Matthew’s account of the Gospel reminds us that Satan is a real person with a real kingdom. He has far less power than Jesus. But Satan uses his limited power to enhance his main tools— tricks and lies that play on human desires. Satan is not named but is clearly evident shortly after the birth of Jesus in the horrible massacre of baby boys (Matthew 2:16). Then, in Matthew 4, Satan comes into full view for direct attacks against Jesus in the desert. Jesus uses the truth of the Scriptures to defeat Satan’s lies (Matthew 4:1-11). When Jesus begins His public work, it is characterized by two main parts: the message (preached and taught), and the proof (by healings and miracles).
[Jesus] went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the Gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people. So His fame spread throughout all Syria, and they brought Him all the sick, those afflicted with various diseases and pains, those oppressed by demons, epileptics, and paralytics, and He healed them (Matthew 4:23-24).