Then

Then

Definition: At that time; next; afterward.

Interesting word, then.  My middle grandson loves to tell stories.  And sometimes these stories can go on and on.  He will tell about an incident and begin the next incident by saying, “and then…”  These “and then’s” can go on forever.

The meaning of the word then is “at the time the things under consideration were taking place”.

The 4^th chapter of Matthew begins with the word under consideration.  The word, then, is found several times in this the chapter that we normally associate with Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness.  So what are the things under consideration at that time?

Before we continue our thoughts about this word, let us consider another word in order to make a point. The word “therefore” appears many times in Scripture.  This word draws a conclusion and thus when we see the word therefore, it should lead us to examine the previous text to see what the word therefore is “there for”.  In a similar way, the word “then” begs us to examine the previous thought or context.  In this way, we see the things under consideration.

Let us consider the lesson we can learn from the way chapter 4 of Matthew begins.  I don’t think there are unnecessary words in the Scripture, so this word is there for a reason.  The “then” at the beginning of chapter 4 is tied back to the closing verses of chapter 3.  This chapter ends with the baptism of Jesus in the river Jordan.

Matthew 3:16 When He had been baptized…

Matthew 4:1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit to be tempted by the devil…

If you mark in your Bibles I would encourage you to circle the words “when” and “then” and connect them.  There is a lesson for us here.

Note the order of events.  Immediately following Jesus’ baptism, “then” the temptations came.

When/then.

Often our greatest temptations or spiritual battles occur when we seemingly are on top of the world.  Consider Peter in Matthew 16.  Upon answering Jesus’ question in verse 16, Jesus gave Peter the highest of compliments when He said, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah…I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven…”

But note what happens immediately afterwards.  Verse 21 of most English texts reads “from that time” but the Greek word is the same as “then” found in Matthew 4:1.  So immediately following this great compliment from Jesus, note what happens.  Peter began to rebuke the LORD!  We go from one extreme to the other when we see Jesus call Peter Satan!

1 Corinthians 10:12 is applicable here.  Therefore let him who thinks he stands Take heed lest he fall.

So what is the lesson for us?

We must ever be vigilant with our walk.  Everyday.  All the time.  This is not too hard to do when we are in the valley.  When we are facing difficult circumstances we normally turn to the LORD.  But when we are riding high and things are going so well, do we look to Him for guidance?  Or are we more likely to forget our faith during these times?  But let us realize “when” we are blessed and on the mountain top, “then” we are even more subject to Satan’s temptations.

When Jesus was baptized, then He was led away to be tempted.  When Peter was praised, then he succumbed to pride.  Why should it be any different for me?

Lord, help me to overcome life’s temptations when they come.