Search the Scriptures

John 7:52

They replied, "Are you from Galilee, too? Search the Scriptures and see for yourself - no prophet ever comes from Galilee!"

Well, the Pharisees were correct in saying that we need to search the scriptures. However, they seemed to have conveniently forgotten their own learning of the Scripture. As a result, they came to the wrong conclusion. 

Isaiah 9:1-2

Nevertheless, that time of darkness and despair will not go on forever. The land of Zebulun and Naphtali will be humbled, but there will be a time in the future when Galilee of the Gentiles, which lies along the road that runs between the Jordan river and the sea, will be filled with glory. 

The people who walk in darkness

will see a great light.

For those who live in a land of deep darkness,

a light will shine.

These verses are very particular about the place to which they refer. Galilee is also the area where Jesus did most of his teaching and miracles. He grew up in Nazareth, but he was born in Bethlehem. 

This map comes from BibleStudy.org

The Pharisees were completely misled in their understanding of the Scriptures. They only saw what they wanted to see in them. If we search the scriptures with a sincere heart and not our personal agenda, we will always find that Jesus is who he claimed to be.

Lord, help me to get rid of my preconceived ideas and beliefs when I'm reading your word. Help me to search it with a sincere desire to know you and understand the truth.

MEMORY VERSES

James 1:14-15

Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. Those desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.

James 1:14-15

Romans 1:16 (NIV)

I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.

Romans 1:16 (NIV)