October 5

Matthew 4; Luke 4-5; John 1:15-51 (biblegateway.com)

The Beginning of Jesus’ Ministry: Temptation, Calling, and Revelation

With His baptism complete and His identity affirmed by the Father, Jesus is led into the wilderness to face testing, and from there, He begins His public ministry.

Matthew 4, Luke 4–5, and John 1:15–51 bring us to the opening of Jesus’ public ministry. These chapters show us the Son of God overcoming temptation in the wilderness, teaching with divine authority in the synagogue, performing miraculous works, and calling His first disciples. John the Baptist points to Jesus as the “Lamb of God,” and several men, including Andrew, Peter, Philip, and Nathanael, begin to follow Him. In these scenes, we see both the testing and triumph of Jesus as well as the first glimpses of His mission to seek and save the lost.

Matthew 4 – The Temptation and Beginning of Ministry

After His baptism, Jesus is led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil (v. 1). This was not accidental but part of God’s purpose, for before Jesus would minister to others, He would first face the adversary in direct confrontation. He fasts for forty days and forty nights, paralleling Moses on Mount Sinai (Exod. 34:28) and Israel’s forty years in the wilderness. His physical hunger becomes the setting for Satan’s first test, for the enemy always strikes at our weaknesses (v. 2).

The devil tempts Him to turn stones into bread, suggesting that the Son of God could use His power to satisfy Himself (v. 3). But Jesus resists, quoting Deuteronomy 8:3: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (v. 4). In doing so, He shows that true life depends not on material provision but on trustful obedience to God’s Word.

Next, Satan takes Him to the pinnacle of the temple and challenges Him to throw Himself down, quoting Psalm 91:11-12 in distorted fashion, as if God’s promise of angelic protection justified reckless testing (v. 5–6). Jesus replies again with Scripture, Deuteronomy 6:16, declaring, “You shall not put the Lord your God to the test” (v. 7). Trust in God does not mean forcing Him to act according to our demands.

Finally, Satan offers Him the kingdoms of the world and their glory if He will bow down in worship (v. 8–9). Here, the temptation is for glory without suffering, a crown without a cross. Jesus rebukes Satan, saying, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and Him only shall you serve’” (v. 10; Deut. 6:13). With this, the devil departs, and angels come to minister to Him (v. 11). Jesus proves faithful where Adam and Israel failed, beginning His ministry in victory.

Ultimately, Jesus’ wilderness testing revealed His true identity as the obedient Son of God. Just as Israel was humbled and tested in the wilderness (Deut. 8:2), so too Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert. Satan, the fallen angel and enemy of God’s people, sought to derail His mission by urging Him to seize kingship prematurely and bypass the cross.

The temptations struck at three core areas of human weakness: physical needs and desires, possessions and power, and pride. These were not abstract struggles; they mirrored the real pressures every person faces. The setting was also significant: Jesus was alone, hungry, and physically weak, emphasizing that Satan often tempts us when we are most vulnerable.

Additionally, the wilderness encounter highlights both Jesus’ humanity and His sinlessness. He felt the full force of temptation yet did not yield, thereby reaffirming the Father’s plan for His mission. If He had given in, the purpose of His coming, which was to die for our sins and offer eternal life, would have been lost. But instead, He resisted, demonstrating that temptation itself is not sin; sin occurs when one yields in disobedience. In His responses, Jesus modeled reliance on God’s Word and dependence on the Father. His victory confirmed His identity as the faithful Son and gave assurance that He was qualified to be our Savior.

For us, this passage offers both warning and encouragement. We, too, will be tested, and our convictions are proven only under pressure. Temptation may come when we are weak, tired, stressed, or isolated, or through our strengths, where pride makes us vulnerable. Yet, because Jesus was “tempted in every way, just as we are, yet was without sin” (Heb. 4:15), He understands our struggles. More than that, He stands ready to strengthen us when we turn to Him. When temptation feels overwhelming or rationalization seems easy, we must remember that Satan’s goal is to block God’s purposes in our lives. By leaning on Christ and His Word, we too can endure and remain faithful.

After triumphing over the devil’s temptations in the wilderness, Jesus was fully prepared to begin His public ministry. Matthew then shifts the scene forward, noting that when Jesus heard John had been arrested, He withdrew to Galilee (v. 12). This marks a turning point, as the forerunner’s work gave way to the Messiah’s ministry, moving from preparation to proclamation. Hearing that John the Baptist had been arrested, Jesus withdrew to Galilee and made His home in Capernaum by the sea. Matthew notes this fulfills Isaiah’s prophecy that the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, pointing to Jesus as the dawn of salvation for Jew and Gentile alike (v. 12-16; Isa. 9:1-2).

