“We will visit fewer locations than other groups do. Instead we spend more time at each archaeological site allowing time for questions so you better understand the significance of each place.” These were the opening remarks to our small group of eight on a study tour of Israel. Three of us were Bible professors. The guide continued by adding a bit of subtle humor to the reasoning for fewer stops. “Some people go on a ‘been-to’ tour. They visit so many places in such a short time that they learn nothing about its geographical importance in Scriptures. They become members of the been-to-tribe because the only thing they can tell people is that they have been-to that place.”
I’m not a fan of the read the Bible in a year programs—maybe every five years. People that do this year after year typically can only say, “I’ve been-to that verse or chapter” with little or no comprehension of its meaning and application to their daily life. It is far better that we understand one verse, which we can apply to life, than read five chapters with no concept of its relevance today. Jesus warned, When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart (Matt 13:19). The key is slow down and ask yourself questions about what you read. An excellent start is called the 5 W’s—who, when, where, why, and what. We should always stop and ask who is saying it, or who hears it? When and where did it take place? Why did this happen? What does it mean for me?
Here are examples that will illustrate this and provide several sustaining words (SW). Jesus taught, the thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy (Jn 10:10). I’ve always heard that Jesus was referring to the devil as the one who steals, kills, and destroys. Yes, the devil does do these things, however he is not the one to whom Jesus is referring in these verses. Back in v8, Jesus identifies the thief. All who came before Me are thieves and robbers. He is referring to false prophets, corrupt leaders, etc. Jesus is warning that other people will steal, kill, and destroy. SW: do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God (l Jn 4:1).
When Jesus returned with Peter, John, and James from the mountain where He was transfigured, a man came crying out his son was possessed and I begged Your disciples to cast it out, and they could not (Luk 9:40). We know this happened after Jesus came down from the mountain, but another important when question concerns the defeated disciples. Prior to this occasion in verse one, He called the twelve together, and gave them power and authority over all the demons. Luke gives no indication that Jesus took back their authority. Matthew adds, Then the disciples approached Jesus privately and said, “Why couldn’t we drive it out? He told them, Because of your little faith, (Matt 17:19, 20). They still had the authority but too little faith. SW: Have faith and use the gifts and talents God gave you.
Upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it (Mat 16:18). Asking where provides a completely new perspective on this statement. Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi (Mat 16:13). Out of the lush, green surroundings, a huge rock formation over 100 feet straight up and 500 feet wide juts out of the ground. Pagans called it the rock of the gods because of the many shrines built against it. Here worshippers of false gods carried out fertility practices and immorality including bestiality. They named a cave leading into the rock the Gates of Hell because they believed Baal entered and left the underworld at this opening. The disciples could see a visible illustration that Jesus would build His Church on a rock far stronger and more powerful than any pagan god. SW: When we are in His Church, we are safe from any pagan god and the demons of hell.
They brought a blind man to Jesus and implored Him to touch him. After spitting on his eyes and laying His hands on him, He asked him, “Do you see anything?” And he looked up and said, “I see men, for I see them like trees, walking around.” Then again He laid His hands on his eyes; and he looked intently and was restored, and began to see everything clearly (Mar 8:22-25). Why did Jesus heal the man in two phases? Jesus utilized this approach as a visual illustration for His disciples. Note the previous verses. They were arguing about forgetting bread following the feeding of the 4000. Jesus asked them, Do you not yet see or understand (v17)? Jesus is showing them, they don’t yet see clearly. They had been-to the miraculous feedings of both the 5,000 and 4,000 but failed to see or understand. SW: Let Jesus complete His healing so you can see clearly.
In every verse, we should ask, “What does this mean for me?” “How does it apply to my life?” Who, when, where, why, and what are simple questions but they will give you deeper insight into the teaching of Scripture. Be more than a ‘been-to’ reader, stop and ask questions. You will understand far more than you ever imagined.
Sustaining Word for the Week: Open my eyes, that I may behold Wonderful things from Your law (Psa 119:18).