What does Luke 4:3 mean?

And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread. Luke 4:3

Explanation

Luke 4:3 presents the beginning of a series of temptations by the devil directed at Jesus after His forty-day fast in the wilderness. The devil’s challenge to Jesus, “If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread,” is not merely a dare to perform a miracle. It is a profound challenge to Jesus’ identity and mission. The devil is attempting to instigate doubt about Jesus’ divine sonship and to provoke Jesus to use His power for personal gain, contrary to God’s plan. The temptation also represents a human struggle to trust in God’s provision during times of need and not to give in to the desire to take matters into our own hands through wrongful means.

Historical Context

At the time of this event, Jesus had just been baptized by John the Baptist. Following the baptism, the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus, and a voice from heaven proclaimed Him as God’s beloved Son. Luke 4:1-2 tells us Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. The wilderness, in Judaic tradition, is often understood as a place of testing and encounter with God, which echoes the Israelites’ 40-year journey in the desert.

Theological Insights

Christian theology often views this verse as signifying the humanity and divinity of Jesus Christ. Jesus, though divine, faced temptations as any human would, yet He did not sin. This narrative sets an example of resisting temptation through reliance on the Word of God. It also indicates that the messianic mission of Jesus was not about exploiting divine power for personal needs but about fulfilling God’s redemptive plan for humanity.

From a different perspective, some theologians see the devil’s challenge as questioning whether Jesus will act autonomously or remain obedient to God and His timing, suggesting a test of whether Jesus will align His messianic role with God’s will or human expectations.

Practical Applications

This verse can inspire believers to resist the urge to satisfy immediate physical or material needs in ungodly ways, especially when it can compromise one’s faith or integrity. It reminds Christians to trust in God’s timing and provision, even in periods of lack or suffering. The text also encourages believers to use their talents and abilities in accordance with God’s purposes, instead of selfish gain.

Cross-References

• Matthew 4:3-4: “And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.”
• Deuteronomy 8:3: “And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord doth man live.”

Language Study

In the original Greek, the phrase “command this stone that it be made bread” uses the word “λίθον” (lithon) for “stone” and “αρτος” (artos) for “bread.” The command “γένηται” (genētai), which means “to become,” suggests more than just a physical transformation; it implies an existential change. The temptation includes a subtle challenge to Jesus’ power and identity as the “Son of God,” “υιος του Θεου” (uios tou Theou), questioning His trust in the Father’s providence.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In various ancient cultures and religions, tales often exist of gods and heroes being tempted or tested. For example, the Greek hero Odysseus was tempted by the Sirens but resisted by binding himself to the mast of his ship. In this context, Jesus’ temptation can be seen as a part of a broader narrative archetype where a heroic figure faces and overcomes a moral or existential challenge.

Scientific Perspectives

From a modern scientific standpoint, the notion of turning stones into bread is biologically and physically impossible, violating natural laws. However, some may interpret this narrative metaphorically, representing the human capacity to transform seemingly hopeless situations into ones of sustenance and life through ingenuity, a phenomenon observable in human problem-solving and survival skills.

Commentaries

Several biblical scholars and theologians have studied this verse, providing diverse insights. Matthew Henry sees it as an assault on Jesus’ identity, comparing the devil’s approach to deceitful strategies used against humans. William Barclay notes that the devil tried to make Jesus doubt His relationship with the Father and use His power selfishly. Others, like N.T. Wright, emphasize Jesus’ role as the faithful Israel, succeeding where the nation had failed in their wilderness tests. In general, commentators agree that the temptation illustrates the spiritual battle Jesus faced and conquered for the sake of humanity.