For Us Fights the Valiant One

Rev. Dr. Adam Filipek, pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church and Immanuel Lutheran Church in Lidgerwood, ND, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 4:1-11. Heaven had been opened to Jesus at His Baptism; now, in His temptation, hell opens against Jesus to attack Him. Through it all, Jesus shows Himself to be the faithful Son of God where Israel had failed. Jesus did not fall for the competing word that Satan offered against the Father’s declaration at Jesus’ Baptism. Where Israel grumbled at a lack of food in the wilderness, Jesus trusted His Father’s Word for life. Jesus did not listen to the devil’s twisting of God’s Word; He did not put His Father to the test as Israel had so often. Jesus would not forsake the way of the cross for an easier road; He would win the kingdom through His suffering, death, and resurrection. From this text, we see Jesus first and foremost as our Substitute. Where we have fallen into idolatry and sin, Jesus has lived in perfect trust and obedience, and He has given us His perfect righteousness in Baptism. In that gift, Jesus’ steadfast reliance on the Word of God serves as our example in temptation as well. Through every lie of the devil, we cling to God’s true promises made to us in Baptism. “All Righteousness Fulfilled” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that digs into the Gospel according to St. Matthew. The first evangelist proclaims Jesus to Jews and Gentiles alike as the fulfillment of God’s saving words and acts throughout the Old Testament. As the Christ in the line of David and Abraham, Jesus is the promised King who comes to bring sinners from every nation to live under His gracious reign.