But He answered and said, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes out of the mouth of God’” (Matthew 4:4, New American Standard Bible).

Shortly after His baptism, before He started preaching, Jesus went into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He spent 40 days in prayer and fasting, and Matthew 4:2 tells us that after that time, “He then became hungry.” You might think, “It took Him that long to get hungry? I get hungry after 40 minutes!” Satan used that opportunity to suggest that Jesus should use His divine power for selfish reasons. Jesus answered, “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes out of the mouth of God.”

Jesus answered every temptation with a quote from the Old Testament. In fact, they were all from a brief segment of Deuteronomy (chapters 6 and 8). Many “Bible in one year” reading plans recommend an average of three chapters per day. Jesus found all the ammunition He needed in a single day’s devotional reading.

Jesus probably spent a lot of time during those 40 days meditating on the Word of God. People did not carry pocket Bibles in those days; in fact, the only full copies of the Scriptures available were usually at the synagogue. Instead of reading the Bible in personal devotions, Jesus had to listen intently during synagogue services so that He could remember the Scriptures.

Today, we have printed complete Bibles. Most of us have multiple versions on our cell phones and other electronic devices. We have access to God’s Word. Let us read it daily, conscientiously, and intently, storing its truth in our hearts. Then, when temptation comes, we can wield the sword of the Spirit to fight off the enemy of our souls.

Are there particular verses you have stored up for resisting temptation? Share a few in the comments area below.

Copyright © 2023 Michael E. Lynch. All rights reserved.