When we think about following Jesus, we often focus on his actions, his words, and his attitudes. But have you ever wondered how he read the Bible? Jesus didn't just teach the Scriptures—he lived them. He said he came not to abolish the Law and the Prophets, but to fulfill them (Matthew 5:17). For him, the Word wasn't a cold rulebook, but a living story pointing to his mission and to love for God and neighbor.
In this article, we'll explore how Jesus approached reading the Bible, and how we can apply that same approach to our daily lives. It's not just about gaining information, but about transforming our hearts and relationships.
The Two Commandments That Hold Up All of Scripture
In Matthew 22, an expert in the law asks Jesus which is the greatest commandment. Jesus' answer is surprising: he gives not one, but two. First, he quotes Deuteronomy 6:5:
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.Then he adds Leviticus 19:18:
Love your neighbor as yourself.And he concludes:
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments (Matthew 22:40).
The word "hang" here has the idea of "depend." Just as a door hangs on its hinges and moves because of them, all of Scripture hangs on these two commandments. Every story, every law, every prophecy aims to teach us to love God and love others. When you read the Bible, ask yourself: How does this show me God's love? How does it call me to love my neighbor?
A Lens for Interpretation
Jesus gives us a clear lens to interpret any passage. For example, when you read the Old Testament laws, it's not about a legal code to follow literally, but about principles that reflect God's character and his desire for a loving relationship with his people. When you read the Psalms, you see the heart of someone who loves God with all their being. When you read the Prophets, you hear God's cry for justice and love for the oppressed.
This perspective frees you from a legalistic or merely intellectual reading. The Bible is not a manual of instructions, but an invitation to a deeper relationship with God and others.
Jesus, the Center of the Whole Story
After his resurrection, Jesus walked with two disciples on the road to Emmaus. They were sad and confused, not understanding what had happened. Jesus said to them:
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, beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
Jesus read the Old Testament as a story pointing to himself. Every sacrifice, every prophecy, every major event pointed to the coming Messiah. For us, this means that when we read the Bible, we should look for Christ on every page. Not just in the New Testament, but also in the Old, we see shadows and promises that find their fulfillment in Jesus.
How to Apply This Today
When you read an Old Testament passage, ask yourself: What does this teach me about Jesus? For example, the Exodus is not just Israel's liberation from Egypt, but a foreshadowing of the liberation from sin that Jesus would bring. The sacrificial system points to the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). Even the psalms of lament find their answer in Christ, who experienced abandonment on the cross.
This Christ-centered reading not only enriches your understanding, but draws you closer to the person of Jesus. The Bible ceases to be an ancient book and becomes a love letter from God, inviting you into a transformative relationship.
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