The Word! Black
In Matthew 4:4, when Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness, he responded by quoting scripture, saying: “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (This is also echoed in Deuteronomy 8:3 in the Old Testament.)
Jesus was teaching that physical nourishment (like bread) is important, but spiritual nourishment, which comes from God's word, is even more essential. Bread can sustain us physically, but God's word sustains us spiritually, offering guidance, strength, and wisdom for how to live our lives. Jesus himself is often seen as the "bread of life" in John 6:35, where he says, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” This emphasizes that our spiritual hunger—our longing for meaning, purpose, and connection with God—is fulfilled through Him and His teachings.
For many, this teaching is a reminder to nourish not just our bodies but our souls by seeking out God's word, through scripture, prayer, and living out His truth in our daily lives.
How do you see the balance between physical and spiritual nourishment in your life? Does the idea of living on God's word resonate with how you seek strength or direction?