The Word

The Word

Matthew 21:13, 16, NLT

He said to them, “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be called a house of prayer,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves!” . . . 16They asked Jesus, “Do you hear what these children are saying?” “Yes,” Jesus replied. “Haven’t you ever read the Scriptures? For they say, ‘You have taught children and infants to give you praise.’”

Setting the Scene

Jesus habitually quoted Scripture—in this case, to the merchants and to the religious leaders. The Old Testament prophecies proved that what he was saying and doing agreed with God’s Word and was, therefore, right and true. Jesus had heard what the children were saying, and what they were saying was absolutely true. Jesus affirmed his agreement with their shouts of praise. His question, “Haven’t you ever read the Scriptures?” was an insult to these religious leaders who spent much time reading and studying the law. Yes, they read and studied, but they didn’t understand, especially those passages that were being fulfilled before their eyes. Jesus was quoting from Psalm 8:2, regarded as messianic by the early church.

Quoting Scripture wasn’t merely a technique to be used in debates with religious scholars. Jesus referred to the Bible often, for example, when he was tempted by Satan in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11), and even on the cross (Matthew 27:46). The Bible is inspired, authoritative, and true.

Getting Personal

How often do you read the Bible and other resources devotionally?

How often do you study the Bible? What Bible study tools do you use (study Bible, commentaries, Bible studies, Bible dictionary, etc.)?

When do you study the Bible with others (church, Sunday school class, small group, etc.)?

What steps should you take to better understand and apply Scripture?

The religious leaders also valued the Scriptures. But they didn’t understand them because of their personal additions and interpretations. We can do the same unless we allow the Bible to speak to us. This involves looking at the whole story—the immediate and wider context—to determine what was going on. Bible study tools are also helpful, and we are blessed to have so many available to us these days. We also can invite more mature Christians to offer their opinions on the passage. But this process all begins by regularly reading God’s Word.

Talking to God

How wonderful that our Creator God has revealed himself and his will through the Bible, his holy Word. Ask God to open your eyes as you read and study, so that you might understand more of who he is and how he wants you to live.