Word.

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 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 does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.' Matthew 4:1-4

This scripture is simple right? Obviously, if we meditate on God’s word, God will satisfy our hunger. It’s a metaphor, right? Because it’s a metaphor we can’t take it literally. I mean we still have bills to pay, children to feed, mortgages to pay all while trying to maintain relationships, go to church, and actively participate in our ministry to the kids. We don’t have time to sift through the philosophy and the allegory in the Bible. Why can’t the Bible just give us the straight truth? Before we dismiss this passage as a metaphor, let’s break it down.

So Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted. This is before Jesus starts His ministry. This is after His baptism, but before choosing the 12 disciples. Jesus’ ministry could be derailed before it begins. Then he fasted for 40 days and nights. Which made Him hungry (duh?). So far, the Bible is very literal and very factual…no metaphors yet.

Then Satan came to Jesus and tempted him with what His body craved: food. Satan challenges His status as the Son of God (which was confirmed in His baptism “This is my Son…Matthew 3:17), challenged His power over the earth, and tempted Him.

Then Jesus responds with a metaphor…right? Wrong. This portion is literal as well. Jesus is quoting a verse from the Old Testament in the book of Deuteronomy chapter 8 verse 3. The Israelites are about to enter the Promised Land and God is reminding of His commands that He done for them.

Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD. Your clothes did not wear out and your feet did not swell during these forty years. Deuteronomy 8:2-4

God provided manna when the Israelites needed food. Manna literally means, “What is it?” Manna was provided every morning. They were told not to store it or it would spoil and maggots would consume it. Before the Sabbath though, manna would change its consistency and would last for 2 days. God provided food even when there was no food available.

That’s what Jesus is saying. He’s not saying that if we fill our spiritual hunger we will forget about our physical hunger. His message is simple, if we rely on God, He will take care of our needs. Our God is so powerful, that with a word from His mouth, our hunger can be satisfied. Even in our own personal deserts, when we don’t see a solution around, He can fill our needs.


The difference between the Bible and any other book is that it is willing to be put to the test. Challenge it. Read through it. Take it serious! This is the word of God to humanity. It’s a story of His love for us. It’s the same love that you show to the kids you minister to every week. Words cannot express how fortunate we feel that we get to share life experiences with you. We are blessed to have you and look forward to all the experiences that are to come in the ministry God has entrusted us all with. Thank you for all that you do.




Announcements

Be sure to check your emails for an evite for our Team Time Out and please remember to RSVP. We're hosting a Pie & Cider Night at Surprise Park on November 15, you don't want to miss out!