Matthew 4:2

Matthew 4:2 is a verse from the Gospel of Matthew in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. This verse is part of the narrative of Jesus' temptation by Satan in the wilderness. The verse specifically states, "After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry."

Context

The context of Matthew 4:2 is the early ministry of Jesus, immediately following his baptism by John the Baptist. After his baptism, the Holy Spirit leads Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. The forty days and nights of fasting echo the forty years that the Israelites spent wandering in the desert, as well as the forty days Moses spent on Mount Sinai receiving the Ten Commandments. This period of fasting and temptation is seen as a test of Jesus' faithfulness and commitment to his mission.

Interpretation

Matthew 4:2 is often interpreted as highlighting the human aspect of Jesus, showing that he experienced hunger and, by extension, other human conditions. Yet, despite his physical hunger, Jesus remains spiritually steadfast, refusing to give in to Satan's temptations. This verse sets the stage for the subsequent verses (Matthew 4:3-11), where Satan tempts Jesus three times, and Jesus rebuffs each temptation with scripture.

The fasting of Jesus is also seen as a model for Christian spiritual discipline. It emphasizes the importance of fasting, prayer, and reliance on God's word in overcoming temptation and growing in faith.

Theological Significance

Theologically, Matthew 4:2 and the surrounding temptation narrative serve multiple purposes. They affirm Jesus' identity as the Son of God, who, unlike Adam or the Israelites, does not succumb to temptation. This passage also introduces key themes of Matthew's Gospel, such as Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and the importance of obedience to God's will.

See Also

• Gospel of Matthew
• Temptation of Christ
• Fasting in Christianity
• Baptism of Jesus
• Holy Spirit