At the beginning of his ministry, after 40 days of fasting in the wilderness, Jesus was challenged by “the tempter,” or devil, who said, “If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread” (Matthew 4:3). Jesus was surely hungry, but of the many responses he could have given, he chose a quote from Scripture, saying, “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4, and see Deuteronomy 8:3).
The devil continued his challenge to Jesus, suggesting that Jesus jump off a pinnacle of the temple. Again Jesus turned to Scripture in his reply: “It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God” (Matthew 4:7, and see Deuteronomy 6:16). Three times Jesus uses this phrase—“It is written”—as his defense from and denial of the tempter. This quote from Scripture silenced the tempter and was followed by the recognition of God’s presence, as “angels came and ministered unto him” (Matthew 4:11).
I’ve often relied on the “it is written” concept when praying to overcome challenges to health, peace, supply, and purpose. What’s “written” may be a statement from the Bible, a line from a hymn, or a citation from Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy. I find these inspiring writings turn my thought away from feeling personally responsible and toward God, divine Principle.