As Jesus begins His public ministry with the proclamation, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (v. 17), His call to spiritual renewal immediately moves from words to action. The message is not only to hear but to follow, and so Jesus begins to gather His first disciples, starting with ordinary men by the Sea of Galilee, inviting them to participate in the kingdom work He has just announced.

While walking by the Sea of Galilee, He calls Simon Peter and Andrew, who are casting their nets, telling them He will make them fishers of men. Immediately, they leave their nets and follow Him (v. 18–20). He then calls James and John, who leave their father and their livelihood to follow Him as well (v. 21–22). This radical obedience shows the nature of discipleship. It requires leaving all to follow Christ.

Jesus begins to move throughout the area, not staying in one place but making His presence and message known to many. His ministry of teaching, preaching, and healing grows, demonstrating that the kingdom He proclaimed is not just words but active, transformative power at work in the lives of the people. Jesus goes throughout Galilee teaching in synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and affliction (v. 23). His fame spreads to Syria and beyond as people bring the sick, demon-possessed, epileptics, and paralytics, and He heals them all (v. 24). Great crowds follow from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and the Jordan region (v. 25). His ministry begins in power and compassion, marked by teaching, preaching, and healing, confirming Him as the Messiah.

Luke 4 – The Spirit-Filled Mission

Luke also recounts the temptation, emphasizing that Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, was led into the wilderness and faced temptation for forty days (v. 1–2). Each test mirrors Israel’s failures in the wilderness, but Jesus resists by clinging to Scripture (v. 3–12). When the devil departs, Luke notes it is only “until an opportune time” (v. 13), reminding us that spiritual warfare would continue throughout His ministry.

Jesus returns in the power of the Spirit and teaches in synagogues, being glorified by all (v. 14–15). In Nazareth, His hometown, He reads from Isaiah 61, declaring that the Spirit of the Lord has anointed Him to proclaim good news to the poor, liberty to the captives, sight to the blind, freedom for the oppressed, and the year of the Lord’s favor (v. 16–19). At first, the people marvel, but when Jesus mentions Gentiles rather than Jews having God’s blessing, the people are furious. They are filled with rage and attempt to drive Him out, even trying to kill Him (v. 20-30). Thus, His ministry begins with both favor and rejection.

After the people in Nazareth rejected Jesus and sought to drive Him out, He passed through their midst unharmed, demonstrating both His authority and composure in the face of hostility (v. 30). He then went down to Capernaum, a town where His teaching would reach receptive hearts, and there He began to teach with authority, astonishing those who heard Him (v. 31-32).

In Capernaum, Jesus demonstrated His authority over the spiritual realm when He encountered a man possessed by an unclean spirit in the synagogue (v. 31–37). The spirit recognized Jesus’ identity as the Holy One of God and cried out, but Jesus rebuked it, commanding it to leave the man. Immediately, the demon departed, and all who witnessed the event were astonished. They marveled at His teaching, recognizing that, unlike the scribes, He spoke and acted with an authority that came directly from God. This encounter revealed that Jesus’ ministry was not merely about words but also about the power to confront and defeat the forces of evil.

Following this, Jesus entered Simon's home, where He healed Simon’s mother-in-law, who was suffering from a high fever (v. 38–39). His healing was immediate; she rose and began to serve them, symbolizing restoration not only of health but also of purpose and function. That evening, the whole town gathered at Simon’s house, bringing many who were sick or oppressed by demons. Jesus laid hands on them, healing and casting out demons, showing that His authority extended over physical ailments as well as spiritual bondage (v. 40–41). These miracles emphasized both His compassion and the holistic nature of His ministry, addressing the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of people.

Despite the intense response and the crowd’s desire for Him to remain in Capernaum, Jesus made clear that His mission was not to be confined to one place (v. 42–44). Early in the morning, He withdrew to a solitary place to pray, demonstrating dependence on the Father even amid great demand. When the people sought Him, He explained that He must continue preaching the kingdom of God in other towns as well, for this was the central purpose of His ministry. His focus was not on popularity or comfort but on obedience to God’s calling, bringing the message of the kingdom to as many as possible and showing that His work extended beyond any single location or immediate acclaim.

