Thursday, March 13, 2025
New Testament Reading Plan: Matthew 4
I’m someone who makes things happen. It drives me nuts when people talk about all the things they want to accomplish but never act.
Unfortunately, this trait can harm my relationship with God—because I rush ahead, trying to make things happen by my own power, instead of turning to God, letting him work through me, and trusting his timing.
In Matthew 4, Jesus demonstrates a different way to live. At the start of the chapter, we see the Spirit lead him into the wilderness to fast for forty nights. There, Jesus is tempted by Satan three times.
First Satan tempts Jesus to transform stone into bread. He certainly could. If it were me, I probably would’ve told him, “Stand back, Satan. Look how easily I can provide for myself.”
However, instead of using his abilities to fulfill his needs, Jesus reminds us all of our dependence on God.
Matthew 4:4
Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
Then, Satan challenges Jesus to prove his divinity. I’m not sure if there’s anything that motivates me more than proving to others what I’m capable of. Again, Jesus shows a better way.
Matthew 4:7
Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”
Sometimes I can be tempted to try to make God’s plan lean toward what I want—not that I have the power to do so. Jesus has the power to force God’s hand, but he won’t, because he trusts God’s will in all things.
Finally, Satan tempts Jesus with all the kingdoms of the world, in exchange for worshiping the devil.
Matthew 4:10
Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’”
Jesus does want all the kingdoms of the world—to lead them to salvation. But he knows he can’t do it that way.
If I was offered the world, at the cost of worshiping something other than God, would I be able to resist?
We live in a society that values strength, independence, confidence, and the ability to make things happen. But Jesus teaches us a countercultural way to live.
Yes, be faithful in your work and actions, but strive for God’s will, not your will, to be done—through God’s strength, not your own.
Questions:
Is it easier for you to depend on God for the things you need, or to try to provide for yourself?
Do you ever try to force God’s hand to make things go the way you want?
What would you give up to achieve your goals?
Next Steps:
Jesus used Scripture to resist and defend against Satan—so do we. Continue making time for daily Bible reading, and choose a verse to start memorizing.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, it can be so easy for me to try to take control of my own life, using my strength to accomplish the things I want. Help me to follow the example Jesus set instead. May I depend on you, trust your will, and let your strength show through my weakness. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Series Theme Verse:
Ephesians 4:29
Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.
This post was written by Payton Lechner, a Perrysburg attendee, and a regular contributor to the LivingItOut Devotional.