True Righteousness

Jesus:  ¹⁷ “Do not misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the Law of Moses or the writings of the Prophets. No, I came to accomplish (fulfill) their purpose. ¹⁸ I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God’s law will disappear until its purpose is achieved (fulfilled). ¹⁹ So if you ignore the least commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But anyone who obeys God’s laws and teaches them will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven. ²⁰ But I warn you—unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law (scribes) and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven!” Matthew 5:17-20 (NLT)

Matthew 5:17 begins the main body of the Sermon on the Mount. Many Biblical scholars believe that Matthew 5:20 is the key or most important verse of the Sermon on the Mount: “For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the Kingdom of Heaven” (Matthew 5:20, NIV). The main theme of the Sermon on the Mount is true righteousness.

During Jesus’ time and even today, many religious leaders had an artificial and external righteousness of the Law of Moses. The true righteousness God desires and Jesus described begins internally, in the heart with love, faith, and obedience to God and love and mercy toward one another (see e.g., Genesis 15:6; Exodus 20:1-17; Deuteronomy 6:4-6; Leviticus 19:18, 34; 1 Samuel 15:22-23; Psalms 40:6-8; Psalm 51:10, 16-17; Proverbs 21:3; Isaiah 1:11-17; Jeremiah 7:21-23; Hosea 6:6; Micah 6:6-8; Matthew 22:34-40). Wholehearted love for God and love for one another summarizes the entire Old Testament Law and the Prophets (Matthew 22:34-40; see also Matthew 7:12; Luke 10:25-28; Romans 13:8-10; Galatians 5:13-14; James 2:8). True righteousness works from the inside out because it first begins with a repentant heart and then produces good fruit (Matthew 3:2, 8-10; Matthew 21:32, 43; see also Jeremiah 31:31-34; Galatians 5:22-23; Hebrews 8:8-12). Thus, the actual conduct of Jesus’ followers does in fact “exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees” (Matthew 5:20, KJV; see also James 2:14-26).

The Pharisees and scribes of Jesus’ day were concerned about the minute details of their external conduct and religious rituals (see e.g. Matthew 15:1-2; Matthew 23:1-4), but they neglected the important matter of internal (heart) character – justice, mercy, compassion, truth, peace, humility and faithfulness (Matthew 23:23-24; see also Jeremiah 5:1; Micah 6:6-8; Zechariah 7:9; Matthew 12:7; Luke 11:42). True righteousness flows out of an obedient and loving heart for God (see Matthew 12:34; Matthew 15:18-19). This common theme runs throughout the entire Sermon on the Mount, and that theme is true righteousness (Matthew 5:1-Matthew 7:29).

People have many beliefs and ideas about Jesus, but it is important that we do not believe that Jesus has come to abolish or end the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 5:17; see also Romans 3:31; Romans 10:4). During Jesus’ day, the Pharisees and the other religious establishment charged Jesus with disobeying the Law (see e.g., Matthew 12:1-2, 9-14). Even today, many people continue to believe that the New Testament teaching on salvation by grace mean they can ignore and disobey the Law and the Prophets. In other words, many saved people believe that obedience to the Law and Prophets are of little to no consequence. True, the Holy Scriptures teaches that we are saved by God’s glorious grace and not by our works (see e.g., Ephesians 2:5, 8-9; Romans 3:20-28). Jesus’ teaching on the Law and the Prophets from Sermon on the Mount plainly teaches that those who obeys God’s laws and teaches them will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 5:19). As Jesus concludes the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus states unequivocally that those who enter the Kingdom of Heaven are those who faithfully do the will of God (Matthew 7:21, 24-27; see also Matthew 12:50; James 1:22; 1 John 3:7-8; 1 John 5:18). In fact, Jesus rejects those who continually practices lawlessness and disobedience against God and His Word (Matthew 7:23; see also 1 John 5:18). Therefore, obedience to the Holy Scriptures is central to the teaching of Jesus and the Christian life. All Scripture is important to God and profitable for wisdom, good works, righteousness, and salvation (see 2 Timothy 3:15-17). Jesus is the living Word of God (John 1:1-5, 14), and His life fulfilled the Law and the Prophets (Luke 24:27, 44-47).

