There were a few times in school when I was caught unprepared for class. The question would then come from the teacher, "Have you not read the assignment?" I would rather have been without a coat at the south pole at that moment, than in shame to say that I had not.
Jesus, who is the master teacher, asked the question, "Have you not read...?" seven times in the gospel accounts of Matthew, Mark, and Luke (Matthew 12:3,5; 19:4; 22:31; Mark 12:10,26; Luke 6:3). In each instance, He pointed out a lack of knowledge of God's word to those who were living in contradiction to it. This lack of knowledge resulted in the Pharisees condemning innocent people (Matt. 12:1-8; Luke 6:1-11). Their ignorance of God's word led them to believe they could divorce their wives for any reason without incurring the wrath of God (Matt. 19:1-12). Even the chief priests, who are identified as the Sadducees, were inexcusably ignorant of an "elementary principle," that of the resurrection of the dead (Hebrews 6:1-3), and therefore believed and taught there was no resurrection (Matt. 22:23-33; Mark 12:18-27). The Jewish leaders' ignorance of Old Testament prophecy ultimately led them to reject Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God (Matthew 12:1-12; Acts 3:12-18).
"Have you not read?" This question implies that Jesus expects us to read His word, and not only that, but to understand and be doers of it (Ephesians 5:17; James 1:22). Think of the results of living in ignorance. You might make a law where there is not one, and thereby condemn the innocent. That's an abomination to God (Proverbs 17:15 He who condemns the just...). You could break the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2) by living according to what society accepts but what God rejects, such as casual divorce. You could think you are secure in your salvation, but be greatly mistaken (Mark 12:27), because you did not take heed to all that was written (Acts 20:27; 1 Timothy 4:15,16). Many do this today thinking all one has to do to be saved is to believe (Mark 16:16). For one to choose to live in ignorance of God's word is to ultimately reject Christ (John 14:15), and have a warped view of Him (2 Corinthians 11:3).
If someone asked you why he should become a Christian, could you give him book, chapter, and verse? If asked why baptism is necessary to be saved, could you defend your answer by Scripture? If you were mocked for attending all the services of the church, would you be able to provide examples in the Bible where such occurred? If someone challenged you about the way you worship, such as singing without musical instruments or partaking of the Lord's Supper every Sunday, could you point to what is written? Can you give an answer for the reason of the hope that is in you?
It certainly was an embarrassing situation sitting unprepared before my schoolteacher. But imagine standing before the Lord in the day of Judgment, having not read His word, thus being unprepared. What will that day be like for many who were ignorant of or did not do what was written? "Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness’" (Matthew 7:21-23 NKJV). God's word is the authority for all we do (Colossians 3:17). It is by it that we will be judged (John 12:48). The humble reception of it will save our souls (James 1:21). Why would you not want to read it?
Brotherly, Jamie
