No Bread from Stones

Luke 4:1-4
Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led around by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And He ate nothing during those days, and when they had ended, He became hungry. And the devil said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” And Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’” (NASB, Lockman Foundation)

Isn’t it so true that after we have just had a real and personal experience with God that we face our darkest trials? It happened to Elijah after Mt. Carmel, Jesus after His baptism, and it happens to us today. Jesus knew what was coming and so He prepared by fasting. And when the devil came he struck to the core of Jesus’ power. No doubt, this time in the wilderness had been a real time of searching for Jesus. He was searching for the best route to proclaim His Messiahship. Satan came and offered Him a way, “Feed the crowds and you will be king.” (We see that this did happen later at the feeding of the 5000-see John 6- the people wanted to crown Him king.) Furthermore, Jesus Himself was undoubtedly hungry. But Jesus realized that food itself was not a good enough way to become a leader. He wasn’t willing to become great through offering a economic or political plan to feed the poor. He wanted people to believe because of the word of God. Christ didn’t wanted followers that were only out to meet their needs; He wanted people to follow Him because they truly love Him and are willing to give up everything else, including their desires and longings. Are we today willing to walk the way of our Lord?

Jesus said: He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who has found his life will lose it, and he who has lost his life for My sake will find it. (NASB, Lockman Foundation)