Today, let’s take a look at these words from Matthew 4:4. However, we are not here to discuss the event of the temptation of Jesus, but to look at why Jesus said that “Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” Jesus quoted the verse from Deuteronomy 8:3, starting from Deuteronomy 8:1. The people of Israel were told to remember the Lord their God; “every commandment which I command you today you must be careful to observe”, “that the Lord your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not”, and in verse 3, God feeding them with manna, and God made known to them that “man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.”
Do men need the Word of God? Do we need the Word of God to save us and to have salvation eternal? Let’s begin with the Old Testament first. We know that in those days, God spoke directly to the people or through people like Moses, giving them the Word to guide them in their daily living. Just like the ten commandments that were given, most of these commands are still applicable to our daily life today, such as “You shall not murder”, “you shall not commit adultery”, “you shall not steal”, “you shall not bear false witness and”, so forth. Are these words or commandments which were given some thousand years ago to the people of God still applicable to us today? Of course it is! How can a country or land survive without these commandments or Word from God? A land or country that you live in will be totally in disorder and full of inconvenience. Can a man live in a place where there is no law and order or go without punishment when breaking all these laws? Definitely not, this is one of the reasons why God’s Word and commandments are essential to men not only in those days but also in every day of our lives. Yes, men need food to live on to survive. However, that’s not the only thing that is needed but also every word of God is also important. Recall Psalm 119:11 – “Your word i have hidden in my heart, That i might not sin against You.” Yes, we must hide the Word of God in our hearts that we may not sin against God, just like Jesus remembering the Word of God that He is not tempted by the devil, and we have to hide God’s Word that we may not sin against God or break the law of the county or land. On top of that, the often quoted verse in Psalm 119:105 - “ Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Observe here the nature of the Word of God and the great intention of giving it to the world. It is a lamp and a light, it shows the concern of God for the people to guide them when they are in trouble or despair. And in Psalm 119:114 –”You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your word.” Yes, that’s right, we can find protection and hope in God’s Word, can’t we? Just like in Psalm 119:81 - “I hope in your word.”
Now, let’s take a look at some of the words from the New Testament. I believe also there is much to learn from the words spoken by Jesus Himself to the people, especially from the sermon in Matthew 5 and following. Let’s look at some great words or lessons we can learn from the words of Jesus. First, in Matthew 5:21-26, murder begins in the heart. We have already learnt from the Old Testament about the ten commandments. Here again is mentioned again “You shall not murder, and whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment”, and also if any brother has something against you, leave your gift before the altar, go first to be reconciled to your brother then come to offer your gift. And from Matthew 5:27-30, we learn of adultery in the Heart; again referencing to the ten commandments that one should not commit adultery, and “whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in the heart.
Some lessons and words from Matthew 6. Matthew 6:22 - “The Lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light”. From Matthew 6:19, one is to lay up treasures in heaven. In Matthew 6:24, no men can serve two masters and that one cannot serve both God and riches. Matthew 6:25-34 tells us that Jesus teaches us not to worry about our life but to seek first the kingdom of God and all these things shall be added.
Surely, we can see there is much to learn from the Word, so bread alone is not enough to carry on with our life but the Word of God is essential for every one on this earth. Lastly, I like to mention 2 Timothy 3:16, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”
Ask Yourself:
1) Is bread alone enough for men?
2) Why do men need the Word of God?
3) Is keeping the Word of God in our hearts important?
Suggested Answers:
1) No, men need the Word of God too.
2) For daily living, for guidance, for correction and instruction.
3) Yes, so that we may not sin against God.