Matthew 4 — Standing on the Word and Following Jesus
Bible Study Recap | King James Bible
Summary / Key Takeaway
This week’s Bible study in Matthew 4 (KJV) followed the beginning of Jesus Christ’s public ministry. We saw Jesus overcome temptation by standing firmly on the written Word of God, begin preaching the kingdom of heaven, call His first disciples, and bring light and healing to all who came to Him. The chapter moves as one clear story: the tested Son of God steps forward as the proclaiming King.
1. Jesus Led by the Spirit and Tempted in the Wilderness
(Matthew 4:1–11)
Matthew opens with a serious statement:
“Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.” (Matthew 4:1, KJV)
We noted that Jesus was led by the Spirit, not pushed there by accident. The temptation happens within God’s purpose.
After fasting forty days and forty nights, Jesus becomes hungry:
“And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.” (Matthew 4:2, KJV)
The first temptation comes at a real point of need:
“If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.” (Matthew 4:3, KJV)
Jesus answers with Scripture:
“It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4, KJV)
This echoes Deuteronomy 8:3 and teaches that real life is sustained by God’s Word, not just physical provision.
2. “It Is Written” — Scripture Answered with Scripture
(Matthew 4:5–7)
In the second temptation, the devil quotes Scripture from Psalm 91:11–12, but leaves out an important phrase: “to keep thee in all thy ways.” Scripture is quoted, but misused.
Jesus responds again:
“It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.” (Matthew 4:7, KJV)
This comes from Deuteronomy 6:16, which points back to Exodus 17:1–7, where Israel tempted the LORD at Massah by demanding proof that He was among them.
A key emphasis in the study was this:
Jesus does not argue. He does not explain Himself. He simply says, “It is written.”
God’s Word is final.
3. Worship and Allegiance Tested
(Matthew 4:8–11)
The final temptation is about worship:
“All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.” (Matthew 4:9, KJV)
Jesus answers clearly:
“Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” (Matthew 4:10, KJV)
This comes from Deuteronomy 6:13.
Once again, Jesus stands on Scripture. Only after this does the devil leave, and angels come and minister to Him.
One of the strongest takeaways from the chapter is this repeated phrase:
“It is written.”
Jesus shows us that victory over temptation comes through trusting and speaking God’s Word.
4. Light Shines in Galilee
(Matthew 4:12–17)
After John the Baptist is imprisoned, Jesus begins His public ministry in Galilee. Matthew tells us this fulfills prophecy:
“The people which sat in darkness saw great light.” (Matthew 4:16, KJV)
This connects directly to Isaiah 9:1–2, and the study also noted how this theme of light spreading to the Gentiles fits with Isaiah 60, where God’s light rises and draws the nations.
Then Jesus begins to preach:
“Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 4:17, KJV)
Repentance here was understood as a turning that leads to fruit, and the kingdom is proclaimed as near and present.
5. The Immediate Call of the Disciples
(Matthew 4:18–22)
Jesus calls Peter, Andrew, James, and John:
“Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matthew 4:19, KJV)
What stood out in the study was how they responded:
“And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.” (Matthew 4:20, KJV)
There is no delay, no negotiation, no hesitation. They leave their work, their boats, and even family. Their immediate obedience highlights the authority of Jesus’ call and sets a pattern for discipleship.
6. Teaching, Preaching, and Healing All Who Came
(Matthew 4:23–25)
The chapter closes with a summary of Jesus’ ministry:
“Teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.” (Matthew 4:23, KJV)
The study emphasized the completeness of this ministry:
He taught truth
He preached the kingdom
He healed sickness and disease
Matthew repeatedly says that people brought the sick to Him—and He healed them. No exceptions are listed. All who came were healed.
How This Grows Our Belief, Faith, and Walk
How does this help our belief?
Matthew 4 shows us who Jesus is. He trusts Scripture fully. Seeing Him say “It is written” strengthens our confidence that God’s Word is enough.
How does this help us grow in faith?
Jesus faces hunger, pressure, and temptation, yet relies completely on God’s Word. Faith grows as we learn to answer life the same way—by trusting what God has already spoken.
How does this help us walk away looking more like Jesus?
This chapter gives us a clear pattern:
Live by God’s Word
Answer temptation with Scripture
Worship and serve God alone
Respond quickly when Jesus calls
Pray and act with faith, believing God still heals and restores
Seeing Jesus heal all who came to Him encourages us to pray with faith today, trusting God’s power and compassion. Matthew 4 invites us not only to believe in Jesus—but to follow Him, trust His Word, and walk in faith like He did.