Luke 10:26 – “‘What is written in the Law?’ he replied. ‘How do you read it?'”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, Jesus responds to the expert in the law who asked Him, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” Instead of immediately answering the question, Jesus turns it back to the man, inviting him to reflect on his own understanding of the Scriptures. By asking, “What is written in the Law?” Jesus acknowledges the authority of God’s Word. And with the follow-up question, “How do you read it?” Jesus pushes the man to consider not only the content of the law but how he interprets and applies it.
This approach is significant. Jesus isn’t just testing the man’s knowledge—He’s challenging him to think about the deeper meaning of the law. Many people knew the law by heart, but few understood its purpose: to point people to a relationship with God and to show them how to live in love and obedience. Jesus’ question reveals that it’s not enough to know Scripture—you must understand it correctly and live by its truth.
Historical Context
The law, or Torah, was central to Jewish life and faith in Jesus’ time. It contained the commandments given to Moses and was considered the foundation for living in obedience to God. The “experts in the law,” like the man speaking to Jesus, were well-versed in these teachings. They studied the Scriptures, interpreted them, and taught them to others. However, many religious leaders at the time emphasized strict rule-keeping without understanding the heart of the law—love for God and others.
The way Jesus interacts with this man reflects a common teaching method in Jewish culture, where rabbis would answer questions by asking questions. This approach encouraged discussion and deeper reflection. Jesus’ question, “How do you read it?” wasn’t just about reciting the law but about understanding its purpose and meaning. This conversation would lead to the parable of the Good Samaritan, where Jesus demonstrates what it truly means to live out the law.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights the importance of correctly interpreting Scripture. The expert in the law knew the words of the law, but Jesus was leading him toward a deeper understanding of its purpose. Similarly, Christians today are called to go beyond surface-level knowledge and seek to understand how Scripture points us to a life of love, faith, and obedience.
Another theological lesson here is that the law reveals our need for God’s grace. The man’s question—“What must I do to inherit eternal life?”—assumes that salvation is about works. But as the conversation unfolds, it becomes clear that the law points to something deeper: the need for a transformed heart. As Paul later explains, the law shows us our inability to earn salvation and leads us to Christ (Galatians 3:24).
Additionally, this verse emphasizes the authority of God’s Word. Jesus directs the man to Scripture, showing that the answers to life’s most important questions are found there. But understanding Scripture requires more than just reading—it requires seeking God’s guidance to apply it correctly.
Literary Analysis
The structure of this verse reflects Jesus’ teaching style. By asking questions, He engages the man in a dialogue rather than giving a simple answer. This approach invites reflection and personal responsibility—Jesus isn’t just telling the man what to believe; He’s guiding him to discover the truth for himself.
The phrase “What is written in the Law?” points to the objective authority of Scripture, while “How do you read it?” focuses on the subjective interpretation. This balance highlights that while Scripture is unchanging, our understanding and application of it must be thoughtful and guided by God’s Spirit.
The fact that Jesus doesn’t immediately provide the answer shows His wisdom. He recognizes that the man doesn’t need more information—he needs to think about what he already knows and apply it correctly.
Biblical Cross-References
- Deuteronomy 6:4-5 – The Shema, a central Jewish prayer that commands love for God with all one’s heart, soul, and strength.
- Leviticus 19:18 – The command to love your neighbor as yourself, which is part of the foundation for Jesus’ teaching.
- Matthew 22:37-40 – Jesus summarizes the law by stating that the greatest commandments are to love God and love your neighbor.
- Psalm 119:18 – “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law,” a prayer for understanding Scripture correctly.
- 2 Timothy 3:16-17 – All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, correcting, and training in righteousness.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Luke 10:26 reminds us that knowing Scripture isn’t enough—we must understand it and apply it correctly. Many people can quote Bible verses, but the real question is whether they grasp the heart of God’s message. The law, as Jesus shows, is meant to lead us to a life of love for God and others, not just religious rule-keeping.
This verse also challenges us to approach Scripture with humility. Instead of reading the Bible to justify our own opinions or actions, we should be willing to let God shape our understanding. Jesus’ question, “How do you read it?” invites us to reflect on whether our interpretation of Scripture aligns with God’s purpose.
Additionally, this verse teaches us to seek wisdom from God as we read His Word. True understanding comes from the Holy Spirit, who helps us apply God’s truth in our daily lives.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is shown in the way He provides His Word to guide us. He didn’t leave us to figure out life on our own—He gave us Scripture as a revelation of His will, His character, and His plan for salvation. Jesus’ question directs the man to the law, not as a burden but as a guide to understanding God’s love and how to live it out.
God’s love is also evident in the fact that He wants us to engage with His Word personally. He doesn’t force us into blind obedience—He invites us to think, reflect, and seek understanding. This shows that God values relationship and wants us to grow in wisdom through our interactions with Him.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is central to this verse because He is the fulfillment of the law. When Jesus asks, “What is written in the Law?” He is pointing to a truth that will later be fully revealed: the law finds its completion in Him (Matthew 5:17). Jesus didn’t come to abolish the law but to fulfill it by living a perfect life of obedience and offering Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for sin.
Jesus’ role as the one who perfectly interprets and applies the law is also important. Throughout His ministry, He showed that the law wasn’t just about external actions—it was about the condition of the heart. By directing the expert in the law to think about what the Scriptures say, Jesus points him toward the deeper truth that only a relationship with God can bring.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How do you approach Scripture—are you simply reading it, or are you seeking to understand its deeper meaning and apply it to your life?
- In what ways have you struggled with interpreting Scripture correctly? How can you seek God’s guidance in this area?
- What does this verse teach you about the importance of humility when reading the Bible?
- How does the law, as revealed in Scripture, point you toward your need for God’s grace through Jesus?
- How can you help others understand and apply Scripture in a way that leads to love for God and love for others?
Luke 10:26 reminds us that the Bible is more than a book of rules—it’s a guide to living a life of love and obedience to God. As we reflect on this verse, may we seek God’s wisdom and let His Word transform our hearts and actions.