How Do You Read It?
Let me introduce you to the passage that is at the heart of Contextual Eyes. In Luke 10:25-37 an “expert in the law” poses a question in order to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” To his credit, this “expert” has some commendable traits. First, he asks a really good question - even if his intentions were not. Second, as we will discover, he does appear to actually be an “expert in the law” or at least a very capable student of God’s word.
It is Jesus’ response to this question, however, that has so greatly impacted my own life and ultimately caused me to seriously evaluate how I interpret the Bible. Listen carefully to His response. “What is written in the Law?” He replied. “How do you read it?” Jesus’ response turns the “test” back on the “expert.” And, dear reader, I believe this test is for all of us as well. It is extremely important for us to know what the word of God says, but it is equally important for us to know what it means.
“26 “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?” ”
Everyone Interprets the Bible
I’ve heard well meaning pastors and preachers suggest that interpretations are just the opinions of people and that there is no room for opinions when it comes to understanding the Bible. “The Bible says what it means and means what it says.” I don’t disagree with the heart behind such statements - which ultimately are emphasizing the authority of Scripture to impart truth.
But what do you do with Jesus’ followup question? He doesn’t just ask what does the law say… He adds: What do you think it means? How do you interpret it? The word for “read” in v26 is the same word used in Acts 8:30 when Philip asks the Ethiopian Eunuch do you “understand” what you are reading? So, when Jesus asks the expert in the law, “how do you read it,” He is acknowledging that when one reads the word of God there is a process of comprehension that takes place. Simply put, the reader interprets what he is reading. This doesn’t mean the interpretation is valid or accurate. But we shouldn’t be in denial about what is taking place when we read the Bible. All of us have our own process or lens through which we see Scripture. If we are unwilling to acknowledge this, we are setting ourselves up to interpret it incorrectly.
How to Interpret Correctly?
Amazingly, the expert in the law comes up with the correct interpretation to what is written? “You have answered correctly,” Jesus said (v28). In fact, Jesus essentially gave the same answer when questioned about His interpretation of the Law (Matthew 22:34-40). So how did he interpret it correctly?
There are so many rules of interpretation that men have established over the centuries. Some of them are wonderful and helpful. Some, unfortunately, miss the forest for the trees. Worse, still, some lead to legalism and spiritual death.