Today's readings: Psalms 30, 32, Joshua 6:1-14, Romans 13:1-7, Matthew 26:26-35
Today we’ll conclude (for now) our consideration of how biblical literacy in one area enriches our reading in another.
Jesus, Paul, the prophets and various Biblical characters are fond of using the phrase “It is written.” These words (or some variation of them) appear over 100 times. So where exactly is it written?
A good number of these references, especially those attributed to Jesus, refer to the prophets. In today’s reading he quotes Zechariah: “I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered” (Matt 26:31b, Zech 13:7). Mount Olive where he speaks these words is – according to Zechariah – the site of God’s victory (Zech 14). Use of such references authenticates his role as the Messiah both to Jesus’ immediate listeners, and to Matthew’s readers years later. Jesus and the writers of the Gospels also refer implicitly and explicitly to Isaiah and other prophets to lend authority to their claim that Jesus is the Messiah.
Other times “it is written” in the books of Moses, particularly the Book of Law. The Law of Moses found in Leviticus and Deuteronomy was central to Jewish life, so actions are frequently explained as being in accordance with the Book. In this way the actions are justified, and the importance of the Book is reinforced.
Occasionally, it isn’t written anywhere – at least not anywhere we can read today. As we read along in Joshua, we will come across a reference to the Book of Jashar, which is also referenced in 2 Samuel. Use of this lost book, sometimes known as the Book of the Righteous, demonstrates the importance recorded scripture had for the author of Joshua and for his audience.
Biblical writers were very intentional about the words they chose. References to previous scriptures provide continuity, depth, justification and authority. Becoming familiar with the writings important to Jesus, Paul and the authors of the Gospels allows us to better understand the meaning behind their messages.
[Note: Tomorrow we will reflect on today's reading from Matthew]
Comfort: By increasing our understanding, we can enrich our faith.
Challenge: As you read non-Biblical material over the next few days, pay attention to how many references make assumptions about what you know. Also pay attention to how your understanding of the material is affected when these assumptions are correct or incorrect.
Prayer: God of the Known and Unknown, thank you for being near to me when I am ignorant and when I am wise.
Evening readings: Psalms 42, 43
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