Some Old Testament laws were clearly set aside in the New Testament. Examples are the ceremonial laws of animal sacrifice (e.g., see Hebrews 9:1-10:18), and the dietary laws of ritual cleanliness (e.g. see Matthew 15:1-20; Mark 7:19; Acts 10). Likewise, the Old Testament Levitical priesthood, after the order of Aaron, is replaced by the New Testament priesthood of Jesus Christ, after the order of Melchizedek (see Hebrews 6:13-8:13). Also, the Old Testament covenant sign of circumcision is replaced by the New Testament sign of baptism (Matthew 28:19; see also Acts 2:38; Acts 15:1-35; Galatians 2:11-21; Galatians 5:2-4; Colossians 2:11-12). Also, the civil penalties of the Sinai covenant (that is, the penalties to be applied by Israel's human government for the violations of law) do not seem to be binding in the New Testament. Jesus speaks of divorce being permitted in cases of adultery, whereas the Law of Moses prescribed death for the adulterer (see Leviticus 20:10), and so divorce would have been automatic, complete and final. At the same time, however, it is equally clear that much of the Old Testament Law is carried over into the New Testament without change. For example, the laws against idolatry, murder, adultery, stealing, lying, and coveting, etc. The Ten Commandments may conveniently serve as a summary of these Laws.

Clearly, Jesus taught on the Sermon on the Mount: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them” (Matthew 5:17, NIV). In the case of the ceremonial laws such as animal sacrifice and the shedding of blood, Jesus’ sacrificial death fulfilled these Old Testament laws and rituals. Similarly, the dietary laws represented moral cleanliness in the Old Testament. Jesus fulfilled the ceremonial laws of clean and uncleanness by declaring everyone righteous and morally clean when they wholehearted accepted and believed in His sacrificial life, death, and resurrection (see Romans 1:16-17; Romans 3:21-28; Romans 5:1-2). Furthermore, Jesus fulfilled the moral laws by fully obeying God and God’s Word when tempted and tested by evil in the solidary wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11; see also Hebrews 4:15). For Jesus, the Law and the Prophets were not set aside or abolished but had to be kept and obeyed in every way. The Law and the Prophets are not arbitrary but an expression of God’s own love and character. For the entire Law and the Prophets can be summed up in love, and God is love (Matthew 22:34-40; see also Romans 13:8-10; 1 John 4:16). Hence, the Law and the Prophets express the very nature of love and thus the very nature and character of God (Exodus 34:5-7; see also Numbers 14:18; Psalm 86:15; Psalm 108:4; Nehemiah 9:17; James 5:11). As Jesus’ followers, true righteousness seeks to obey the very nature and character of God – mercy, compassion, peace, kindness, truth, and faithfulness (Exodus 34:6-7; see also Galatians 5:22-23). These internal qualities are the righteous requirements that fulfill the Law and the Prophets.

In summary, Jesus’ life and teaching called the people back to the original messages of the Old Testament Law and the Prophets that taught heartfelt love and obedience to God and love and mercy towards others are more important than legalistic observance, ceremonies, and rituals (Romans 13:8-10). True righteousness and even perfection come when we wholeheartedly love God and love all people, both good and evil (Matthew 5:48; see also Matthew 22:34-40; Luke 6:36).

³⁴ But when the Pharisees heard that He (Jesus) had silenced the Sadducees with His reply, they met together to question Him again. ³⁵ One of them, an expert in religious law, tried to trap Him with this question: ³⁶ “Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the Law of Moses?” ³⁷ Jesus replied, “‘You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ ³⁸ This is the first and greatest commandment. ³⁹ A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ⁴⁰ The entire Law and all the demands of the Prophets are based on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:34-40 (NLT)

References

Life Application Study Bible (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Pub., 2005).

Ross, Mark E. Let’s Study Matthew (Carlisle, PA: The Banner of Truth Trust, 2009).

Wiersbe, Warren W. Bible Exposition Commentary – New Testament (Victor Books, 1989).

Kingdom Citizens

¹ One day as He saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around Him, ² and He began to teach them. ³ “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for Him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. ⁴ God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. ⁵ God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth. ⁶ God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied. ⁷ God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. ⁸ God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. ⁹ God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. ¹⁰ God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. ¹¹ God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are My followers. ¹² Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way. ¹³ You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. ¹⁴ You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” Matthew 5:1-16 (NLT)

When large crowds from Galilee, Syria, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed Jesus (Matthew 4:23-25), He now takes them to a mountain. On that mountaintop, Jesus teaches and explains His Kingdom law for them (Matthew 5:1-2). Scholars call Jesus’ inaugural Mountain teaching the “Sermon on the Mount” and encompasses Matthew 5:1 through Matthew 7:29. The Sermon on the Mount gives a detail explanation of “Repent” (Matthew 3:2; Matthew 4:17) and shows in detail the repentant lifestyle that characterizes people of God’s Kingdom. With John the Baptist and Jesus’ announcement to “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand” people were naturally asking, “How do I qualify to be in God's Kingdom?” 

