Jesus said — Read The Bible
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:2)
Is it important in ones life to read The Bible? Sure it’s a popular book, more so than any other that’s ever been written. It’s been translated in over 750 languages. More people in this world have read The Bible than any other book ever written in the History of the world—by a long shot.
That being the case, would it be prudent to say, that someone is being naive, foolish or hardheaded, if they choose not to read The Bible? Or is the fact that people find it to be worthy enough to read, more than any other book, simply a statistical anomaly, and one not worthy of further investigation. Simply put…it’s not indispensable or needed in their lives, therefore not worth the time in their day.
If you asked the next 100 people you came across if it would be wise to read The Bible, what would they say? I don’t know the answer to that question. However, I do know what Jesus would say, because I read The Bible. I read what He said…And He’s crystal clear on the matter.
In the final chapter of the Gospel of Luke, there appears a beautiful story about two men who are distraught over Jesus’ death. Unknowingly, they miraculously find themselves in deep conversation with the Teacher Himself.
As the men are walking along discusing current events, Jesus comes alongside of them and listens to their conversation. But, these men don’t know it’s Jesus. This lack of recognition is not necessarily their fault. Scripture tells us that they were,“kept from recognizing him.” (Luke 24:16)
When Jesus asks what they are discussing, the men explain their version of the past days events, as well as their disappointment over their hopes, which are seemingly unfulfilled. And of their confusion about what the women had seen at the tomb.
Jesus speaks His mind, telling the men, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory.” (Luke 24:25-26)
Then Jesus proceeds to explain the Old Testament stories, from Moses to the prophets, and how they all fully and completely point to the Christ. The men, still do not realize they are speaking with Jesus, but they eagerly welcome this conversation. When they get to Emmaus, they invite their mysterious companion to stay with them, instead of continuing on in His journey, and Jesus agrees.
Finally, at the table, while Jesus gives thanks, and breaks bread, they recognize Him. Then immediately, Jesus disappears. The men rush back to Jerusalem that very evening, find the 11 apostles, and tell them what has happened. “Jesus is Risen!”
Three men walking along shooting the breeze…talking about the things on their minds. After everything that occurred over the unforgettable Passover weekend, two of them were looking for answers and were eager to talk about the pressing things on their minds. They wanted to know what just happened. They wanted to know how this could be part of God’s plan.
This story as recorded in The Gospel of Luke, answers a question on everyones mind; Jesus has just risen from the tomb… what is it that He’s going to say? The greatest teacher of all time, the very one that was there from the beginning at God’s side—What’s on His mind?
Relatively speaking, Jesus would be with these men for a very short time and since He was never one to waste words…There’s no doubt that He would get right to the point.
As Jesus partners up with these men, He attempts to help their unbelief by pointing out the truth that has already been revealed to them. His main point is that all that has happened to this (thought he was the Messiah, now maybe not?) man, has already been predicted and written down by Moses and the prophets, and is now being fulfilled.
Jesus wants them to know that although things look hopeless and they might have doubts, they have to look no further than Scripture to understand what happened and what will happen: First the Christ must suffer, then He is glorified—It is all part of God’s plan.
Jesus tells them with more authority than anybody else ever could: “You knuckleheads, it’s all written in the scriptures. I’m telling you the truth, just read The Bible!”
Those are not the exact words that Jesus used, as He spoke to those men, but that’s what I heard when I read what He said.
If we want to know the answers to what happened that weekend, and everything that came before and how it effects us today, and in our eternity, we need to have a relationship with Jesus Christ—We need to have walking talking shooting the breeze interactions with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. That’s what’s needed in this world, “I tell you the Truth”.
Why is it so important to read and believe in The Bible? Because Jesus tells you to! It couldn’t be more crystal clear or straight forward than that. If you want to help yourself and your fellow man answer the questioning of: What is the truth, who is God, and what’s His plan, there is no better response in this world than to say: “Read the Bible—Read and Believe!”
“I tell you the Truth”