Re-interpretation

Have we put our own interpretation on scripture and laws making them far from the actions of Jesus?

Mark 2:1-22

Reference:  v.16  When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the "sinners" and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: "Why does he eat with tax collectors and 'sinners'?" (NIV Bible)

Explore:  The Pharisees were learned men who had studied and discussed the scriptures and laws at great length.  They would have studied the works of previous Pharisees, they would have been educated by wise mentors and they would have discussed spiritual issues with their peers.  Their whole life was consumed by interpreting the scriptures and laws.  And then along comes Jesus who challenges their interpretations.  The Pharisees assumed the Son of God would look and sound a lot more like them.  Jesus was re-interpreting the laws for them all over again. 

Application:  Now, 2000 years down the track, I wonder how much we have become like the Pharisees.  Have we put our own interpretation on scripture and laws making them far from the actions of Jesus?  It happens in subtle ways but soon enough we are able to create a comfortable clique of our own that thinks we express Jesus' thoughts and actions the best.  Whether it's in the type of songs we sing, the words we use, the membership expectations we have… it all comes down to our interpretation.  If Jesus decided to walk on this earth again today, I wonder how far we would be from his re-interpretation.  The great thing is that when Jesus left this earth He did not leave us on our own.  We find that the Holy Spirit is constantly prompting us and challenging our interpretations.  The challenge then is being open to the Spirit when we need re-interpreting.

Prayer:  Lord, through Your Spirit guide our interpretations.  Give us Your Wisdom.  Amen.

What part of your faith has been reinterpreted lately?

Mark