The devil’s challenge to Jesus’ position was because days earlier the Father said at Jesus’ baptism concerning Jesus, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” (3:22) The devil was clouding the real issue of the source of life and authority by provoking Jesus’ pride. Jesus had nothing to prove to the devil since God the Father had already proclaimed Jesus’ position of authority. Some temptations are subtle. Sure, Jesus was hungry and could do as Satan suggested. But he did not. Jesus did not take the bait.
Jesus quoted Deuteronomy 8:3, which is an explanation why God caused Israel to hunger and then fed them manna in the desert. Jesus was humble enough to recognize the parallel. Some commentaries wrongly state this temptation was a challenge to glutteny. Others state this is challenging God’s care for Jesus such as Eve was tempted in the garden. Add to this that the real source of life is God himself and not our work, we find the true temptation. Hence, Jesus’ answer.
Jesus trusted God in hard times. He knew that God is the source of all including food. He also knew that man does not live by bread alone, but on ever word that comes from the mouth of the LORD. Hold onto faith even though the table does not have food.
