Read: Luke 4:1–11
Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘One does not live by bread alone.’” Luke 4:4
We are told that Jesus was led by the Spirit of God into the wilderness to pray and to fast and to be tested. Forty days without food and without companionship would likely drive most of us mad. Throbbing hunger and aching loneliness are mighty tests in and of themselves. However, it was toward the end of His wilderness experience that the real challenges came. If Jesus could sustain himself in the desert for more than a month, what else might be possible for Him? Turn stones into bread? Impress people with high profile acts of faith? Rule the world?
We aren’t told what the tempter looked like. Was there a tail and a pitchfork, or just a gnawing desire within Jesus to lead an impressive and impactful life of his own choosing? We do not know. We do know, however, that it was the word of God that sustained Jesus in the wilderness. Jesus confronted every temptation with scripture. In the face of hunger, loneliness, and temptation, scripture was Jesus’ sustenance. When you have filled your mind and life with the words of God, it gives you the strength to endure just about anything, and it affords you the ability to do the right thing.
Is your life filled with the words of God?
Lord, turn my mind to Your word. Help me to take advantage of opportunities to study scripture. Renew my desire for Bible study. Fill me with Your words…for my own words, for the words I see and hear all around me are not enough to sustain my life and give me direction. In Your name, I pray. AMEN.