Jesus and Bible Reading

“And Jesus answering them said, Have ye not read so much as this, what David did, when himself was an hungred, and they which were with him?”

(Lk.6 cp. 1Sam.21)

From the above text we find our Lord is interested in Bible reading. And not only in the reading itself, but in how much of it has been read. We see this in His wise rebuke, “Have ye not read so much as this?” Haven’t you read as far as Samuel?, asks He.  

But this is not the only occasion He showed concern for reading the Bible, there are others: “Have ye not read in the law, how that on the sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the sabbath, and are blameless?” (Matt. 12 cp. Num. 28); again, “Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female.” (Matt. 19 cp. Gen. 1-2); and again, “But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God.” (Mk. 12 cp. Ex. 3-4); and yet again, “And have ye not read this scripture; The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner.” (Mk. 12 cp. Psl.118). His questions, “Have ye not read,” Genesis, Samuel, Exodus, Psalms, Numbers? Well?

I’m told that in Jesus’ earthly ministry He quoted no less than twenty-four different Old Testament Books. This is where His power lay, in the Written Word. Throughout Scripture we’re told of the power of the Word of God. Our Lord told those of His day, “Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.” Like two wings of a bird, they go together.

One writer mentions something I thought interesting. I haven’t checked it out. But if true, as I said, interesting.  When God’s people of old tasted the Manna, and it tasted as “oil,” they were out of His Will. But when the taste was as “honey,” they were right with God.

What does His Word taste like to you?