Luke 10:25-28
The lawyer in the passage knew the “accepted” answer. Jews learned the answer as children. By this time, Jesus was known for His rather unconventional wisdom. Would He stick strictly to the law or not?
Jesus, in a style common to lawyers, answered with a question of his own. There was no doubt in anyone’s mind that Jesus’ question had nothing to do with the man’s reading ability. “How readest thou?” goes much deeper than that.
It is a question every Christian would do well to ask themselves. Reading the Scriptures should be part of a Christian’s daily routine but reading needs to go beyond scanning through words on a page. Scripture reading should engender questions that cause us to pause and think.
To read well a Christian should read without an agenda or the desire to prove a point. Approach the Scriptures with an open ear and an open mind. Remember, faith comes by hearing. The Bible is the revealed word of God; in essence, God speaking—listen. His words are quick (living), powerful, eternal, and well able to address the needs and problems of every age—including this one.
Jesus’ teachings and His answers to prayer frequently surprised His hearers and foes alike. Be prepared to learn things you never imagined—things about yourself. While the Scriptures are simple enough for anyone to wade around in, they are also deeper than the best swimmer can dive.
The world is content with the misquotations of the ignorant, and the suppositions of the willfully ignorant. It seems no one knows Christianity better than those who have a reason to read into it their own ideas. The lawyer knew how to inherit eternal life. He knew the Scriptures. However, his willingness to enter into that life was overshadowed by his desire to justify himself and show off his intelligence.
Maranatha
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