Devotional: Not By Bread Alone Matthew 4:1-4

Scurvy is a disease caused by a deficiency of vitamin C. Historically it has been found in sailors on long voyages. It was hard to find fruits and vegetables, foods that contain vitamin C. Prison populations have been affected because of budget cuts and reduction of adequate diets. I am reminded of scurvy while reading the story of Jesus being tempted in the wilderness.

Jesus is baptized by John the Baptist (Matt. 3:13-17. Having been baptized the Spirit leads Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil (4:1). After fasting for forty days the devil comes to Jesus. He suggest that Jesus turn stones into bread if He is the Son of God. Bread is the staple of the Jewish diet. Bread means having the minimal requirement. So Jesus should cease starving. He can avoid the effects of prolonged hunger.

Jesus tells the devil that bread alone will not provide what is needed. Life is to be lived on every word of God. The devil is offering Jesus things that the world has to offer. The world’s bread leaves a person with the disease called sin. If we would be healthy Christians we must have our spiritual fruits and vegetables—every word of God. Christians today are being fed the world’s bread and we are suffering from the disease of sin and more of us are getting sick. Let us eat a wholesome diet consisting of every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.

Prayer: Bread of Heaven, feed me till I want no more. Amen.