A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW 

YOU LIVE ON GOD’S WORD      

Matthew 4:2-4 “After fasting forty days and forty nights, He was hungry. The tempter came to Him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” 

Satan wanted Jesus to trust in Himself rather than His heavenly Father. He did the same with Eve and through Eve with Adam. With the Children of Israel, he frightened them with the Egyptian army fast on their heels through the Red sea, when they thought they were going to starve to death and again when they thought they would die from a lack of water.   

Jesus did not use His divine power to feed Himself. Yes, Satan was correct. Jesus had the power to tell the stones to become bread. However, Jesus answered Satan, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” 

Jesus’ approach to overcome Satan’s temptation was not through performing a miracle. He defeated Satan’s temptation with the power of God’s Word. Jesus lived according to God’s word depending upon it to sustain Him in all His needs. God’s precious word spoken at His baptism was still fresh in His mind reminding Him He was God’s Son. He did not have to prove it. God had already said it loud and clear. 

The power of God’s word is also at your disposal anytime Satan tempts you. Through the Word of Holy Baptism God has said that you are His beloved child. Through the Word of the Lord’s Supper, He says to You your sins are forgiven through the power of the shed blood of His Son. Through the power of His Word, He leads and guides you as you traverse the wilderness of life. This is why Jesus taught you to pray to your heavenly Father in every life situation, “Not my will, but Thy will be done!” 

Prayer: Father, into Your hands I commit myself, body, mind, soul, and spirit for Jesus’ sake. Amen. 

From God can nothing move me; He will not step aside  
But gently will reprove me And be my constants guide.  
He stretches out His hand In evening and in morning,  
My life with grace adorning Wherever I may stand. 

When those whom I regarded As trustworthy and sure  
Have long from me departed, God’s grace shall still endure.  
He rescues me from sin And breaks the chains that bind me.  
I leave death’s fear behind me; His peace I have within. 

The Lord my life arranges; Who can His work destroy?  
In His good time He changes All sorrow into joy.  
So let me then be still: My body, soul, and spirit  
His tender care inherit According to His will. 

Each day at His good pleasure God’s gracious will is done.  
He sent His greatest treasure In Jesus Christ, His Son.  
He ev’ry gift imparts. The bread of earth and heaven 
Are by His kindness given. Praise Him with thankful hearts! 

Praise God with acclamation And in His gifts rejoice.  
Each day finds its vocation Responding to His voice.  
Soon years on earth are past; But time we spend expressing  
The love of God brings blessing That will forever last! 

Yet even though I suffer The world’s unpleasantness,  
And though the days grow rougher And bring me great distress,  
That day of bliss divine, Which knows no end or measure,  
And Christ, who is my pleasure, Forever shall be mind. 

For thus the Father willed it, Who fashioned us from clay;  
And His own Son fulfilled it And brought eternal day.  
The Spirit now has come, To us true faith has given;  
He leads us home to heaven. O praise the Three in One!  (LSB 713)