Ultimately, Jesus’ triumph over temptation and the Israelites, (the Israelites are also known as God’s chosen people) repeated failures highlight the importance of trust, faithfulness, and reliance on God’s Word.

Once John the Baptist, the fearless messenger who had fervently proclaimed the arrival of the new covenant with mankind, was unjustly arrested, a profound shift occurred, which served as a signal for Jesus to start his ministry.

When Jesus embarked on his divine mission, he sought out disciples to impart his teachings, reveal his identity, and prepare them to lead the church in his absence. Moreover, he desired these chosen few to bear witness to the extraordinary events of his ministry and the miraculous resurrection that would follow.

In the concluding moments of chapter 4, Jesus' ministry surged with unwavering strength. He fervently preached the gospel, emphasizing the profound truth that humanity was designed to exist in a profound relationship with the divine. Jesus urged us to firmly believe in his purposeful sacrifice, wherein he willingly laid down his life to restore the connection between mankind and God. This act of redemption, symbolized by the shedding of Jesus’s blood, mirrored the ancient practice of using animal blood in the Old Testament to seek forgiveness for transgressions. Through this sacrificial act, our sins were forgiven and our peace and harmony were restored with God.

Furthermore, Jesus enlightened us about the gift of free will bestowed upon us by God. This divine covenant offered us the choice to embrace it, enabling us to escape the clutches of evil and get eternal life.

Jesus’s teachings resonate with profound wisdom, as he not only preached but also embarked on a remarkable journey of healing. He fearlessly confronted diseases, expelled demons, and alleviated the suffering of those afflicted with various ailments.

In essence, Jesus’s ministry reached its highest point at the end of chapter 4. His message of divine connection, sacrificial redemption, and the power of choice reverberated through the hearts of all who encountered him. Moreover, his miraculous healings served as a testament to his unwavering compassion and ability to alleviate the burdens of human suffering.

Mia immerses herself in the New Testament, delving into the Gospel of Matthew, specifically Chapter 3, as translated in the New Living Translation (NLT) Bible. Within this chapter, she discovers a profound lesson: God, in His divine wisdom, dispatches a messenger named John the Baptist, akin to the prophets of the Old Testament, to pave the way for the arrival of the Messiah, Jesus, who brings forth a new covenant. However, this time, God’s envoy emphasizes the importance of repentance (the changing of one’s mind) and baptism for all individuals. Through baptism, one's spirit is revitalized, as our current spirit is surrounded by sin and disconnected from God and Jesus. The Holy Spirit, like a special agent, is bestowed upon those who embrace baptism, enabling them to comprehend and embrace the Word of God as the ultimate truth, avoiding the folly of mythological gods. Moreover, the Holy Spirit leaves an indelible mark upon one’s spirit, serving as a testament to their unwavering belief in the Messiah, Jesus. Whether in life or death, believers will ascend to the heavens during the divine event known as the rapture, where they will be transported to the Kingdom of Heaven. This mark of the Holy Spirit acts as a beacon, guiding God’s angels to identify and gather those destined for the Kingdom of Heaven during this extraordinary occurrence of the rapture.

In the depths of her cozy reading nook, Mia delves into the sacred pages of the New Testament. With utmost reverence, she enlightens herself in the Gospel According to Matthew, Chapter 2, as translated in the New Living Translation (NLT). Within these verses, a profound lesson unfolds, revealing the unwavering protection of God over the infant Jesus. Amidst the treacherous intentions of the malevolent King Herod, who seeks to extinguish the life of the Messiah, the divine shield of God shields the precious baby Jesus from harm.