“It Is Written”

Posted by Karen on Jul 23, 2012 | 0 comments

“Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, He was hungry.  The tempter came to Him and said, ‘If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.’

Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:1-11, NIV)

This marks the first of three unsuccessful attempts by Satan to provoke the physically weakened Son of Man to abuse His almighty power as the Son of God for self-serving ends. Jesus combats each temptation with a brief yet pointed quotation of Scripture, beginning each comeback with the indisputable reality: “It is written…”

The full meaning of the phrase “It is written” (gegraptai) is:

“It has been written, and stands written…”

“It stands written and is still in force…”

“It has been written and is present on record…”

Jesus never wasted time arguing with Satan. Instead He pointed out what was already a matter of earthly and heavenly public record. Since God’s written word is legally and eternally binding, we can rest secure in His promises!

“Your word, O LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.” (Psalm 119:89, NIV)

“Heaven and earth will disappear, but My words will remain forever.” (Matthew 24:35, NLT)

“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” (Isaiah 40:8, ESV)