The Sermon on the Mount opens with a series of formula-like sayings or proverbs of how to receive God’s blessings (Matthew 5:3-12). There are nine such sayings, also called Beatitudes from the Latin word for “blessed.” These Beatitudes are not separate, spiritual qualities people may choose but rather a unified portrait a blessed soul of God. Together, these beatitudes reveal the portrait of a Kingdom citizen who acknowledges God as their King.

What does a Kingdom citizen look like?

·         Poor in spirit because they know they have no righteousness of their own

·         Mourns and grieves over their lack of personal righteousness

·         Humble and not prideful nor arrogant

·         Hunger and thirst for a righteous life that pleases and glorifies God

·         Merciful and kind to others and not selfish and unforgiving

·         Pure in heart who actively seeks to please and obey God’s Word

·         Peacemaker who works peace in the world

·         Persecuted for seeking and obeying God

Amazingly, these Kingdom citizens are like the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus was “meek and lowly in heart” (Matthew 11:29; see also Philippians 2:5-8) and trusted wholeheartedly in God the Father and His Word (Matthew 4:1-11). Moreover, Jesus sought to do God’s will and obey His Word (see e.g., Matthew 26:39; John 4:34). Though Jesus was the friend of sinners, preached peace, and showed unending compassion for others, He was unjustly despised, rejected, and persecuted (see e.g., Isaiah 52:13-53:12; Matthew 16:21; Matthew 27:27-31). As our Lord Jesus Christ, God the Father is compassionate, merciful, patient, loving, faithful, holy, and forgiving (see e.g., Exodus 34:6-7).

Kingdom citizens may not fully receive all Kingdom blessings while on earth. Seven of the Beatitudes state that Kingdom citizens will receive their blessings in the future (“for they will be”) (see Matthew 5:4-9, 11-12) while two of the Beatitudes state that Kingdom citizens receive their blessings and gladness during their lifetime (“for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs”) (see Mathew 5:3, 10). Thus, some of God’s blessings are ours NOW, while other blessings are forthcoming in the future. Nevertheless, Kingdom citizens also receive God’s Kingdom living within their hearts and the blessings of God’s Holy Spirit (see e.g., John 7:39; John 14:15-16; Acts 2:38; Acts 11:16-17; Acts 19:2).

Even more, Kingdom citizens are “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:13-14). Kingdom citizens stop the moral decay and corruption of the earth and shine Jesus’ light of goodness into a dark world (Matthew 5:13-16; see also 1 Corinthians 13:4–7). Because Kingdom citizens seek to stop corruption and darkness, they are often persecuted, rebuked, and hated by the world (Matthew 5:10-12; see also John 15:19). Yet, it is such good, righteous, and pure character that Jesus calls blessed because Kingdom citizens bring glory to God in heaven (Matthew 5:11-12, 16; see also 1 Corinthians 10:31; Ephesians 2:10; Philippians 1:9-11; 1 Peter 2:11-12).

Thus, Jesus encouraged Kingdom citizens not to become discourage by the world’s hatred nor compromise their righteousness. Instead, Kingdom citizens must shine their light in such a way that others may see their good works and deeds and give GLORY TO GOD (Matthew 5:13-16; see also Ephesians 5:8; Philippians 2:15; 1 Peter 2:12).

References

Holy Bible NIV 2011 (Grand Rapids, MI: Biblica, 2011).

Ross, Mark E. Let’s Study Matthew (Carlisle, PA: The Banner of Truth Trust, 2009).

The Beginning of Greatness

¹² When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, He returned to Galilee. ¹³ Leaving Nazareth, He went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali. ¹⁴ This fulfilled what was said through the prophet Isaiah: ¹⁵ “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, along the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles--¹⁶ the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” ¹⁷ From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near (has come).” ¹⁸ As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. ¹⁹ “Come, follow Me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” ²⁰ At once they left their nets and followed Him. ²¹ Going on from there, He saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, ²² and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed Him. ²³ Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the Good News of the Kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. ²⁴ News about Him spread all over Syria, and people brought to Him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures (epileptics), and the paralyzed, and He healed them. ²⁵ Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed Him. Matthew 4:12-25 (NIV)

