Lutheran Lens Commentary: Matthew 4:1-11

## Lutheran Lens Reading of Matthew 4:1-11

### Tradition-Specific Interpretation

We read Matthew 4:1-11 through the lens of Law and Gospel, viewing Jesus' temptation as both the Law exposing the reality of human sin and weakness, and the Gospel revealing Christ's victory over these very temptations on our behalf. This passage is not merely an example of moral fortitude but a revelation of Christ's substitutionary triumph over the devil, which He credits to us by grace. Jesus stands in the wilderness as the New Adam, succeeding where the old Adam failed, and His victory is imputed to us through faith alone.

### Key Language Decisions