How Do You Read It?

Many are skeptical about the value of Bible Study in our time. Today we hear Jesus asking “What is written…How do you read it?” The Bible is the Word of God, the revelation of His identity, nature and will. With surprise, we hear Jesus approve this man’s correct take on the Torah!

But soon the man grows antagonistic towards Scripture and the Incarnate Word, wanting to use the Word to justify and excuse self-righteous refusals to love. He seeks a definition of neighbor to approve his selective love for some. Jesus shows him who proved to be a neighbor: the Samaritan who shows compassion and mercy, providing in pity according even to an enemy’s need.

In this loving neighbor we behold Christ and the salvation He brings to bear for you.

Hear the full audio of “How Do You Read It?”

A sermon on Luke 10:21-29 / Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity / 15 September 2019

Luke 10:21-29 (ESV)

21 In that same hour [Jesus] rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. 22 All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, or who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.”

23 Then turning to the disciples he said privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see! 24 For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.”

25 And behold, a lawyer stood up to put [Jesus] to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?” 27 And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” 28 And he said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.”

29 But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”….