Being Challenge: An 11-Day Plan to Be Like JesusSample

Day 4: Keystone Habit 2: Jesus Studies Scripture

Jesus quoted Scripture a lot. Did you know that 10% of all recorded words of Jesus were Old Testament quotes? What if 10% of what you said was Scripture? You'd have to know your Bible well!

Jesus certainly knew the Bible well. Hebrew boys would begin memorizing Bible verses as soon as they could talk. Because written documents were so rare, the ability to remember and learn was almost more important than even reading. A popular nickname for an intelligent Jewish kid was a "cistern" because they didn't lose a drop. You were as bright as you could memorize. Can you imagine using that word as a compliment today?

"Wow, you are such a cistern!"

"Thanks so much! I try!"

But it wasn't enough for Jesus to memorize verses. He quoted Scripture to:

1. explain who He was; and
2. explain who we are in light of who He is.

Jesus used Scripture to show the disciples how He fulfilled the Scriptures that they had been reading about and waiting on for hundreds of years. He would be the Savior of the world, and He would bring heaven and Earth back together.

Not only did He show them who He was, but He also showed them who they were in light of this truth.

He told His disciples that they witnessed all that Jesus had done, and they will receive power from on high. He told them that there is a new way to live in a different kingdom under different rules. They no longer had to earn their salvation, but that instead, to believe by grace, through faith, that He was the promised Messiah who came to save His people.

There not only is power, but there is also purpose in reading the Scriptures. Studying the Scriptures will help you discover who God is and who you are. It's where you find your identity. Regarding habits, the fantastic paradox is that your habits shape your identity, and at the same time, your identity shapes your habits. Knowing who you are will help you act a certain way.

In your readings for today, pay particular attention to how Jesus opened the Scriptures. After Jesus's death, the disciples were alone, quarantining in a room out of fear. Jesus once again opened the Scriptures to show them that the resurrection changes everything, and they were His witnesses to the fact that He was the Messiah.

Challenge for the Day: Just as Jesus memorized Scripture, go to the "Home" tab and memorize the day's Verse. As a bonus, share or create a verse image in the App and share the Bible verse on social media using #BeingChallenge.