Reading 5
After Faith Is Tested, Faith Is on the Move—Matthew 4

Read Chapter 4

Matthew was written to a mostly Jewish audience and it seeks to show the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. Therefore, it is no accident that Jesus is in the wilderness and there for forty days. It immediately brings to mind the Exodus story and the wandering in the wilderness by the Israelites for forty years. During that time, their faith and trust in God was tested.

Unfortunately, we know that the Israelites all too often failed the test of their faith, as do we. Yet, in Jesus, we see faith that is absolute and complete as he was truly obedient to the law and worshiped God alone. Moses was given the law and it was given to the people. Throughout the exodus and entrance to the Promised Land, the people are always exhorted to keep God’s law, the Ten Commandments, etc. In the tempter’s very first test, Jesus reiterates the keeping of the law by referring back to Deuteronomy 8 and quotes that, “Man does not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from God.” The devil is testing Jesus: “Are you the son of God?” Yes! Jesus passed the test; he proved it by his faithfulness to God and to God alone.

After his testing of faith and preparation time, Jesus gets busy. As we know from Martin Luther: Faith is a living, daring confidence in God’s grace, so sure and certain that the believer would stake his life on it a thousand times. Or, as my seminary professor, Dr. Havens said, “Faith is busy, living, active, and mighty.” Jesus fulfils Isaiah’s prophecy by beginning in Galilee. Jesus goes to the heart of the villages (the synagogue where everything from politics to religion was discussed), teaching and preaching, saying “Repent, for the Kingdom of God has come near.” Jesus calls the disciples to assist him. Then Jesus continues throughout the area proclaiming the Good News to both gentiles and Jews. As Isaiah prophesied, the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. The light is Jesus and we too are called to let our lights shine.

To Consider:

• In what ways is your faith tested? When it is, on what do you rely?
• Scripture often brings to mind hymns; these two come to my mind for this chapter: “Seek Ye First (the Kingdom of God)” and “A Mighty Fortress.” How do the words of these hymns reiterate and illuminate this chapter?
• The event of John’s death sent Jesus on his public ministry proclaiming the good news; what events cause you to proclaim the good news?

O God, when my faith is tested, may I stand firmly on your holy word in order to renew and deepen my faith. Help me to seek your Kingdom and to proclaim in word and deed your good news. We pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Pastor Judy Tavela lives with her husband, Tom, daughter, Sara, and two dogs near Emerald isle. In semi-retirement she enjoys being the interim minister at Grace Lutheran in little Washington and walks on the beach with her family. She is very blessed and thankful for all of God’s goodness to her.