Verses from Matthew

耶稣回答：“经上记着：‘人活着，不是单靠食物，更要靠神口里所出的一切话。’”

耶稣对他说：“经上又记着：‘不可试探主你的神。’”

但耶稣说：“撒但，走开！经上记着：‘当拜主你的神，单要事奉他。’”(马太福音 4:4, 7, 10)

Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”

Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10)

In countries around the world, political corruption is not new. Spiritual corruption is not new either. Satan tried to lure Jesus into “selling” His convictions (Matt. 4:1-10). The tempter came to Him when He was tired and hungry. He offered Him immediate satisfaction, fresh bread in seconds, a miraculous delivery, the kingdoms of the world and their glory.

But Jesus knew better. He knew that shortcuts were dangerous enemies. They may offer a road free from suffering, but in the end the pain they carry is much worse than anything we can imagine. “It is written,” Jesus said three times during His temptation (vv.4,7,10). He held firm to what He knew was true from God and His Word.

When we are tempted, God can help us too. We can depend on Him and the truth of His Word to help us avoid dangerous shortcuts.

God’s road is not easy, but it leads to eternal satisfaction.