Our scripture this week is Matthew 4:1-11.
The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
Matthew 4:3-4
The devil uses Jesus’ present situation (hunger after a forty day fast) to tempt Him. Satan often does the same to us, using our current trouble to lead us astray. We forget that most often our difficulties are temporary and turning to God for help and comfort first is always the best solution.
Not only is Satan tempting Jesus about His hunger, he is questioning His status as the Son of God. The devil is very good at these things. Like a playground bully, he goads us into action we know is wrong. Jesus knows that using His power to turn stones to bread to prove Himself is not what God intended, and He uses scripture (Deuteronomy 8:3) to rebuke the devil’s challenge.
We can have the same strength and confidence in God’s word to protect us from the temptations we face, knowing we do “not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of God”. We can endure the trials of the world because we know the Lord is with us.
Loving Lord, we know You want only good for Your children, but that we must sometimes endure hard times because of the sin of the world. Help us to be strong in the face of adversity, fighting temptation with Your true word. Amen.