Not by bread alone
Today's focusAfter fasting forty days, Jesus is tempted by the devil and answers each temptation with God's word: we do not live by bread alone, but by every word from God.
Read
1Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. 2And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. 3And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. 4But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. 5Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, 6And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. 7Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. 8Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; 9And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. 10Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. 11Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.
Reflection
After Jesus had fasted for forty days and nights, the passage tells us "he was afterward an hungred." It is in this moment of physical weakness and intense hunger that the tempter approaches Him with a challenge to turn stones into bread. You may find that your own moments of physical or emotional need are when temptations feel most pressing. Yet, Jesus does not rely on His own power to satisfy His hunger. Instead, He points to a deeper source of life, answering that "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God."
Each time the devil tries to lead Him astray, Jesus answers with the truth of what "is written." Whether He is offered bread, protection, or the kingdoms of the world, He remains grounded in God’s word. This reminds you that your strength does not come from your own belly or your own resources, but from serving and worshipping "the Lord thy God" alone. As you walk through your own wilderness, you can trust that God’s word sustains you when you are empty, providing exactly what you need to stand firm.
AI-written reflection on the passage above. Let Scripture itself be the main thing.
Reflect
Which temptation is strongest for you when you are hungry or weak, and what word of God could you hold on to?
Pray
Lord Jesus, you were tempted and you stood firm on God's word. When I am weak and hungry, feed me with your word. Help me worship and serve God alone.