What does Matthew 4:3 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 4:3 presents the beginning of the temptation of Jesus by the devil, also known as the tempter.

In this verse, the devil challenges Jesus' identity as the Son of God, saying, "If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread." This is a direct challenge to Jesus to prove His divine sonship through a miraculous act.

While the literal meaning involves the temptation to convert stones into bread to relieve His hunger after fasting for 40 days and 40 nights, it carries a deeper significance.

At a deeper level, the temptation addresses human tendencies to misuse divine powers for personal gain, to test God, and to prioritize material needs over spiritual obedience.

Historical Context

Matthew 4:3 is part of the narrative describing Jesus' temptations that occurred after His baptism by John the Baptist, as described in the Gospels.

Following His baptism, Jesus withdrew into the wilderness to fast and pray.

This event took place in a desert setting, possibly around the Judean desert, a place commonly associated with spiritual testing and solitary communion with God throughout biblical history.

Fasting for 40 days is reminiscent of several Old Testament figures like Moses and Elijah, both of whom had significant encounters with God following extended periods of fasting.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse can be interpreted from several angles: 1.

The deity of Christ: It presents a test of Jesus' divine identity and mission.

Accepting the devil's challenge would undercut Jesus' role as the obedient Son who trusts the Father's plan. 2.

The nature of temptation: Temptations often exploit real needs, the need for sustenance, in this case, to entice individuals to step outside of God's will. 3.

The human experience: This temptation exemplifies the kinds of choices all individuals face between satisfying immediate physical desires and maintaining spiritual integrity.

Different denominations may emphasize various aspects of this verse. Roman Catholics may see a link to the theme of resisting temptation through Lenten practices. Evangelicals might focus on the personal relationship with God and reliance on His Word during times of trial.

Practical Applications

In modern life, this verse teaches several practical lessons:

• Identity: When faced with challenges or doubts, individuals can remember their identity in God and resist the temptation to validate themselves by worldly means.
• Trust: Instead of taking matters into one's own hands, there is value in trusting God's provision and timing.
• Spiritual discipline: The importance of spiritual disciplines like fasting that prepare believers to withstand temptation.

Cross-References

• Matthew 4:4: "But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God."
• Luke 4:3: "And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread."
• Deuteronomy 8:3: "And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live."

Language Study

The Greek word διάβολος (diabolos), translated as "tempter," signifies an adversary or slanderer. This title establishes the devil's antagonistic role. The conditional phrase "If thou be" translates from the Greek εἰ (ei), often indicating a challenge or question of reality.

The Greek verb "command" is εἴπῃς (eipēs) in the aorist tense, indicating a single, definitive action. The use of the aorist here implies the challenge to perform an immediate and decisive act.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

This narrative of Jesus' temptation in the wilderness has parallels in various religious and cultural myths where heroes face spiritual or moral tests.

For example, in Buddhist tradition, the Buddha faced and overcame temptations by the demon Mara under the Bodhi tree.

In these various traditions, overcoming temptation is often a sign of spiritual strength and integrity.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern scientific understanding of fasting has shown physical and mental effects that include heightened clarity and changes in brain chemistry.

While scientifically one cannot turn stones into bread, the account does intersect with an understanding of the stresses on the human body under extreme conditions such as a 40-day fast, which can give insight into the severity of the temptation faced by Jesus.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians offer various insights on Matthew 4:3.

Some, like William Barclay, emphasize the devil's tactic of attacking one's identity at a moment of vulnerability.

Others, such as John Calvin, view the temptation as an attempt to divert Jesus from the path of obedience and reliance on God's word.

Reformed theologans would view the text as a pivotal demonstration of Jesus' fulfillment of righteousness, resisting where Adam failed.

Many commentaries note the typological significance, seeing Jesus as the new Israel, succeeding in the wilderness where Israel had faltered.