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The temptations of Jesus, John the Baptist arrested, the calling of 2 sets of brothers.
Matthew quickly recaps what happened in what might have been 5 or 6 weeks. We do know Jesus spent 40 days fasting then he traveled through different cities.
Something I hadn't noticed before is Matthew on references at this point the calling of Simon Peter, Andrew, James and John. We know that the Sermon on the Mount is next so I wonder if there were only the 4 or if we look at the other gospels we'll see that all 12 were actually there for this sermon.
Another thing that I find interesting is if indeed these were the first 4 disciples three of them end up being in what is commonly referred to as Jesus' inner circle. I wonder why Andrew if he was called at the same time doesn't seem to have the same closest with Jesus as his brother, James and John. Not that the answer really has any bearing on my salvation.
The temptations of Jesus have always been a source of encouragement to Christians. Knowing that our Savior had to face temptations and that He does relate with us. And like Him we can overcome (but only with HIM!)
Thoughts?
Matthew 4
ReplyDeleteJesus fasts for 40 days and 40 nights and is tempted of the devil. He tells us about the complete spiritual diet! God's Word. To strengthen and keep us in the midst of temptation.
15b Jesus goes beyond the Jordan
to Galilee, where foreigners live! The Gentiles!
17 From then on, Jesus tells the people, “Turn to God and change the way you think and act, because the kingdom of heaven is near!” [Some have heard this before! John, preparing the way for the Lord, has proclaimed the identical message!]
18-21 Peter, Andrew, James and John. "Come follow Me!" They IMMEDIATELY leave and follow.
Isaiah 30
21 Your own ears will hear Him.
Right behind you a voice will say,
“This is the way you should go,”
whether to the right or to the left.
Matthew 4
23 Jesus goes all over Galilee. He taught in the synagogues and spread the Good News of the kingdom. He also cured every disease and sickness among the people. 25 Large crowds followed Him. They came from Galilee, the Ten Cities, Jerusalem, Judea, and
from across the Jordan River.
John 1:29-34 "...And I saw, and gave my testimony that this is the Son of God." John telling of Jesus parallels Matthew 3 we read yesterday. John 1:35-51, two who followed John and heard him declare upon seeing Jesus coming toward them,
"Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world."
[And we shall behold Him in all of His glory!]
Andrew goes and finds his brother Simon, "We have found Him! Messiah!" [I like how it is written finds and found!] 42 And he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon..." and gives him a new name: Peter. [Our names are written down; is it a NEW name?] Jesus finds Philip, "Follow Me!" Philip finds Nathanael and says, "We have found Him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." [Can't you just see them talking excitedly!] “Come and see for yourself."
John 1:47 As they approached, Jesus said, “Now here is a genuine son of Israel—a man of complete integrity.”
John 1:48,49 Nathanael asks Jesus, "How do You know about me?" Jesus answered, "I could see you under the fig tree before Philip found you.” [Oh, how He sees us before we are called!] I Peter 1:13-25, 4:19; II Timothy 1:12-14.
I Know Whom I Have Believed
Daniel W. Whittle, pub.1883
Copyright: Public Domain
Main subject: Assurance
Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:12
Key: D Meter: 8.6.8.6 R
I know not why God’s wondrous grace
To me He hath made known,
Nor why, unworthy, Christ in love
Redeemed me for His own.
Refrain:
But “I know Whom I have believed,
And am persuaded that He is able
To keep that which I’ve committed
Unto Him against that day.”
I know not how this saving faith
To me He did impart,
Nor how believing in His Word
Wrought peace within my heart.
{Refrain}
I know not how the Spirit moves,
Convincing men of sin,
Revealing Jesus through the Word,
Creating faith in Him.
{Refrain}
I know not what of good or ill
May be reserved for me,
Of weary ways or golden days,
Before His face I see.
{Refrain}
I know not when my Lord may come,
At night or noonday fair,
Nor if I walk the vale with Him,
Or meet Him in the air.
{Refrain}
My dad did a really fabulous sermon on Andrew a couple years ago, Holly. He searched for every single mention of him and discovered that, while we don't hear about him much, he in fact played a very critical role as the "gate keeper," so to speak, to Jesus. When strangers etc. wanted an audience with Him, it was to Andrew they spoke first--and that speaks of an immense trust between Jesus and this disciple, that He charged him with being the liaison between Him and the public. He's also mentioned, if I recall, for his intense servant's heart. He worked behind the scenes but was in fact very critical to the ministry. LOVED that study!
ReplyDeleteThat's very cool! I hadn't heard that about Andrew, but I don't know anyone who did research on him. It makes sense that there would be someone to act as a gate keeper.
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