The Importance of Biblical Literacy Pt. 5

C.H. Spurgeon once said, “The answer to every objection against the Bible is the Bible.”

When engaging in a spiritual discussion, how quick are you to go to God’s Word? Jesus gives us a striking example when he was posed a question by some Jewish leaders who wanted to hear his opinion on a complex religious issue. They were using it as bait for a trap.

Being God though, Jesus was not intimidated by them or their question. He simply replied in Mark 12:24, “Is this not the reason you are mistaken, that you do not understand the Scriptures or the power of God?” He then continues on in verse 25 asking them, “....have you not read….?” 

Jesus corrects the questioners by implying that if they had been reading the scriptures, they would’ve known the answer.

In Luke 4:17-21 we also read of Jesus reading scripture to other listeners.

17 And the book of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. And He opened the book and found the place where it was written,
18 “THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS UPON ME,
BECAUSE HE ANOINTED ME TO PREACH THE GOSPEL TO THE POOR.
HE HAS SENT ME TO PROCLAIM RELEASE TO THE CAPTIVES,
AND RECOVERY OF SIGHT TO THE BLIND,
TO SET FREE THOSE WHO ARE OPPRESSED,
19 TO PROCLAIM THE FAVORABLE YEAR OF THE LORD.”
20 And He closed the book, gave it back to the attendant and sat down; and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on Him. 21 And He began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”

There will likely come a time in all of our lives when people ask questions to try to trap us in our religious beliefs. At those times, may the investments of reading the scriptures and having them read to us equip us for the moment. It’s not about sharing our own opinion, but in the same way Jesus responded, let’s use the Word of God.