After passing His test and temptation against evil (Matthew 4:1-11), Jesus began His public ministry. Luke’s Gospel also adds that Jesus was filled with the power of Holy Spirit (Luke 4:14). As the forerunner of Jesus, John the Baptist has completed his work, and he must now decrease (Matthew 3:1-12). Jesus must increase (John 3:30). Jesus did not begin His public ministry in Jerusalem, but instead, He went into Galilee of the Gentiles as predicted by the prophet Isaiah (Matthew 4:12-16; see also Isaiah 9:1-2; Isaiah 42:6-7). Matthew has already shown that God’s Word controlled every detail of Jesus’ life (e.g., see Matthew 1:22-23; Matthew 2:17-18). Galilee was a mixed population of both Jews and Gentiles in northern Israel and stressed God’s desire for the universal outreach of the Gospel’s message to all people (Matthew 4:15; see also Matthew 28:19). In Galilee of the Gentiles, Jesus continued the urgent message began by John the Baptist: “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand (come)” (Matthew 4:17; see also Matthew 3:2). God’s sovereign rule and reign had now come with the birth of Jesus (Matthew 1:23), and Jesus was calling people to turn to God.

Jesus moved from His hometown of Nazareth to Capernaum, a busy city in northern Israel (see Matthew 2:23; Matthew 4:12-13). Capernaum became Jesus’ headquarters during His public ministry in Galilee (Matthew 4:13). Moreover, Jesus’ move also fulfilled Old Testament prophecy that states the Messiah will be a great Light to the world (Matthew 4:12-16; see also Isaiah 9:1-2; Isaiah 42:6-7; Luke 1:78-79; John 1:4-5, 9). Jesus spent most of His public ministry in Galilee of the Gentiles - a mixed population of both Jews and Gentiles (Matthew 4:15, 23).

Walking by the Sea of Galilee, Jesus called His first disciples, two fisherman brothers by the names of Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew (Matthew 4:18). Jesus told Peter and Andrew to “come, follow Me” and He would make them “fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19). Evangelism was at the heart of Jesus’ ministry (see Matthew 28:18-20). At once, Peter and Andrew left their nets and followed Jesus (Matthew 4:20). Going further, Jesus saw two more brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John (Matthew 4:21). Once again, Jesus called out to James and John to follow Him, and the two brothers immediately left their boat, their father Zebedee, and followed Jesus (Matthew 4:22). As examples for all to obey Jesus’ calling, these four brothers followed Jesus without delay or hesitation. We too must obey and follow Jesus immediately when He calls. Jesus’ demand is urgent: Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand (come)” (Matthew 4:17).

How did Jesus bring His Light into the world? Jesus’ public ministry involved three important tasks: teaching, preaching, and healing (Matthew 4:23; see also Matthew 9:35; Matthew 11:1, 4-5; Matthew 12:15; Matthew 13:54; Matthew 14:34-36; Matthew 15:30-31; Matthew 19:2). During His ministry, Jesus taught the people and proclaimed the Gospel of the Kingdom. Also, Jesus healed every physical, emotional, and spiritual disease and affliction (Matthew 4:23). He healed those who were ill with various diseases, suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures (epileptics), and paralysis (Matthew 4:24). Nothing could withstand the presence and power of Jesus’ healing! At Jesus’ first advent, Jesus’ healing of every disease and affliction gave an amazing foretaste of the age to come (see 1 Corinthians 15:42-43; Philippians 3:21). When Jesus’ returns and finalizes His earthly Kingdom, Jesus will make all things new, wipe away every tear from our eyes, and heal all our afflictions and pain (Revelation 21:4). Our momentary sorrows will turn into joy and dancing (John 16:20).

With His teaching, preaching, and healing, Jesus’ fame grew and large crowds from Syria, Galilee, the Decapolis (Ten-Cities), Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed Him (Matthew 4:24-25). Jesus was reaching the nations in Galilee of the Gentiles! 

References

ESV Study Bible, English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008).

Zondervan NIV Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008).

Ross, Mark E. Let’s Study Matthew (Carlisle, PA: The Banner of Truth Trust, 2009).

Wiersbe, Warren W. Bible Exposition Commentary – New Testament (Victor Books, 1989).

