Matthew chapter 22 verse 29
Jesus replied, “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.
Matthew chapter 22 verses 34-36
Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
Job 32: verses 8-9(NIV)
But it is the spirit in a person,
the breath of the Almighty, that gives them understanding.
It is not only the old who are wise,
not only the aged who understand what is right.
2 Timothy chapter 2 verse 15 (NIV)
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
Jesus rebuked the Sadducees for their failure to know the scriptures as well as they should or to fully be open to knowing the power of God. The Pharisees in their turn thought they could send an expert who knew the very letter of the law, to try and catch Jesus out. He failed. In the Old Testament reading for today, Job’s critic, Elihu was right on this point; It’s the Holy Spirit who gives us understanding and wisdom. Our knowledge of the scriptures is not dependant on our own wisdom, intellect or age. Nevertheless, we need to pay heed to Paul’s advice to Timothy. We need to take the time to read and be familiar with the scriptures so that we know them well enough to handle them properly, and the Holy Spirit will open them up to us.
Dear Lord,
Thank You that we can have access to Your word without censure, regardless of age, education or status. Help me to be open to what the Holy Spirit wants to teach me from the Bible. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.