July 16, Matthew 4
Have you ever stood on the top of a mountain or at the mouth of a cave and called out to hear your own voice echo back? Or maybe you’re a music lover who recognizes a repeated melody as a recurring theme in a composition.
Repeating sounds and themes are very much involved in Matthew’s report of the temptation and the early ministry of Jesus in chapter 4. The first clue of this is the report of Jesus’ preaching, which echoed the words of John: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” The keynote of the fiery wilderness preacher became the message of the carpenter turned itinerant preacher. But this repetition is in the context of other echoes.
The temptation account itself is an example of this. Granted, the temptations had to be and were custom-designed challenges to tempt the Son of God. But underneath the “dress” of the special situations, we can see the same devices Satan has employed since Eden. The temptations are familiar: “Are you sure you can trust God? Do you really believe he means what he says? There’s a shortcut, an easier way to get
what God has offered you.” The same lying, empty promises are still echoing in our ears today. We need the same defense Jesus demonstrated: complete confidence and loyalty to God as our shield of faith against his darts, and competence with the Word, the powerful sword of the Spirit.
I hear other echoes as I read the chapter again. Matthew resounds with the words of the prophets from centuries past as Jesus’ words and deeds brought their prophetic vision to life and fulfillment. Jesus traveled through the towns and villages of Galilee, echoing again and again the kingdom good news, healing the sick and casting out demons as evidence that the light of the kingdom was indeed dawning in their midst.
And the whole business of calling disciples resonates with the echo of his call: “Follow me.” Peter, Andrew, James, John and others heard the repeated call and left everything behind to follow their new Master. Soon they would be echoing the call to others as they obeyed Jesus’ command to go make disciples. The call to discipleship echoes around the world and through the centuries to you and me. Will we listen? Will we follow? Will the words of the Master’s invitation continue to sound through us?
From The Abiding Companion: A Friendly Guide
for Your Journey Through the New Testament,
Copyright © 2010 by Michael B. McElroy. Used
by permission. All rights reserved.
Today in God's Word—July 2024
East Tallassee Church of Christ
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