Matthew 4:4

Commentary on Matthew 4:4 (NKJV)

Matthew 4:4 (NKJV): “But He answered and said, ‘It is written, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.”‘”

Context and Background

Matthew 4:4 is part of the narrative describing the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness. After fasting for forty days and nights, Jesus is tempted by the devil. The first temptation involves turning stones into bread to satisfy His hunger. Jesus responds by quoting Deuteronomy 8:3, emphasising that spiritual nourishment from God’s word is more essential than physical sustenance.

Theological Insights

Dependence on God’s Word: Jesus’ response underscores the importance of relying on God’s word for spiritual sustenance. This highlights the doctrine of Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone), which asserts that the Bible is the ultimate authority in all matters of faith and practice. Believers are encouraged to immerse themselves in Scripture, recognising it as the primary means through which God communicates His will and sustains His people.

Spiritual vs. Physical Needs: The verse teaches that while physical needs are important, they should not overshadow the necessity of spiritual nourishment. This aligns with the emphasis on the primacy of the spiritual over the material. Christians are called to prioritise their relationship with God and seek His kingdom first (Matthew 6:33).

Christ’s Victory Over Temptation: Jesus’ victory over temptation serves as a model for believers. By relying on Scripture, He demonstrates the power of God’s word to overcome the devil’s schemes. This reinforces the teaching on the sufficiency of Scripture in providing guidance and strength to resist temptation and live a godly life.

Christ’s Identification with Humanity: Jesus’ experience in the wilderness shows His identification with human weakness and His role as the second Adam who succeeds where the first Adam failed. This is central to theology, which emphasises Christ’s active obedience and His fulfilment of the law on behalf of His people.

Application to Modern Christian Living

Daily Scripture Reading: Believers are encouraged to make daily Bible reading a priority, recognising that spiritual nourishment is essential for growth and maturity in the faith. This practice helps Christians to align their lives with God’s will and equips them to face life’s challenges.

Trust in God’s Provision: In times of need or temptation, Christians are reminded to trust in God’s provision and rely on His promises. This trust is cultivated through regular engagement with Scripture and prayer.

Resisting Temptation: Just as Jesus used Scripture to counter the devil’s temptations, believers are called to arm themselves with God’s word to resist the allurements of the world, the flesh, and the devil. Memorising and meditating on Scripture can be powerful tools in spiritual warfare.

Christ-Centred Living: The passage calls Christians to live Christ-centred lives, following Jesus’ example of obedience and dependence on the Father. This involves seeking to glorify God in all aspects of life and striving to grow in Christlikeness.

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