Which Old Testament scripture is Jesus referencing in Luke 4:4? Setting the Scene Luke 4:4: “But Jesus answered, ‘It is written: “Man shall not live on bread alone.” ’ ” The Old Testament Reference “He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, so that you might understand that man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.” Why Deuteronomy 8:3 Fits Perfectly • The wording is nearly identical to Jesus’ quotation. • Both passages appear in contexts of testing in the wilderness—Israel’s forty years and Jesus’ forty days. • The lesson in Deuteronomy is dependence on God’s word above material provision; Jesus applies that exact principle when refusing Satan’s temptation to turn stones into bread. Key Truths Highlighted • God permits physical needs to remind His people of deeper spiritual dependence. • True life is sustained by every word God speaks, not merely by food. • Jesus models unwavering trust in Scripture’s authority and sufficiency. Related Scriptures • Exodus 16:4: God provides manna, teaching reliance on Him. • Psalm 119:103: “How sweet are Your words to my taste—sweeter than honey to my mouth!” • Matthew 4:4: Parallel account confirming the same Old Testament citation. • 2 Timothy 3:16: All Scripture is God-breathed and profitable. Takeaway Lessons • Scripture interprets Scripture; Jesus anchors His response in Deuteronomy. • Physical desires must submit to God’s revealed will. • Memorizing and trusting God’s word equips believers to resist temptation. |
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