Luke 5 – Call to Discipleship

Chapter 5 shows how Jesus' mission begins to expand, not only through His teaching and miracles but also through the calling of His first disciples, who would join Him in proclaiming the kingdom. After teaching from Simon Peter’s boat, Jesus commands him to put out into the deep. Though weary from an unsuccessful night of fishing, Peter obeys, resulting in a miraculous catch that nearly sinks the boats (v. 1–7). Overwhelmed, Peter falls before Jesus, confessing his sinfulness, but Jesus reassures him: “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men” (v. 8–10). Leaving everything, Peter, James, and John follow Him (v. 11).

Soon after the events in Capernaum, Jesus encountered a man covered with leprosy, a disease that brought not only physical suffering but also social isolation and ritual uncleanness under the Law (v. 12–16). The leper fell before Him and pleaded, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” With deep compassion, Jesus reached out and touched him, a shocking act that broke through social and religious barriers. Instead of becoming unclean Himself, Jesus’ touch made the man clean. Immediately, the leprosy left him. Jesus then commanded the man to go and show himself to the priest, as the Law of Moses required, both as a testimony to God’s power and to fulfill the Law’s demands. Though news of this miracle spread quickly and large crowds came to hear Him and be healed, Jesus often withdrew to solitary places to pray, demonstrating His dependence on the Father amid growing popularity.

Later, while Jesus was teaching inside a crowded home, four men brought a paralyzed friend, determined to place him before Jesus (v. 17–26). Unable to get through the door, they climbed onto the roof, opened it, and lowered the man down. Seeing their faith, Jesus declared, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.” This pronouncement shocked the scribes and Pharisees, who rightly knew that only God can forgive sins. Perceiving their thoughts, Jesus asked, “Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’?”

To prove His authority, He commanded the paralyzed man to rise, take his mat, and go home. Immediately, the man stood up, glorifying God, while the crowd was filled with awe, exclaiming, “We have seen remarkable things today!” This miracle revealed not only Jesus’ power to heal but also His divine authority to forgive sins, pointing unmistakably to His identity as the Son of Man.

As His ministry expanded, Jesus passed by a tax booth and called Levi (also known as Matthew), a tax collector despised by his fellow Jews for collaborating with Rome and often associated with greed and corruption (v. 27–32). Without hesitation, Levi left everything and followed Him. Soon after, Levi hosted a banquet in Jesus’ honor, inviting other tax collectors and “sinners.” When the Pharisees and their scribes grumbled about Jesus dining with such people, He responded with a striking statement: “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” With this, Jesus revealed the heart of His mission, which was to extend grace to those most aware of their need, confronting self-righteousness and offering forgiveness to the outcasts.

This raised further questions from the Pharisees, particularly about fasting. They asked why Jesus’ disciples did not fast like those of John the Baptist and the Pharisees (v. 33–39). In reply, Jesus compared His presence to a wedding feast: while the bridegroom is present, the guests cannot fast. Fasting, which was a sign of mourning and longing, would have its place after He was “taken away,” but now was a time of joy. To illustrate, He gave two parables: no one patches an old garment with new cloth, and no one puts new wine into old wineskins.

The point was clear: the kingdom Jesus brought was not a patch on Judaism or an extension of the old system, but a completely new reality. His teaching, His authority, and His mission could not be contained within the rigid structures of the old order. New wine requires new wineskins, for the kingdom of God brings transformation, renewal, and a new covenant relationship with God through Christ.

John 1:15-51 – The Witness of John and the Gathering of Disciples

John 1:15-51 records the testimony of John the Baptist about Jesus, the calling of the first disciples, and their early encounters with the Messiah. These verses highlight who Jesus is: the Lamb of God, the one who baptizes with the Spirit, the Son of God, and the promised King of Israel. As John points his followers to Christ, we see how personal encounters with Jesus lead to faith, transformation, and the spreading of the good news to others.

John the Baptist first testifies that though he came before, Jesus ranks higher because He existed from eternity (v. 15). From His fullness, believers receive grace upon grace; the law came through Moses, but grace and truth come through Christ (v. 16-17). While no one has ever seen God, the only Son has made Him known (v. 18).

