…And the tempter came and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.”   But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘MAN SHALL NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE, BUT ON EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDS OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD.'” 

Matthew 4:3-5

Notes:

As Satan was tempting Jesus, it remained evident that the 40 day trial in the wilderness was related to the 40 year trial in the wilderness of the Israelites, 1000’s of years before. In fact, every time Jesus used scripture against satan, He quoted directly from the scrolls that were written concerning this testing period of the Israelites.  It was satan who used scripture out of context, quoting from the book of Psalms, having nothing to do with the 40 year trial whatsoever (this should teach us about the importance of using context for interpretation!). 

Furthermore, during this time, the Israelites received what was called ‘manna’ from heaven for food every day. The scripture says it was like coriander seed, white, and its taste was like wafers with honey.  When the dew fell on the camp at night, the manna would fall with it.  The people were instructed to eat of it only that day, and not store up any for the future. This is reflected also in the sermon on the mount when Jesus gave us the model prayer, “give us this day our DAILY BREAD…”. 

The Lord explained later that He himself was the true, imperishable Manna sent from heaven.  As He is the Word made flesh, it stands that mankind was never meant to be sustained on natural bread alone, but on Christ, the Son of the living God.  In conclusion, each day we must ‘partake’ and be sustained by Him and His grace in order to be strong and live spiritually.  We should be hearing from God daily concerning His direction for our lives and the work He has for us to do in His Kingdom.    

Willing to Take the Challenge?

Do you make an effort to hear from God each day, and to spend time in His presence?  Are you malnourished by living on bread alone?  I encourage you to make the decision for you and your family to devote time together in prayer and in His Word. As you do, you will discover what true life is all about.