In the opening chapters of Matthew there are a list of names that explain to us Jesus’ genealogical background and how He is the rightful heir of the throne of David, Jesus is born, and some time later there are wise men who visit, and Mary and Joseph are warned of Herod’s evil plan and they escape to Egypt. We then see the forerunner of Jesus, John the Baptist, who baptizes Jesus in chapter 3. The Father speaks from heaven, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

All of these events prepare the reader for Jesus to begin His public ministry. But the question is, “How would He do this?” All Christians are called to ministry. We are to serve the world around us, share the gospel, teach the truth of Scripture, and use the gifts that God has given us for His glory. But how do we do this? This is what Jesus shows us as He endures a time of temptation, and this is what we will look at today.