are the situations that are dangers for you today?Know that God's Spirit is there to strengthen you.

• If you are drawn to follow the servant king, how will thataffect your relationships with others today?