Kingdom Living

Read: Matthew Chapter 4

“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.” (vs. 1)

At the end of Chapter 3 we see Jesus coming to John to be baptized, something He says is a fitting way for you and I to fulfill all righteousness.  (Pause to consider this if you have not yet been baptized.)  Immediately we see the Holy Spirit come and rest on Jesus, alighting on Him.  In Chapter 4, we see a sharp contrast between life in the kingdom of the world led by Satan (vs 8,9), and life in the kingdom of heaven led by the Spirit.  This contrast is illustrated by dwelling in darkness and seeing a great light (vs 16). Living in the kingdom of heaven is a life led by the indwelling Spirit (vs 1), sustained by the Word of God (vs. 4), filled with worship and service to God (vs 10), and marked by signs and wonders, or miracles (vs. 23).

Lord, I desire to experience Your kingdom.  Please be my Guide, I desire to follow You and to be Your disciple.  Please open my eyes to see the difference between the world’s way of life and Your way.  Give me discernment so I can obey You and You alone.

*This post is part of a month long devotional series on Matthew.  To start from the intro click here.  To go to the next post click here.