Hear Ye the Word of the Lordਨਮੂਨਾ

Experiments in Oral Interpretation

We’ve reached the final day of the reading plan. Thank you so much for joining us. We can be confident that the words in the Gospels point to the most important things to know about Jesus. Yet there’s more to do to understand everything he said and did in their original context. Even Jesus left things he said unexplained—surprising his hearers and leaving it up to them to figure out the meaning of his poignant statements.

On the eve of his crucifixion, with the eleven disciples gathered around, Jesus was giving what was in effect his last will and testament. In the midst of the evening he gave an unexpected declaration. It was momentous in its own right and is suggestive for the purposes of this study. As we’ll see, Jesus said things pertaining to his gospel that are, unfortunately, often incompletely understood and sometimes misapplied. Jesus’ saying that he was the true vine (Jn 15:1) turned out to be a pinnacle statement of spiritual identity, both for him and his followers. He went on to say that unfruitful vines would be cut off. Both assertions had far-reaching implications.

Jesus’ analogy of the vine was laying important groundwork for the renewed people of God as part of the renewed kingdom of God in union with the true King of the kingdom. Ethnicity, genealogy, geography, and birthright would have nothing to do with it. Being in alignment with Jesus from henceforward would mean everything.

Interpreting Scripture orally is not only an adventure in hermeneutics but in transformation. Practicing the hearing of Scripture has the potential to place the words of God deeper and more personally into the consciousness of hearers. Intellectual engagement with Scripture is necessary, but the language of the heart and of emotional intelligence may be more effective in bringing about changed lives.

Reflect on these questions as you hear the Word of God: How has listening to the Word changed the way you view Scripture? How can you continue to implement the auditory reception of Scripture into your regular routine?

Practice: Listen to the scripture audio and then read it aloud to someone else (a child, a spouse, a friend, your pet). What did you notice when you read it to someone else?

From Hear Ye the Word of the Lord: What We Miss if We Only Read the Bible. Copyright ©2024 by D. Brent Sandy. Used by permission.

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