Matthew 4 begins with Jesus being led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting for 40 days and nights, Jesus faces three temptations from Satan. The devil tempts Jesus to turn stones into bread, to jump from the pinnacle of the temple to test God’s protection, and to worship him in exchange for all the kingdoms of the world. Each time, Jesus resists the temptations by quoting Scripture, demonstrating his unwavering faith in God.
Following the temptations, Jesus begins his ministry in Galilee. He hears that John the Baptist has been arrested and withdraws to Capernaum, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah by dwelling in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali. From there, Jesus begins preaching and calling people to repentance, declaring that the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Jesus then calls his first disciples, Simon Peter and Andrew, who were fishermen. He promises to make them fishers of men. He also calls James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who immediately leave their fishing nets and follow him.
As Jesus travels throughout Galilee, he teaches in the synagogues, proclaims the gospel of the kingdom, and heals various diseases and afflictions among the people. News of his ministry spreads, and great multitudes from Galilee, Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond the Jordan follow him.