Not on bread alone

Not on bread alone

Scripture:

The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”

Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:3-4

Observation: After 40 days fasting in the desert, Jesus was hungry, and in that weakened state, was in the most susceptible situation to fall into temptation. Precisely at that point, the tempter took the opportunity to tempt Jesus, to make use of His divine power to satisfy his immediate, pressing physical hunger. Why was it wrong for Jesus to make use of His power in that way? The fact that the devil asked that way showed that Jesus indeed could have easily done the miracle of turning the stone to bread. Nevertheless, Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit, and at that point in time, God had not given Jesus the green light to break His fast. Jesus’ answer showed us His conviction, that He would not break fast until God led Him to do so.

There are three main lessons we can learn here. Firstly, temptation may well strike us at our weakest moment, but there is still no excuse to fall into it. Our Lord was tempted when He was at His hungriest, yet He overcame, and so too we need to do the same.

Secondly, the Lord overcame by leaning on God’s Word. Jesus had the Word of God so ingrained in His heart that He knew the exact Word needed for that situation. God’s Word has great power to help us overcome temptation, but it is for us to be well grounded in God’s Word.

Thirdly, obeying God is more important than even our physical needs, no matter how dire they may be. Jesus came to the critical point where He had to choose who was master – God or His body. Later, in his writings, Paul speaks of those whose gods are their stomachs. God is to be first in everything, even over our physical body.

Application: Recognize that temptation may hit us even at our lowest moment, but there is no excuse. Still, we need to be humble and stay close to the Lord, aware that temptation can come at any time and in any form. Give more priority towards reading and memorizing Scripture, for in letting Scripture dwell deeply in our heart builds up our defense against temptation. Recognize that our bodies are living sacrifices to God, that we need to give Him precedence even over our physical desires sometimes.    

Prayer: Father God, blessed be Your name. You reign supreme in Heaven, Your faithfulness reaches across the skies. Have mercy on me, I pray, dear Lord. Lead me away from temptation, and give me strength and wisdom and courage when I have no choice but to face temptation. Give me a new desire O Lord to love Your Word, and to keep it deep in my heart. Let my heart realize O Lord, that You are God and first over all things even over my bodily desires. Sustain me O Lord, and help me walk in Your ways always. In Jesus name, Amen.

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