by Dr. Al Hearne II

This eighth shore excursion is the fourth in a series of four devotions aimed at understanding the foundation of Scripture to fully accept God's truth.

 

Shore Excursion 8 - Does Man Live by Bread Alone?

 

Matthew 4:4, "But he answered, 'It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"

Matthew 4:4 is part of the account of Jesus' temptation in the wilderness, where Satan attempts to lure Jesus away from His divine mission. Only after fasting for forty days and forty nights did Jesus face three temptations from Satan: to turn stones into bread to satisfy His hunger, to throw himself off the temple, and to call upon Angels to protect him, and finally to worship Satan in exchange for all the kingdoms of the world. With each temptation, Jesus resisted Satan by quoting Scripture and remaining faithful to God's will.

In Matthew 4:4, Jesus responds by quoting Deuteronomy 8:3, reminding Satan that physical sustenance is insufficient for true life, which only comes from God's Word. This verse reflects a profound truth about the nature of human existence: while food sustains our bodies, God's Word sustains our souls. Jesus' refusal to turn stones into bread emphasizes the priority of spiritual nourishment over physical needs. Just as God provided manna in the wilderness to teach the Israelites to depend on Him in Deuteronomy, Jesus is saying that we must rely on God's Word for our daily sustenance.

The phrase "every word that comes from the mouth of God" shows that Scripture is not just an addition to life but the very essence of life itself. It is by God's Word that we understand our purpose, find wisdom, and live in accordance with His will. Jesus' reply to Satan sets the tone for how we, too, should respond to the temptations and challenges of life, not by focusing on temporary, physical needs but by grounding our lives in the eternal truths of God's Word.

 

What does this mean for us today?

In our fast-paced, material-focused world, it is easy to prioritize physical needs and desires over spiritual nourishment. However, Jesus' words in Matthew 4:4 remind us that true life is found not in what we consume or achieve but in the very words of God. Scripture is essential for our growth, guidance, and spiritual health. We cannot thrive spiritually by simply satisfying our physical needs. We must feast on God's Word daily, allowing it to penetrate our hearts and guide our decisions.

Practically, this means making time to read, study, and reflect on Scripture, even when our daily circumstances are pressing. Just as we don't neglect feeding our bodies, we should not neglect feeding our souls. God's Word is a source of strength in times of difficulty, wisdom in times of confusion, and guidance in times of uncertainty. To live by "every word that comes from the mouth of God" is to let Scripture shape our lives, sustain our spirits, and guide us toward eternal life.

 

Reflective Practice

How does Jesus' response to Satan in the wilderness challenge you to prioritize spiritual nourishment over physical needs?

How can you cultivate a habit of relying on God's Word for daily sustenance in your life?

Are there any specific areas where you tend to focus more on physical needs than spiritual growth? How can you adjust to bring balance?

 

Concluding Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word, which provides true life and sustains us in all circumstances. Help us to prioritize your Word above our physical needs, recognizing that man does not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from your mouth. Guide us to seek your truth daily, to rely on your wisdom, and to find strength in your eternal Word. In Jesus' name, Amen.

[image, Every Word, was created by DALL·E.]