How does humanity obtain the sustenance it requires for life?   

The first topic in Luke 4 (known as the first of the three temptations recorded in the passage) addresses the foundational requirements for life. Here it is illustrated by food. The basics are requirements such as food, water, warmth, shelter and safety. The debate is not about money and finance. This may be a means to obtaining some of these essential elements in a complex society where there is a separation from working the land for food, but it is not foundational. Within creation we have the means to meet all these requirements for life.

However, Jesus is not just referring to physical requirements for life. He is expressing that there is a foundational spiritual requirement for humanity to be able to live life to the full, ‘not bread alone’. He was so consumed with his discussions about his mission with the Father and Spirit that he did not eat and when the conversation ended he realised that he was hungry. His spiritual food was more important and fulfilling. 

The Genesis songs picture Adam with plenty to eat in Eden, suggesting that hunger and other such basics were unknown. Life became difficult when he went his own way. Sin impacts on the basic needs for life.          

The birth of the nation Israel includes a lesson about the source of life and its resources. God miraculously provides for His people in the wilderness with manna. They have more than sufficient for their needs, as in Eden. This is an example to show that life is sourced in God, in Him we have all we need and more, to be full and fulfilled.

Jesus uses this passage from Deuteronomy to respond to the temptation. His 40 days in the wilderness mirrors the 40 years Israel spent in their wilderness. Their period may have been more like 40 days if they had been receptive and obedient like Jesus!

Wilderness experiences are important for building faith in God. It is a place where we learn reliance on God to provide for our needs. Once we have learned this, we are able to concentrate on other things, not being self-oriented, as we can trust God to look after us.

Stones have a different purpose to food! Jesus turning stones to bread would interfere with the rhythms of creation. Jesus carries out miracles that work within creation and illustrate Gods’ purpose, e.g. the feeding of 5,000 plus people with a little bit of fish and bread. Carrying out this miracle, Jesus is illustrating that he is the ‘Bread of Life’. He is the manna from heaven that people were expecting. In him we have all we require and more.

Jesus additionally uses this illustration to point to the future fulfilment and enjoyment of life. In the gospel of Luke and the book of Revelation this is pictured as the joy and extravagance of a wedding feast.

This passage in Luke teaches us about fasting and feasting. We fast to spend undistracted time enjoying God’s company and hearing about His purposes and direction. We feast to celebrate our relationship with Him and to look forward to a future fulfilment in life.