Guided by the Bible

Two sections of the gospel of Luke speak to the importance of basing our spiritual growth on the bible itself.

The first, appearing in Luke 24, tells the story of Jesus making a post-resurrection appearance to two of his disciples on the road to Emmaus. While concealing his identity so that they cannot recognize him, Jesus proceeds to explain the meaning of his life, death, and resurrection. First, it is noteworthy that Jesus is willing to teach just two people. We should find that encouraging, because if he is willing to reach out to such a small audience, he also must be willing to speak to our hearts.

But another noteworthy aspect of the "road to Emmaus" in the way in which Jesus chooses to teach. Verse 27 (KJV) reads

And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.

Surely Jesus could have conjured up new doctrine, if he wanted. But instead, he teaches from "all the scriptures."

Now, turn to Luke 16, where Jesus tells the parable of Lazarus and the rich man. In a truly horrifying story, Jesus tells of a rich man who, following his death, is condemned to an eternity of suffering. The man begs Abraham to allow him to return to earth so that he can warn his relatives. Abraham refuses saying (verse 31, KJV)

If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

"Moses and the prophets," of course, refers to the biblical writings. The main point is that, in both the "road to Emmaus" and "Lazarus and the rich man," Jesus refers to the importance of biblical writings. Therefore, let us use the bible as the primary guide for our prayers and spiritual growth.

Go, and sin no more

In John 8, the religious leaders and lawyers brought to Jesus a woman accused of breaking Jewish law. The most famous line from that episode is undoubtedly Jesus' challenge (John 8:7, KJV),

He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.

The religious leaders and lawyers, recognizing their own guilt, file away, leaving just Jesus and the woman. After a brief exchange, Jesus lets her know that she is forgiven. He then sends her away with the command (John 8:11, KJV),

Go, and sin no more.

Each word here is crucial. First, "Go" implies that she should get on with her life. The "and" indicates that getting on with her life comes with another requirement. And that, of course, is to leave her sinful lifestyle.

We all know the process of repentance. We know the words required to confess our sins. But let us not ignore the other part of repentance: Sin no more. That does not mean that we'll achieve sinless perfection going forward. But it does mean that a crucial part of repentance is a firm commitment to leave our sinful lifestyles.

Rise and pray

In Luke 22, Jesus prays on the Mount of Olives. When finished, he returns to his disciples and finds them ... sleeping! Jesus' response might seem somewhat out of place (Luke 22:46, KJV),

Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.

Immediately after this quote, Jesus is arrested. So what "temptation" are we talking about?

As with most of Jesus' sayings, the intended audience is far broader than simply those who happen to be with him at the time. Indeed, this line seems to be a warning to all of us. Jesus likely isn't speaking negatively of sleep, because elsewhere (e.g., Matthew 26:45) Jesus actually advises his disciples to continue in their rest.

Rather, "sleep" likely references any slothful, unhealthy behavior. Jesus is telling us that the antidote to temptation and sin is really quite simple: stop what you're doing and pray!