Journey Through the Desertናሙና

Not Just Bread Alone

“man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.”

Jesus did not try to reason with the tempter, and He didn’t beat around the bush. His response points us once more to the life-giving Word of God. Jesus was not about to take a shortcut. He lived not to satisfy His flesh but to do the will of the Father.

His response teaches us that it is the Word of God that we ought to live by, not just bread, that satisfies our physical hunger.

In the Gospel of John, we see Jesus’ response to His disciples as they urged Him to eat. They were more concerned about getting Him to eat than the most important matter on hand, the salvation of many from Samaria.

“Meanwhile, his disciples urged him, “Rabbi, eat something.” But he said to them, “I have food to eat that you know nothing about.” Then His disciples said to each other, “Could someone have brought him food?” “My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.” (emphasis mine)

Are we tempted to turn rocks into temporary bread in our moment of hunger rather than rely on the Word that genuinely satisfies us? Do we deviate from doing the will of the Father to meet our needs first?

I remember the emphasis placed on memory verses in Sunday School when we grew up. Up to this day, I still remember some of them. It doesn’t seem like there is much focus on memorizing Scripture now as adults; we are not as intentional and eager about “hiding the Word in our heart.” This, I would say, puts us at a disadvantage.

How did Jesus respond? He answers with, “It is written.” He goes to the Scriptures to respond to the tempter.

Reflection:

Is the Word your first line of defense? How can you apply this verse? “man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.”

What are some ways to start being more intentional in meditating on and memorizing the Word?

Tip:

Read and Meditate

Write It Down

Recall or Recite

Scripture: