Christ directed this question to a lawyer, an expert in the interpretation and application of the Law of God. In seeking to put Christ to the test, the man had asked, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” (Luke 10:25). Though insincere in his intention, the man had asked one of the greatest of all questions, giving Christ an opportunity for the instruction of all present-and as on other occasions, Christ would draw the answer out of the very one asking the question. He responded to the man by asking, “What is written in the law? What is your reading of it?” Christ’s use of two questions was purposeful, the second being designed to provoke the man to careful thought in answering the first. It was to encourage contemplation rather than a mere recitation of the law. Let it also provoke contemplation on our part by focusing on some ways in which we are directed by it.

The question directs us to read the scriptures. Observe Christ’s use of the term “the law.” Here He referred to the Law of Moses, the head of the scriptures of His day. The source of the Law of Moses was God Himself, “for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God” (2 Peter 1:21). In asking this man for his reading of the law, Christ was, therefore, asking for his reading of the scriptures. These very scriptures, with the addition of the glorious revelation of the New Testament, have been given to our generation-a most precious gift from God. In them we read of God, who has made the world and all things in it. In them we read of the past and future of mankind, from the creation to the final Day of Judgment. In them we read of the purpose for which we live and the laws that govern our lives. In them we read of God’s work throughout history and His promises for the future. In them we read of God’s judgment against sin and the path to eternal life through Jesus Christ. The scriptures contain all that we need pertaining to life and godliness. They are perfect and testify of themselves that they are the very Word of the living God: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Tm 3:16).

But what does it profit to have the great treasure of the scriptures and yet not read it? To what avail is the greatest gift that is never opened? To what profit is the greatest masterpiece that is never read? It is to be lamented that so many have the scriptures but so few read them. So many ask the great questions of life, but so few seek the answers in the Word of God. How is it that humanity seeks to live this life with its complexities, difficulties, and mysteries without consulting the One who has made all things, the One who sustains everything by His power? Is it any wonder that so much of humanity remains separated from God? If God’s own people perish for lack of knowledge (Hosea 4:6), how much more a world that will not read the scriptures? Professing to be wise, they become fools, failing to see the glory and salvation of God as revealed in His Word.

Neglect of the scriptures is not only common among the irreligious, but occurs even among those who would profess the true God and stand upon the authority of His Word. The Bible adorns the shelf but is seldom opened to train the heart! Just as in a grand home where the most beautifully adorned room is never used, so the Bible, though acknowledged for its beauty and value, rarely encounters the human soul. Is it any wonder that peace and sanctification are lacking when the very means to those ends is abandoned? Is it any wonder that so many Christians cannot discern truth from error and the ways of God from the ways of the world? And so many professing believers, failing to seek direction from the scriptures, seek impressions, feelings, inner peace, and coincidences to guide them! Some seek revelations from God, knowing so little of what God has already said! They seek the new, the exciting, the fresh, unmoved by the fact that “the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). O let it not be so with us! Let the word of Christ dwell richly in us (Col 3:16). Let the scriptures be a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path (Psalm 119:105).

Christ’s question implicitly assumed that the lawyer was reading the scriptures. This was quite the case, for such men required knowledge of scripture far beyond familiarity, and such could only be attained by continual reading. But is such diligent reading of scripture reserved for the lawyer, the scholar, and the theologian? By no means-it is for all of God’s people. The scriptures are that which make us wise for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ (2 Tim 3:15). The scriptures are the nutrition of the soul; therefore, “as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby” (1 Pet 2:2). If you would have deep and intimate knowledge of God’s Word, you must read it. Though other means of learning can sometimes supplement or enhance the reading of the scriptures, they cannot replace it-and though the reading of the scriptures does not guarantee intimate knowledge of God’s truth, you ordinarily will never attain such knowledge without it. Providential hindrances apply where the physical or mental ability to read the scriptures is lacking, but how few in our land can claim such exception! Christ prayed to the Father on behalf of His people, saying, “Sanctify them in the truth. Your word is truth” (John17:17), and God’s general means of imparting wisdom, discernment, and sanctification is a first-hand reading of the Word of God. Indeed the humble saint with an open Bible surpasses in wisdom the aged and the learned of this world. If Christ guided even this lawyer to go back to the scriptures to find the answer to his question, can it be any different with us? More than that, if Christ Himself, the Lord of glory, battled the temptations of the devil by saying “It is written,” how much more do we need the scriptures as our infallible rule and guide?

Do you read the scriptures? Are you regularly opening the Word of God to learn what it says? If Christ were to ask you, “What is your reading of it?” would you be able to answer Him? Have you made proper use of this most precious gift of God to You? Is the Word of God hidden in your heart so that you might not sin against Him? (Psalm 119:11). O how blessed we are to have the written Word of God! How wonderful it is that the God of the universe has given us an infallible revelation of His truth! He has told us all that we need to know to have lives that are fulfilled in Him! May God forgive us for taking this blessing so lightly! O Lord, help us to treasure the scriptures by reading and applying them. Help us to say with David, “Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation.” (Psalm 25:4-5).

In our next consideration, we will explore the ways in which Christ’s question directs us toward proper understanding of the scriptures.