But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
Satan assaulted Christ's faith itself, hoping to drive Him to unlawful means of relief. The tempter holds up divine power to turn stones to bread, but his real aim is to make Christ abandon God's word and follow infidelity instead. Christ's answer is exact: God's blessing alone sustains life; His favor is not confined to bread, and I will not distrust Him by seeking supply in a way He has not promised.
AI summary
This is the duel between the Seed of the woman and the serpent himself. Note: great privileges and honor will not shield you from temptation; in fact, God usually humbles us after lifting us up. After we are admitted into communion with God, Satan sets upon us hardest. The assurance of sonship is the best armor against the suggestions of the evil spirit.
AI summary
Commenting on Matthew 4:1-11
God is not bound to bread alone to sustain life; He can use other means and preserve us by whatever He ordains. Christ's citation of scripture testifies to its authority and establishes it as the rule of His conduct, even in the wilderness. This is how we must oppose Satan: by the word of God, which is our safest weapon and best method.
AI summary