Victory Fellowship Bible Study
273 23rd St. S.W., Barberton, OH 44203
Wednesdays at 10am and 7pm
Rev. Roderick D. Grabski (330) 858-0223
WEBPAGE: victoryfellowshipministries.com
CLASS FIVE: Jesus Begins His Ministry
I. ANNOUNCEMENTS and PRAYER CONCERNS
II. READ / LISTEN to MATTHEW 4:1–25
a. What are your initial impressions or questions? Notable translation differences?
III. The Temptation of Jesus (4:1-11)
a. God will test our faith. The devil tempts us in order to accuse us.
b. Could Jesus be tempted? (Hebrews 4:15)
c. The number 40 is significant in the way God prepares His people.
i. The Flood (Genesis 7:17)
ii. Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus 24:18)
iii. Israel’s wandering (Deuteronomy 29:5)
iv. Goliath taunting Israel (1st Samuel 17:16)
v. Elijah’s retreat to the wilderness (1st Kings 19:8)
d. Jesus’ wilderness experience recalls the three temptations of Eve the Garden and Israel in the Exodus. (Genesis 3:6; Deuteronomy 8:2-3)
i. Lust of the Flesh (Make these stones into bread)
ii. Pride of Life (Jump off – God will protect You)
iii. Lust of the Eyes (Obtain all He could see)
e. (vv. 2-4) The First Temptation: How does the devil try to “bait” Jesus?
i. Jesus responds with Deuteronomy 8:3
f. (vv. 5-7) The Second Temptation: Satan quotes Psalm 91:11-12 out of context.
i. Jesus responds with Deuteronomy 6:16
g. (vv. 8-10) The Third Temptation: Does the devil have authority to give Jesus what he promised? (Luke 4:6; John 12:31)
i. Jesus responds with Deuteronomy 6:13-14. See Matthew 28:9
ii. What all does it reveal that Satan left when Jesus commanded him to?
h. (vs. 11) The Greek verb, diakonew (diakoneo), can be interpreted, “table waiter.” What does this suggest about the way the angels ministered to Jesus?
IV. The Ministry of Jesus Begins (4:12-17)
a. What was the advantage of moving from Nazareth to Capernaum?
b. Matthew shares yet another fulfilled prophesy - Isaiah 9:1-3. What does this mean as it relates to Jesus’ ministry?
c. (vs. 17) Compare this verse with Mark 1:14-15.
V. Jesus Calls the First Disciples (4:18-22)
a. Is this the first time Jesus meets Simon Peter and Andrew? (John 1:35-42)
b. What is the significance that James and John left their boat and their father to follow Jesus?
VI. Crowds Follow Jesus (4:23-25)
a. Where does Jesus begin to preach?
b. These verses imply that there was no sickness or disease that Jesus could not heal.
c. (vs. 24) Note that there is a distinction between epileptics and demoniacs.
d. (vs 25) Decapolis = Ten Cities of the region inhabited primarily by gentiles who worked together for the common good and protection.
e. Jesus came for all people, not just Israel. (John 3:16; 1st John 4:14)
VII. Application
a. Using scripture out of context to our advantage is a tool of Satan. (2 Tim. 2:15)
b. Temptation from the devil can be compelling but we can overcome it by the power of God. (1 Corinthians 10:13; James 4:7)
Final Comments, Questions. Close in Prayer
Next Week: Sermon on the Mount – Part 1 - Read Matthew 5:1-48 to prepare.
