Interpreting Scripture With JesusSample

"Haven’t you read the Scriptures." Why does Jesus keep saying this? What is He getting at? I am not entirely sure myself but it makes me uneasy. It makes me less sure of myself when I say, "Clearly the Bible says..." It makes me less inclined to call people heretics because they have a different interpretation of scripture than I do. It makes me slow to pronounce judgment on who is a wheat and who is a tare. It also makes me less inclined to rely on my IQ. If the Pharisees (experts in the law) could get it wrong then perhaps so could I.

Thankfully, Jesus did not leave us up a creek without a paddle. He sent His Spirit to lead us into all truth. I believe there is a good way to read scripture and a better way. A good way would be to rely on our ability to research the historical context and research the Hebrew and Greek and compare different translations. That would be good. But a better way would be to also ask the Holy Spirit to open the scriptures to us. To let Jesus, by His Spirit, open our minds and hearts to receive His truth.

The best way to interpret scripture is with Jesus.

Holy Spirit, you are the one who leads us into all truth. Lead me. Jesus, every time I sit to read the scriptures, let Your Spirit speak to my spirit, revealing the hidden secrets of God to my heart.

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