Friday, April 18 – Luke 3, Matthew 4 – Additional Reading: The Desire of Ages, Chapters 10 and 12

1. Which prophet, and with what words, announced the forerunner ministry of John the Baptist? (Luke 3:4–6)

2. How would John’s baptism differ from Jesus’ baptism? (Luke 3:15–16)

3. How was Eve’s response to Satan different from Jesus’? (Matthew 4:3–10)

The Old Testament’s long journey has ended, and we now arrive at the oasis of the New Testament. Here, we will see the fulfillment of all that was revealed to the prophets, historians, sages, and poets, writings that lead toward the climax of that wonderful promise given in Genesis 3:15.

It has always been a deeply enriching experience for me to enter the New Testament through the doorway of the four Gospels, four portraits of the person of the Messiah and Savior. Among the synoptic Gospels, Matthew and Luke follow a progressive sequence in their narration of Jesus’s life and ministry. Today, we focus on Luke 3 and Matthew 4.

Luke, the evangelist, gives us detailed insight into the ministry of John the Baptist, the forerunner of the Messiah. Isaiah had already prophesied the arrival of this “voice crying in the wilderness,” preparing the way of the Lord (Isaiah 40:3–5). As a thorough researcher, Luke presents compelling details about John’s message and preaching style. He also names the political and religious leaders of Israel at that time. It was the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius, and four tetrarchs ruled the region of Palestine. A tetrarch was a governor over one of the Roman provinces. Herod, the tetrarch of Galilee, and Philip, his brother, the tetrarch of Iturea, would play tragic roles in John’s life.

John’s message was bold and uncompromising. Without sugar-coating the truth, he began by preaching the baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Imagine a preacher addressing his audience with these words: “Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?” (Luke 3:7). While some may have been offended, others stayed to listen.

John warned that the axe was already laid to the root of the trees and that only those who bore fruits worthy of repentance would be spared. He reminded them that being descendants of Abraham did not make them children of God by default. Even Gentiles, represented by “stones,” could be raised as children of Abraham.

Luke emphasizes that the gospel is also for the marginalized, women, children, tax collectors, lepers, and foreigners. When people asked John, “What shall we do then?” (Luke 3:10), he told tax collectors to act justly and soldiers not to extort or abuse their power.

Ellen G. White writes: “All who became the subjects of Christ’s kingdom, he said, would give evidence of faith and repentance… In the daily life, justice, mercy, and the love of God will be seen. Otherwise they are like the chaff that is given to the fire.” DA 107

John made it clear that he was not the Messiah. His water baptism was symbolic; someone more powerful would come to baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. When he publicly denounced Herod’s adultery, he was unjustly imprisoned.

Luke also presents Jesus’ genealogy from Joseph to Adam, showing that Jesus is the Savior of all humanity, not just the Jews.

Matthew 4 tells us that after His baptism, Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. Although God tempts no one (James 1:13), Jesus was led into a divine encounter where He would face temptation. As Ellen White explains: “He did not invite temptation. He went to the wilderness to be alone, to contemplate His mission and work.” (DA 114)

After forty days of fasting, Satan appeared disguised as an angel, seeking to sow doubt: “If You are the Son of God…” (Matthew 4:3). But Jesus, strengthened through prayer, responded with the Word of God. He did not argue, unlike Eve in Eden. In the second temptation, Satan twisted the Scripture (Psalm 91), omitting key parts. Jesus discerned the deceit. In the third temptation, Satan offered all the kingdoms of the world, an offer Jesus firmly rejected, reaffirming that only God is worthy of worship.

After these temptations, “angels came and ministered to Him” (Matthew 4:11). That same promise is for us in our moments of trial.
Ellen White offers this counsel: “If we would meet him as Jesus did, we should escape many a defeat. By parleying with the enemy, we give him an advantage.” (DA 121).

Following this experience, Jesus began His public ministry in Galilee. His message: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17). He called His first disciples and dedicated Himself to teaching, preaching, and healing (Matthew 4:23).

Jesus is our perfect example of overcoming temptation, trusting in the Spirit’s power, and fulfilling our divine mission. Let us follow His model of life.

May God bless you abundantly.