Jesus and the Scriptures

S - "Then Jesus asked them, “Why can't you understand? How can you be so slow to believe all that the prophets said? Didn't you know that the Christ would have to suffer before he was given his glory?” Jesus then explained everything written about himself in the Scriptures, beginning with the Law of Moses and all the Prophets. … They said to each other, “When he talked with us along the road and explained the Scriptures to us, didn't our hearts burn?” … Jesus said to them, “While I was still with you, I told you that everything written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and in the Psalms had to happen.” Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. He told them: The Scriptures say that the Christ must suffer, then three days later he will rise from death. They also say that all people of every nation must be told in my name to change their thinking in order to receive freedom from sins." Luke 24 TS

O -  These sentences record two exchanges Jesus has with two different sets of some of his closest friends. In them we are given some very specific insight into his thoughts and practice on the Scriptures themselves. First we find another affirmation of the purpose of the Scriptures. Their primary purpose is NOT to reveal a plan, principle or concept. According to Jesus, their primary purpose is to testify to him (cf. John 5:39-40); that all would come to him for vibrant, refreshing eternal life. Secondly, we find that we can read, know, quote and affirm Scripture and still not actually believe and understand it. Third, all will need the Spirit's help to be able to actually understand the Scriptures. Literally to have our minds opened to believe and understand. Finally, we see here the unflinching and intentional limitation of the Scriptures. They do not and cannot reveal God or Jesus, they testify to them but cannot reveal (Matthew 11:27, 16:16-17).

A -  Jesus came to clarify the person and purpose of God. His use and understanding of the Scriptures themselves is very different from what I was taught by some wonderful people with very good intensions. They focused on the plan, promises and principles which actually inspired me to do the one thing the Scriptures instruct me to not do. To lean on my own understanding rather than the person of the Lord (cf. Proverbs 3:5-6).  They taught me I could discover him in the pages of Scriptures when Jesus clearly says he must be revealed by Spirit. The Scriptures are a tremendous gift God has given to the whole world. I am committed to engaging them as intended - to inspire me to come to Jesus for life. I admit and welcome their testimony. I also admit the impossibility of accurate discovery/revelation of God's person.  This requires a direct intersection by Spirit. Jesus said it is impossible for humans but possible with God (Luke 18:26-27).

P -  Jesus,

You are the exact representation of your Father. Thank you for coming to clarify his person and purpose. Thank you for the gift of the Scriptures. I accept my complete dependence on you and your spirit to believe and understand. I do not want to lean on my own understanding but on you … the very thing you're eager for us to do. You lead and I'll follow.

I love you back,

Steve