Lesson Four (Chapter 4)
G-d's Way
And it shall be with him [the king], and he shall read it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the HaShem his G-d and be careful to observe all the words of this Torah and these statutes, that his heart may not be lifted above his brethren, that he may not turn aside from the commandment to the right hand or to the left, and that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he and his children in the midst of Israel.
Deuteronomy 17:19-20
Introduction
- In the last lesson we saw how the Kingdom message was introduced by John the Baptizer. We saw that the message was a message of returning to G-d’s ways, signified by a “change of status immersion” - because the King was here.
- We saw how the people left the Land – and symbolized their turning around (repent) and want back through the Jordan through immersion – and acting out what had happened to them: namely, returning to G-d’s Promises, and determined to live by His standard.
- We saw that Yeshua even acted this out – a purposeful a dedication to G-d ways – and a change of status: He was now ready to fulfill His mission on earth.
G-d’s Way, not the Highway
- Matt 4:1-2: After 40 days of fasting, Moses received Torah – after Yeshua's 40 days of fasting, the Enemy tempts Yeshua to break the commandments.
- 4:1-11: Each of the temptations is a “shortcut” to the Messianic mission – but they were not G-d’s way. The “ends” do not “justify the means” – there is “no way” except “G-d’s way”.
- 4:3-4: Bread from stones. Numerous extant sources compare Messiah to Moses. Miraculous bread is a Messianic declaration.
- Deut 8:1-3: Yeshua's response is from those very Scriptures – answering the Messianic claim, with their true meaning: “bread” was pointing to what came from the Almighty Himself – His commands. The “miracle of bread” G-d’s way, would be a life of obedience to G-d’s commands.
- Matt 4:5-7: The Tempter uses Ps 91:11-12 in an incorrect way (i.e. out of context, to cause doubt, or disobedience). Standing on the roof of the Temple (and performing a miraculous sign) was a Messianic understanding of the day – a shortcut to recognition.
- Deut 6:16-17; Ex 17:5-7: Yeshua's answer comes from Scripture. Again, obedience to G-d’s commands was the true Messianic sign. The question of unbelief (“is HaShem among us or not?) reveals Yeshua's answer: King Messiah, Immanuel was here – and no such sign was needed.
- Matt 4:8-10: The Enemy offered a shortcut to “coronation” – all Israel knew that Messiah was to rule all the world.
- Deut 6:13-14: Yeshua answers from Torah: from the chapter of “the Sh’ma”. The kingdoms of the world would indeed be His – because He was Messiah – and the proof of it was that He would obey all that had come from G-d’s mouth.
The King’s Good News Message
- Matt 4:17: The King’s message was the same as the one who prepared the way: “Repent, the Kingdom of G-d is at hand!” – in other words, “Return to G-d’s ways – the King is here!”.
- 4:23-24: Wasting no time, Yeshua immediately begins preaching this message in the synagogues and healing. The Messianic signs of “explaining Torah” and “healing” were always a part of the mission of Yeshua – the “good news” – the “Gospel” was the purpose for the next 3 years – NOT the outright revealing of His Messianic identity.
The King’s Talmidim
- Matt 4:18-22: Yeshua uses the common method for transmitting truth multi-generationally – talmidim [disciples]. Talmidim (talmid is singular) comes from the Hebrew lamad – “to guide as with a shepherd’s staff.”
- Talmidim were similar to children – to transmit truth to the next generation (Deut 11:19).
- HaShem’s words were always to be taught and lived – and extended to multiple generations. Thus an obedient teacher extended his obedience beyond his lifetime.
- Yeshua's choosing of talmidim was about preparing for the future – to pass truth to subsequent generations.
Summary
- Yeshua proved His Messiahship not by the miraculous signs the Tempter suggested – but rather by His obedience. His message (return to G-d’s ways) was consistent with His life.
- Yeshua has “passed” the first test for Messiah (Deut 13:1-4; 18:18) – He was perfectly obedient – and now He has begun choosing His talmidim. Soon, we will hear Him explain Torah. It is all going according to plan…