Former Blackout Artist

“You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life.” – John 5: 39-40

Imagine someone who reads a cookbook every day, memorizes the recipes, and understands all of the culinary techniques. And yet, they never actually cook a meal or taste the food. Their knowledge might be impressive, but it would ultimately be fruitless!

The example above may sound far-fetched, but it accurately reflects the fundamental issue of the religious leaders during Jesus’ time. They were diligent in studying the Scriptures, but they believed that their knowledge and adherence to the Law would grant them eternal life. They missed the central message of the Scriptures – the testimony about Jesus Christ.

I love reading the Bible. As a Christ follower, it’s one of the most important things I do each and every day. It’s my spiritual food. It provides me nourishment, wisdom and encouragement. It teaches me about God’s nature, His promises, and His plans for me. But if my Bible study becomes an end to itself, I’ve missed the point entirely. The Scriptures are meant to lead me to Jesus, to deepen my relationship with Him.

Jesus calls us to come to Him to have life. Salvation isn’t found in merely knowing the Bible, but in knowing and having a personal relationship with Him. Through this relationship we receive the gift of eternal life. Jesus is the Living Word, and He invites us to experience a wonderful life in Him.

It’s good for us to reflect on our Bible reading habits. Are we seeking knowledge for its own sake, or are we seeking a deeper relationship with Jesus? Do we spend time in prayer, asking Jesus to reveal Himself to us through our reading of Scripture? Are we focusing on how the Bible points us to Jesus, and how it guides us in our worship and service?

Friend, it’s not that knowledge isn’t important. But all of the Bible wisdom in the world isn’t what justifies us before God. The thief on the cross next to Jesus probably never participated in a single Bible study, and yet in the waning moments of his life he saw Jesus for who He truly was. “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom,” the thief said. And Jesus replied, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:42-43). In the end, it wasn’t his knowledge that led to the thief’s salvation; it was his recognition and acceptance of Jesus Christ as the One who had come to save him from eternal death.

Jesus is our only salvation.

Today’s Prayer: Lord, thank you for the gift of Your Word. Help me to see how it testifies about you and draws me closer to you. May my study of the Scriptures always lead me into a deeper relationship with you. Open my heart to understand and experience the life you offer me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.