ACC ~ Matthew 4 v13

DO NOT LOOK FOR TEMPTATIONS

CHRYSOSTOM: Why did he withdraw? He was serving as a pattern for us in instructing us not to seek out temptation but to withdraw ourselves from its sphere of influence. It is not a matter of reproach that one does not intentionally put oneself in danger. Yet one must stand nobly when one inadvertently falls into danger. So, to teach us this and to soothe the ire of the Jewish leaders, [1] he withdrew to Capernaum, and in doing so he fulfilled the prophey of Isaiah. [2] THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 14.1. [3]

[1] For John had been arrested (Mt 4:12).

[2] Is 9:1-2. “So that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: ‘Land of Zebulum, land of Naphtali, on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light’” (Mt 4:14-16).

[3] PG 57:217; NPNF 1 10:86*. Why did Jesus withdraw from Galilee when he hears that John has been arrested? Temptation and danger are not to be sought but courageously withstood when they appear. They are neither to be recklessly embraced nor cravenly avoided.

Mt