But [Jesus] 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
In the face of temptation by the devil to use his divine power to satisfy his physical hunger, Jesus responds with this quotation from Deuteronomy 8:3. In the original context, Moses was explaining to the people of Israel that God let them hunger in the desert before providing daily manna for them. This was to teach them that they needed to learn to depend on God for his daily provision. Jesus is affirming his confidence in his father, and his commitment to obeying him.
God knows that we need physical food, and we are to ask him and thank him for our ‘daily bread’. But physical food alone cannot give us real life. Real life comes from hearing, reading, understanding and obeying the word of God.
“Let the word of God dwell in you richly.” Colosians 3:16
We need to dwell in Him. That means a continual, deliberate choosing. Are you getting your spiritual food today or are you malnourished? He delights to feed you!
Come, all you who are thirsty,
come to the waters;
and you who have no money,
come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
without money and without cost.
Why spend money on what is not bread,
and your labour on what does not satisfy?
Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good,
and you will delight in the richest of fare.
Give ear and come to me;
listen, that you may live.
I will make an everlasting covenant with you,
my faithful love promised to David.Isaiah 55:1-3
Salt and Light 