What steps can we take to deepen our understanding of Scripture like Jesus? Drawing Near as Jesus Did — John 7:14 “About halfway through the feast, Jesus went up to the temple courts and began to teach.” (John 7:14) Why This Moment Matters • Jesus enters the busy Temple, not a quiet study room. • He positions Himself where Scripture is read aloud, discussed, and lived. • His example invites us to move from passive listening to active engagement with God’s Word. Step 1: Place Yourself Where the Word Is Central • Gather consistently with believers who open Scripture together (Hebrews 10:25). • Read aloud at home—Scripture was designed to be heard (Revelation 1:3). • Keep an open Bible on the table; make it the center of conversation (Deuteronomy 6:6–9). Step 2: Let the Father Teach You • “My teaching is not My own, but His who sent Me.” (John 7:16) • Ask God for insight each time you read (Psalm 119:18). • Expect the Spirit to illuminate truth (John 14:26). Step 3: Submit Your Will to the Word • “If anyone desires to do His will, he will know whether My teaching is from God.” (John 7:17) • Understanding follows obedience; put revealed truth into practice first (James 1:22–25). • Approach with a yielded heart, not merely a curious mind (Psalm 119:33–34). Step 4: Engage the Whole Canon • Jesus taught from Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms (Luke 24:27, 44). • Read systematically through both Testaments; trace themes and promises. • Use cross-references to let Scripture interpret Scripture (Acts 17:11). Step 5: Meditate Day and Night • “His delight is in the law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night.” (Psalm 1:2) • Rehearse a verse throughout the day; pray it back to God. • Journal insights, noting how passages connect. Step 6: Guard Against Tradition Over Truth • Jesus confronted teachings that nullified Scripture (Mark 7:8–13). • Test every sermon, book, or podcast against the text itself (1 Thessalonians 5:21). • Keep the plain meaning foremost; avoid interpretations that contradict clear passages. Step 7: Teach What You Learn • Jesus shared immediately in the Temple courts. • Explain a verse to a child, friend, or small group; teaching reinforces retention (2 Timothy 2:2). • Speak the Word in ordinary conversations (Colossians 3:16). Step 8: Depend on the Spirit’s Power • “The Spirit gives life; the flesh profits nothing.” (John 6:63) • Welcome His daily filling for insight and boldness (Ephesians 5:18). • Trust Him to recall passages at needed moments (John 14:26). Step 9: Persevere Over a Lifetime • Jesus returned to Jerusalem year after year; His grasp of Scripture grew with age (Luke 2:52). • Make Bible intake as regular as meals (Matthew 4:4). • Expect deeper understanding with faithful, decade-long consistency (Proverbs 4:18). Living the Lesson Follow the pattern of John 7:14: enter the gathering, open the Word, listen for the Father’s voice, and speak truth to others. The same Scriptures that shaped Jesus will transform anyone who approaches them in this way. |
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