How to Truly Understand and Read the Bible: A Jesus-Centered Approach
Have you ever felt lost while reading the Bible? Maybe you’ve come across passages that seem confusing, contradictory, or downright perplexing. You’re not alone. Many people struggle with understanding the Bible because they’re reading it through their own lens, rather than the lens the Bible itself provides. Today, we’re going to explore how to read the Bible in a way that unlocks its full potential—a method that is foundational to truly grasping its message.
The key to understanding the Bible is remarkably simple: The Bible is all about Jesus.
Why Many Struggle to Understand the Bible
The Bible is a diverse collection of books written over centuries, encompassing history, poetry, prophecy, and teaching. Some parts are straightforward, while others feel cryptic or irrelevant. These challenges can make us question why certain passages are even included. The reason these difficulties arise is often due to one thing: we’re not approaching the Bible with the right focus.
If you approach the Bible as merely a book of rules, moral lessons, or historical accounts, you’re likely to miss its central message. The Bible is not just a collection of stories; it’s a unified narrative that points to Jesus Christ. Without recognizing this central truth, reading the Bible can feel like navigating without a map.
The Bible as a GPS
Think of reading the Bible like using a GPS. If you don’t set your destination, you’ll take wrong turns, get lost, and feel frustrated. When Jesus is your destination, every twist and turn begins to make sense. But if you’re focused on secondary things—like spiritual gifts, rituals, or theological debates—you’re navigating without a clear goal. Focusing on Jesus ensures you stay on course and find the deeper meaning in every passage.
Jesus: The Center of All Scripture
If the Bible is all about Jesus, then it’s only natural to look at what Jesus himself says about the Scriptures. One pivotal passage is Luke 24:25-27:
“Then he said to them, ‘Oh fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Ought not Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into his glory?’ And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, he expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.”
Here, Jesus reveals that all Scripture—from the Law of Moses to the Prophets—is ultimately about him. This is a profound statement. It means that every prophecy, vision, and law finds its fulfillment in Jesus. He is the thread that ties together the entire biblical narrative.
Misinterpreting Scripture: A Common Pitfall
In John 5:39, Jesus makes another bold claim:
“Search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me.”
Jesus was addressing religious leaders who knew the Scriptures inside and out. They had studied the text meticulously, yet they missed the most important point: the Scriptures were about him. This shows us that it’s possible to have extensive knowledge of the Bible and still miss its true meaning if we don’t recognize Jesus as the focal point.
Reading the Bible without a Jesus-centered focus is like following a recipe but leaving out the main ingredient. You might end up with something edible, but it won’t be the dish it was meant to be. Similarly, when we read the Bible without centering on Jesus, we miss out on its intended richness and nourishment.
Unlocking the Bible’s Full Potential
When you read the Bible with Jesus as the center, passages that once seemed confusing begin to make sense. For example:
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The Law: The commandments and rituals in the Old Testament aren’t just rules; they foreshadow Jesus, the perfect fulfillment of the Law.
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The Prophets: Prophecies about a coming Messiah find their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.
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The Psalms: Many Psalms are not just songs of worship but also prophetic reflections of Jesus’ suffering and glory.
Understanding this helps us see that the Bible is not a fragmented collection of books but a unified story with Jesus at its heart.
Why Jesus Must Be the Focus
When Jesus is the focal point, the Bible transforms from a difficult-to-understand book into a life-giving guide. It’s no longer about checking boxes or deciphering obscure texts; it’s about encountering the living God through his Word.
Jesus himself illustrates this beautifully in his post-resurrection conversation with two disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35). Despite knowing the Scriptures, these disciples were disheartened and confused about recent events. Jesus opened their eyes by showing them how all Scripture pointed to him. This revelation transformed their understanding and reignited their faith.
Practical Tips for a Jesus-Centered Reading of the Bible
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Start with Prayer: Ask God to reveal Jesus to you through his Word. Invite the Holy Spirit to guide your reading.
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Look for Jesus in Every Passage: Whether you’re reading Genesis, Psalms, or Revelation, ask yourself how this passage points to Jesus.
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Study the Gospels: Spend time immersing yourself in the life and teachings of Jesus. The Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) are the foundation for understanding the rest of Scripture.
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Use a Christ-Centered Commentary: Choose study tools that emphasize how Jesus is revealed throughout the Bible.
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Reflect on the Gospel: Always come back to the core message of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. This is the lens through which all Scripture should be viewed.
Why This Matters
Understanding the Bible as a book about Jesus changes everything. It provides clarity, purpose, and direction. Instead of feeling lost or frustrated, you’ll begin to see the beauty and wisdom in every passage. More importantly, this perspective deepens your relationship with Jesus, the ultimate goal of Scripture.
Remember, the Bible isn’t just a book to be studied; it’s a means of encountering the living God. By keeping Jesus at the center, you’ll unlock the Bible’s full potential and experience the transformative power of God’s Word.
Final Thoughts
Approach the Bible as a GPS with Jesus as your destination. Let him be the main ingredient in every passage you read. When you do, you’ll not only understand the Bible more deeply but also grow closer to the heart of God. The Bible’s ultimate purpose is to reveal Jesus and draw us into a relationship with him. Embrace this truth, and let it transform the way you read and live out Scripture.
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