“Jesus’ high regard for God’s Word is a good word for us today.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – September 25, 2024
Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. Luke 24:27
Jesus embraced all of the Scriptures, highlighting to His new friends as they walked together after His resurrection how Moses and all the prophets spoke concerning Jesus Christ. He was helping these seekers to look for and learn of their Savior in Scripture, which is both a labor of study and a love of an intimate relationship. Jesus took a similar approach in the Sermon on the Mount, where He emphasized the importance of obeying and teaching Scripture, which is greatness in God’s Kingdom, “Anyone who obeys God’s laws and teaches them will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven” (Matthew 5:19). Jesus’ high regard for God’s Word is a good word for us today when we are tempted to ignore some truth instead of changing our behavior.
Jesus authoritatively and submissively taught and lived out the Old Testament Scripture. When the Old Testament is properly taught, it is decisive and binding to an obedient heart. Because Jesus is in all of Scripture, all of Scripture is to be held in the highest regard in reverence to the Word, Jesus Christ Himself, who became flesh. As John Calvin highlighted, “Christ came not to abolish the law, but to fulfill it, demonstrating His reverence for the authority of Scripture.” An apparent reference to Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5:17, “Do not think that I have come to abolish Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” Like Hebrews 10:5-6, which quotes Psalms 40:6-8, the New Testament Scripture, looking back, discovers Jesus throughout the Old Testament, “That is why, when Christ came into the world, he said to God, ‘You did not want animal sacrifices or sin offerings. But you have given me a body to offer. You were not pleased with burnt offerings or other offerings for sin.’” Jesus is found in all Scripture.
Why is this important? A couple of reasons come to mind: 1) We can approach all of Scripture like Jesus with a spirit of reverence and obedience, 2) In the power of the Holy Spirit, we can study and meditate on God’s Word with a heart toward knowing and loving the Lord Jesus Christ with fuller and deeper intimacy. Submission to God through His Word means we learn and obey all of the Scripture. And like Jesus, when temptation comes, we quote the Word to defeat the enemy. A faith anchored in the time-tested absolutes of Scripture does not bend toward whatever new direction the culture embraces. Authentic mercy and love can only thrive where justice and obedience to God’s Word are real. Jesus is in all of Scripture so that we can love and obey Jesus!
Living obediently with a high regard for all of Scripture starts with daily engagement in God’s Word. Reserve time daily to read and meditate on Scripture, allowing it to mold your thoughts and actions. James 1:22 reminds us to be a doer of the Word, not just a hearer. Apply what you learn—whether it’s showing kindness, practicing forgiveness, or trusting Jesus more deeply. Obedience also means seeking to understand the whole counsel of Scripture, not just the comfortable parts. Surround yourself with solid teaching, ask your heavenly Father for wisdom, and allow the Spirit to guide you into truth. As you live in obedience, you demonstrate your reverence for Scripture, allowing it to shape your life for God’s glory. See Jesus in Scripture.
Prayer
Lord, help me to obey all of Your Word, not just the parts that are easy or convenient. Give me a heart that desires to follow Your commands fully. Strengthen me to live by Scripture in every area of my life, trusting in Your wisdom and guidance always. Amen.
Application
What hard passage of Scripture is the Lord asking you to obey?
Related Reading
Isaiah 53:5; Micah 5:2; Matthew 4:4, 22:29; John 5:39, 10:35
Worship Resource
Brooke Ligertwood: I Will Exalt You
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