God’s Scriptures

¹ Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil (tempter). ² For forty days and forty nights He fasted and became very hungry. ³ During that time the devil came and said to Him, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.” ⁴ But Jesus told him (devil), “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” ⁵ Then the devil took Him (Jesus) to the holy city, Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, ⁶ and said, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say, ‘He will order His angels to protect you. And they will hold you up with their hands so you will not even hurt your foot on a stone.’” ⁷ Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the LORD your God.’” ⁸ Next the devil took Him (Jesus) to the peak of a very high mountain and showed Him the kingdoms of the world and all their glory. ⁹ “I will give it all to You,” he said, “if You will kneel down and worship me.” ¹⁰ “Get out of here, Satan,” Jesus told him. “For the Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the LORD your God and serve only Him.’” ¹¹ Then the devil went away, and angels came and took care of Jesus. Matthew 4:1-11 (NLT)

After His baptism, Jesus left the crowds surrounding John the Baptist in the Jordan Valley, and the Holy Spirit led Him into the solitary wilderness to be tempted and tested. Both Jesus’ baptism and the wilderness temptation are closely connected. Jesus’ baptism and the temptation are in the desert (Matthew 3:1; Matthew 4:1). Furthermore, Jesus’ baptism and wilderness temptation focus on Jesus as the Son of the living God (Matthew 3:17; Matthew 4:3, 6) and emphasizes the work of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:16; Matthew 4:1).

Jesus’ experience of forty days in the wilderness corresponds to Israel’s experience of forty years of testing in the wilderness desert (Matthew 4:2; see also Deuteronomy 8:1-5, 16). Like Israel of old after passing through the Red Sea (Exodus 15:22), Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness after His baptism in the water (Matthew 4:1-2). However, during Israel’s time in the wilderness testing, the people continually grumbled and complained against the living God and turned toward disobedience and unfaithfulness (e.g., see Exodus 15:24; Exodus 16:2; Exodus 17:3; Numbers 14). Despite numerous proofs of God’s power and glory, the ancient Israelites rebelled, disobeyed, and did not trust God’s provision. Because of Israel’s disobedience and unfaithfulness, the Lord God was angry with that ancient Israelite generation, and they did not see God’s rest (see Psalm 95:7-11; 1 Corinthians 10:9).

Fortunately, Jesus succeeded where Israel of old failed. During the time of wilderness temptation and suffering, Jesus continually trusted in God and the leading of His Spirit, despite difficult circumstances. Jesus revealed He was the true Son of God who was faithful and obedient to God and His Word despite suffering and temptation (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10). When tempted by evil, Jesus responded with three quotations from Deuteronomy linking His experience to Israel’s experience in the desert (Matthew 4:4, 7; 10; Deuteronomy 6:13, 16; Deuteronomy 8:3). As Jesus revealed, if we will resist evil and temptation and continually trust and worship God, evil will always flee (Matthew 4:10; see also James 4:7-8). Jesus resisted evil by standing firm on God’s Word, setting an example for His followers (see also Ephesians 4:27; Ephesians 6:11; 1 Peter 5:6-9). Jesus learned that God would provide all He needed (Matthew 4:11).

Jesus’ temptation and suffering revealed His divinity and humanity (Matthew 4:2). In the wilderness, Jesus was tempted and suffered like all humans (Matthew 4:2), and He experienced the same weakness and fears as all humans (e.g., see Isaiah 53:3). However, Jesus never sinned against God (see Hebrews 4:15-16; Hebrews 7:26; 1 John 3:4-5). Thus, Jesus secured all humankind’s salvation and redemption by wholeheartedly obeying God. As the Representative for all who believe and trust in Him, Jesus fulfilled all righteousness on behalf of His people (Matthew 3:15; see also Romans 8:3-4; 1 Corinthians 1:30; 2 Corinthians 5:21). Jesus is our sinless Savior (1 Peter 2:22)! Because Jesus has suffered when tempted, He can help those who are being tempted to remain faithful to God (see Hebrews 2:18).

During Jesus’ earthly life and ministry, Jesus was empowered and guided by the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:16; Matthew 4:1; see also Isaiah 11:2; Isaiah 42:1; Luke 4:18; Acts 10:38). Followers of Jesus are also to be empowered and guided by the Holy Spirit (see e.g. James 1:2-5; Galatians 5:16-18, 22-23). Jesus defeated evil by using a weapon that everyone has at their disposal: “sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God” (Ephesians 6:17; see also Hebrews 4:12). God’s Word brings life, wisdom, and blessings (see e.g. Deuteronomy 4:5-6; Deuteronomy 30:19-20; Deuteronomy 32:46-47; Luke 11:28; 2 Timothy 3:15-16).

¹⁰ A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. ¹¹ Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. ¹² For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. ¹³ Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. ¹⁴ Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. ¹⁵ For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. ¹⁶ In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. ¹⁷ Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. ¹⁸ Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. Ephesians 6:10-18 (NLT)

References

New Student Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1992).

ESV Study Bible, English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008).

Zondervan NIV Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008).

Kingsbury, Jack. Matthew As Story (Philadelphia, PA: Fortress Press, 1988).

Ross, Mark E. Let’s Study Matthew (Carlisle, PA: The Banner of Truth Trust, 2009).