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"Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit..."

Text: Matthew 4:1

THE ACTUAL MINISTRY OF THE SPIRIT OF GOD

The role of the Holy Spirit was established in the prophetic Scriptures. He would anoint the Lord Jesus Christ as the Messiah! He would empower Him for life and ministry. His empowering would be absolutely necessary.

The actual ministry of the Holy Spirit when the Lord Jesus was baptized was described in different ways by the synoptic Gospel writers.

“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness…”
Matthew 4:1

“Immediately the Spirit drove Him into the wilderness.”
Mark 1:12

“Then Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit,
returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness.”
Luke 4:1

1. Slightly different perspectives

a) Each of the Gospel writers shared a slightly different perspective.

b) This must not be seen as mistakes.

c) Each perspective has its own contribution to make.

2. “Led by the Spirit” Matthew 4:1; Luke 4:1

a) Both Matthew and Luke used the same word to describe the leading of the Spirit of God.

b) This is an essential role of the Holy Spirit.

i) He does the leading.

ii) We read this in Romans 8:14.

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God.”

3. “The Spirit drove Him…” Mark 1:12

a) Mark used a more forceful word.

b) The word “drove” may be translated “thrust”.

c) The Spirit of God led very strongly in the life of the Lord Jesus Christ.

4. “Filled with the Holy Spirit” Luke 4:1

a) This is an important contribution to this narrative.

b) It may be taken for granted that Jesus would be filled with the Holy Spirit.

i) After all, God spoke from heaven to declare His delight in His Beloved Son.

ii) The Holy Spirit descended on Him as a dove and rested on Him.

c) Luke felt that it was important to note that after this experience Jesus was filled with the Spirit.

d) It is in the light of this filling that Jesus was led into the wilderness.