Commentary on Matthew 4:6

Verse Text: "And said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone."

Introduction

The temptation of Jesus in the wilderness is a pivotal moment in the ministry of Christ and serves as a profound interaction between divine providence and the tactics of temptation. Matthew 4:6 captures one of the most intriguing attempts made by Satan to undermine Jesus by challenging his divine identity. This commentary seeks to gather insights from various public domain sources to analyze the depth of this verse.

Satan's Challenge: Understanding the Context

Matthew Henry emphasizes the audacity of Satan’s temptation, where he quotes Scripture to entrap Jesus. By challenging Him to prove His sonship through an act of miraculous self-preservation, Satan aims to twist God's Word against the very purpose it serves. This tactic reveals the nature of temptation: often, it is laced with a semblance of truth but leads to destructive conclusions.

Albert Barnes notes that this challenge reflects the misunderstanding of God’s protection. The devil’s intent is to provoke Jesus into acting presumptuously. He cites Psalm 91:11-12 as a misapplication of divine promise, suggesting that the assurance of angelic care is contingent upon reckless behavior. Barnes emphasizes that true faith does not require sensational displays to confirm God's faithfulness.

Jesus’ Response: A Model for Resistance

In response to this temptation, Jesus embodies the model of righteous resistance. He counters by stating, "It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God" (Matthew 4:7). This immediately disarms the temptation presented by Satan.

Adam Clarke expands on this point by explaining the significance of Jesus’ reply. By referencing Deuteronomy 6:16, He reaffirms the principle that one must not provoke God or put His promises to the test. Clarke asserts that while God is indeed willing to rescue and protect His own, it is an act of faithfulness rather than a license to engage in reckless behaviors that tests His truth.

Implications for Believers

Matthew 4:6 holds vital implications for contemporary believers. It serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding Scripture in its proper context. The misuse of biblical texts can lead to misguided faith practices that may appear righteous but ultimately stem from a misunderstanding of God’s nature.

• Temptation and Misapplication: Believers must be vigilant against the misapplication of Scripture, as shown in the encounter between Jesus and Satan. Like Christ, they should be equipped with a sound understanding of God’s Word to discern true meaning.
• Faith and Action: The temptation illustrates the distinction between faith and presumption. True faith does not demand miraculous signs and wonders to prove God’s existence or goodness.
• Divine Protection: While the promise of protection remains, it is offered to those who live in obedience rather than those who act foolishly. Faith should inspire trust in God rather than reckless behavior that tests His mercy.

Theological Considerations

This temptation illustrates a broader theological truth about the relationship between divine sovereignty and human agency. Jesus's response upholds His identity as the Son of God while submitting to God’s authoritative purpose.

Matthew Henry suggests that this moment in the wilderness is not just about resistive faith; it’s also about affirmation of Christ's role in salvation history. By resisting this temptation, Jesus illustrates His commitment to fulfill the mission for which He has come, without shortcuts or alterations that could compromise His integrity or the divine plan.

Conclusion

Matthew 4:6 is not just a historical account of Jesus' temptation but a timeless lesson on the nature of faith and spiritual warfare. It encourages believers to navigate their spiritual journeys with an understanding of Scripture, an awareness of the nature of temptation, and a commitment to trusting in God without the need for demonstrations that challenge or tempt Him.

In summary, the confrontation between Jesus and Satan offers a wealth of insight not only for pastors and theologians but for all believers seeking to deepen their understanding of faith, obedience, and the protection that God promises to those who love Him.