“Man does not live on bread alone,
but on every word
that comes from the mouth of God”
(Matthew 4:4)
Reflection:
At the beginning of His ministry Jesus was baptised by John in the Jordan River. Immediately thereafter the Holy Spirit led Him into the desert where He was subject to three major challenges or temptations. It was here that the foundations were laid for His ministry over the next three years.
In going into the desert immediately after He had enjoyed the presence and recognition of God He was associating Himself with fallen humanity. After the first sin they had been expelled from God’s presence in the Garden of Eden and forced to fend for themselves in the harsh barrenness of the world outside.
“Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat of it all the days of your life” (Genesis 3:17-19)
In His desert journey Jesus was engaging with the physical and spiritual condition of fallen men and women. Three major areas were revealed:
- A continuous hunger and thirst for more
- A desire for recognition, identity and significance and
- A tendency to avoid honest endeavour and to settle for easier options
Jesus avoided these temptations Himself. His future ministry would include providing deep and spiritual healing and solutions in these areas. Key to the process was the truth that man does not – in fact cannot – live on bread alone. He cannot find or enjoy true life by merely focussing on his physical needs and desires – which so many try to do. He needs the God from whom he was separated.
The God who had spoken His word into their lives now comes to them as the Living Word, the Word made Flesh. Jesus is the Word of God. He came for our salvation and to feed us in spirit and soul with all that He is – which He expressed so powerfully in the Last Supper,
“This is my body given for you” (Luke 22:19)
Our healing, fulfilment and peace is found nowhere else than in Jesus Christ our Saviour and Lord.
Response:
Continue to seek (more of) Him who will be found
Prayer:
Come to my heart Lord Jesus, there is room in my heart for You. Amen.
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The Soaring Eagle 