not bread alone

But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ” Matthew 4:4 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.4.4.NLT

Jesus quoted the text in Deuteronomy 8:3 which fully says: Yes, he humbled you by letting you go hungry and then feeding you with manna, a food previously unknown to you and your ancestors. He did it to teach you that people do not live by bread alone; rather, we live by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.

Jesus is identifying with the principle that obedience is better than being well- fed. He knew He would provided for, Satan wanted Him to lift His hand in independence, and provide for Himself.

Learning to be dependent on the Lord is a part of our training to be sons and daughters of God. God does not want self-willed individuals, but rather obedient and trusting children.

There is a fine balance between acting in faith, or self-determination. There's the challenge! We are not to sit around on our hands either, but rather act in obedience. Amen!

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