When priests and Levites were sent from Jerusalem to question John about his identity, he firmly denied being the Christ, Elijah, or the promised Prophet, insisting instead that he was only “the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord’” (v. 19–23). His role was preparatory, not central. To emphasize this, John explained that the one coming after him was so much greater that he was not even worthy to untie His sandal strap (v. 24–27), a task considered the lowliest of servile duties.

The next day, when John saw Jesus approaching, he identified Him with the stunning declaration: “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (v. 28–29). John testified that the Spirit had descended on Jesus and remained on Him, confirming that He was the chosen One who would baptize with the Holy Spirit (v. 30–34). In doing so, John pointed his own disciples away from himself and toward Jesus, fulfilling his mission as a witness to the Light.

As a result, two of John’s disciples followed Jesus. One was Andrew, who in turn brought his brother Simon to the Lord (v. 35–41). When Jesus met Simon, He gave him a new name, Peter (Cephas, meaning “rock”), a sign of the new identity and role he would have in God’s plan (v. 42). The next day, Jesus called Philip, who quickly found Nathanael and invited him to meet the Messiah (v. 43–45). At first, Nathanael doubted, scoffing at the idea that anything good could come from the obscure town of Nazareth. Yet when Jesus revealed intimate knowledge of Nathanael’s character and actions, Nathanael recognized His divine authority and confessed, “You are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel!” (v. 46–49).

Jesus responded by promising that Nathanael and the others would see even greater things: heaven itself opened, with angels ascending and descending on the Son of Man (v. 50–51). This imagery recalled Jacob’s vision at Bethel (Gen. 28:12), now fulfilled in Christ, who is Himself the true bridge between heaven and earth, the mediator through whom God’s presence and blessing come to His people.

This passage highlights several vital truths. First, John shows us that the life of faith points away from self and toward Christ. His humility in refusing titles and honors directs all attention to Jesus, the Lamb of God. Second, we see Jesus’ identity revealed through progressive encounters: John testifies, Andrew follows, Simon is renamed, Philip is called, Nathanael confesses. Each step shows that discipleship begins with witness and grows through personal experience of Christ’s power and knowledge. Finally, Jesus’ promise to Nathanael reminds us that in Him, heaven has come near. He is the fulfillment of Jacob’s dream, the true ladder uniting earth and heaven. Through Jesus, we not only receive forgiveness but also gain access to the very presence of God.

Like John, our calling is not to draw attention to ourselves but to point people to Christ. Like Andrew and Philip, we are called to bring others to meet Him personally. And like Nathanael, we are invited to move from doubt to faith, confessing Jesus as the Son of God. In Him, we see “greater things,” for He alone opens heaven and brings us into communion with the Father.

Connection

Taken together, these passages form a rich portrait of the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. Matthew shows Him overcoming temptation, fulfilling prophecy, and calling disciples to radical obedience. Luke highlights His Spirit-filled mission, His authority to teach, heal, and forgive, and His call to outcasts and sinners. John reveals His divine identity as the Lamb of God and the Son of Man, gathering His first followers.

Together, they emphasize that Jesus begins His ministry by defeating the enemy, proclaiming God’s kingdom, and inviting ordinary people to follow Him in faith and obedience. He is the Savior who brings light into darkness, the Lamb who takes away sin, and the King who establishes God’s reign on earth.

Conclusion

In these chapters, we witness the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry: His victory over temptation, His Spirit-filled preaching, His miraculous works, and His personal call to discipleship. He demonstrates what it means to resist the enemy not by human strength but by reliance on God’s Word. He proclaims the good news of the kingdom with authority, heals the broken, and calls ordinary people to leave everything and follow Him. John reminds us that Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, and the first disciples testify, “We have found the Messiah.”

The truths here are both sobering and encouraging. The same enemy who tempted Jesus tempts us, but through Christ, we too can stand firm, not in ourselves, but by clinging to the Word of God. The same Savior who called fishermen to follow Him now calls us, not because of our greatness, but because of His grace, to walk with Him and join in His mission. The same Spirit who filled Jesus empowers His people today to resist sin, proclaim the gospel, and minister to others with courage and compassion.

The Challenge: Will we live as spectators, content to admire Jesus from a distance, or as disciples who follow Him wholeheartedly? Will we allow His authority to shape our choices, His Word to anchor our convictions, and His mission to reorder our priorities? To follow Jesus is to leave behind self-reliance, sin, and shallow living, and to step into the joy of walking with the Lamb of God, who alone gives life and light. The call is still the same: “Follow Me.” How will you answer?