Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. Matthew 4:4

Devotion

Have you ever noticed how much our lives revolve around food? If you’re attending a party or social gathering, don’t you dare forget that casserole! Going to watch a football game? An act of treason without chips and dips. Family celebrating the holidays? Not to be overly dramatic, but I will riot if my mother-in-law’s rum cake isn’t readily available. Suffice it to say, food is a main focal point in our lives. The culture in which Jesus lived was no different, so…it’s only fitting that Jesus used food in so many of his teachings. 

The feeding of the 5,000 (Matt.14:13-21), the Last Supper (Matt. 26:17-30), and the Parable of the Mustard Seed (Matt.13:31-32) are just a few examples of these food-focused teachings. For being such a food centered people, both in the New Testament and in our present culture, you’d think we would understand what it means to be “full.” Why is it we are never satisfied? It's like eating sugar for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It tastes good at the time, but we're quickly hungry for more. Yet, time and time again, humans cling to possessions and worldly promises that leave us feeling empty. 

Through his teachings, Jesus wants us to understand that a relationship with God is the only way we can be truly satiated. The world tempts us to believe more money, more power, or more notoriety will be the answer to our hunger. In reality, they are just distractions that prevent us from living the life of fulfillment that comes from being a child of our good and gracious Father. 

Jesus knows a thing or two about human temptations, too. Matthew 4:1-4 accounts Jesus being tempted in the wilderness by the devil. In preparation for these tests (or temptations) in the desert, Jesus fasted for 40 days and nights and was, quite literally, starving. Satan knew Jesus was hungry and used it against him by saying, “If you are the son of God, tell these stones to become bread” (v3). Jesus responds by saying, “Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (v4).

Reflection

The enemy is cunning and knows exactly how to tempt us into sin. Just like he tempted Jesus in the desert, the devil’s strategy is to use the things we hunger for most against us. The only way to overcome these temptations is to be in constant surrender to the life of freedom and fulfillment to which God calls and invites us. 

What is the “bread” in your life right now? What meager thing are you allowing to fill you temporarily instead of letting God satisfy you holistically and eternally? If Matthew 4:4 was rewritten to reflect your life specifically, what would it say? Mine would read something like, “Megan does not live on approval alone … on achievement alone … on financial security alone … but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” We cling so desperately to what we believe will define and assign our value. Our hands are so tightly gripped around futile attempts at controlling our lives that we lose capacity to hold the truth God has for us: he will sustain us far more than we could ever ask or imagine.

PRAYER

God, you are so good and gracious to me. Thank you for knowing me on such a deep level that you understand my needs before I do. Thank you for the reminder that you alone are my sustainer, provider, and strength. Allow me to see things through your perspective and be keenly aware of just how much you love me. Help me to choose your perfect fulfillment over the temporary trappings of this world. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

Megan King
Crossings Online Pastor
Megan is privileged to learn from and lead the Crossings Online community. She also has the joy of serving on the worship team at the Crossings Edmond location. She has been married to her husband, Kaleb, for 10 years, adores chasing after her three-year-old son, Hudson, and wears the title of “dog-mom” proudly for their dog, Pippin (Lord of the Rings … not the musical). 

Resources

• Listen to Holy Spirit by Crossings Venue Worship.
• Read Here and Now: Living in the Spirit by Henry Nouwen.
• Read Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer.

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