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On five occasions we read of our Lord asking the questions, "Have you not read..." (Matthew 12:3; 12:5; 19:4; 22:31; Mark 12:10) In each case He was speaking of an Old Testament law. And it is not in casual conversation that He asks this. These are clearly rebuking a people who should have read and understood. Did Jesus see anything important in the written revelation of God? We all know that He did. But a better question would be, "Did the scribes and Pharisees believe the written revelation to have any importance?" It is a better question in our day because the Scribes and Pharisees did with God's word as many people today are doing. They claim to love, cherish, uphold, and obey; but a closer examination reveals otherwise. How can I say that? Just look around. Wouldn't you agree that it doesn't matter how much a person claims to love word of God if they turn around and continually deny it? I'm sure you would. Don't be too shocked that a great number of people do this. You may be doing it too! Please read on...
In Matters of Salvation...
I would say the subject of salvation is a pretty important topic. Don't you think so? It was important enough for Jesus to give His life! Many times people want to call me a legalist when I point out what the scriptures say on certain topics. They may say that I'm "straining at gnats" when I tell them about God's word regarding something they are doing wrong. They are using Jesus' words from Matthew 23:24. And here again it is a case of "have you not read", because they have Jesus' intention all wrong in this passage. Straining gnats out of food is not wrong. It would become quite of stretch for the imagination to draw that from His humorous illustration. But if you read the previous verse you find that He was not condemning the straining. The Scribes and Pharisees focused on the little things, and left the big things undone. Now the honest truth in the matter is that Jesus never condemned the Scribes and Pharisees for seeking a strict obedience of the law. He did condemn the hypocrisy they exercised in obeying only what they saw needful. Which aptly applies to the "many" we are presently considering.
But salvation is seen as a vitally important subject by most people. Yet it becomes an occasion for asking, "have you not read."
Jesus said that the one who believes and is baptized will be saved (Mark 16:16). But many say that you only need to believe, and then be baptized because you've already been saved. Peter told a multitude to repent and be baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38). But many say that you repent, and then baptism is the sign that you've received for remission of sins (compare Matthew 26:28 for that phrase). Annanias told Paul to be baptized "washing away his sins" (Acts 22:16). But many say it does not actually wash away sins. Paul told the Romans that as many as had been baptized into Christ had been baptized into His death (Romans 6:3). But many say that one gets into Christ when they believe and pray the "sinner's prayer". On and on we could go, but these illustrate the fact that many people claim to love the word of God, yet do not respect the message therein. Have you not read?...
One of Jesus' Questions...
Jesus asked this question on one occasion regarding the subject of divorce (Matthew 19:4). Didn't they that God had intended marriage for life? Jesus points out only one exception allowing remarriage after a divorce. Can you find the allowed reason in verse nine? Many denominations taught the truth on this years ago. They no longer do so. What happened? Did the truth change? Some of our brethren who once taught the truth on this matter have now turned on the heels of truth. They now make the effort to broaden the exception for many more than it was originally spoken. Have you not read? If you put away your wife, and marry another, you commit adultery (except in cases where the marriage covenant was violated by the wife's fornication). Red verse nine and tell me when the fornication took place. Tell me as well when the "putting away" (divorce), and remarrying took place. Redefine the words if you like, but Jesus was clear on this matter. Someone is putting someone away. Did they divorce them? Or did they wait until after the divorce and do something in their mind? Some want two "putting aways" in this passage.
I don't like the modern inequities and heartaches of divorce any more than you. But have you not read?...
Conclusion...
Sure, there are debates and persuasive arguments out there. But isn't that true of every subject where people want their way? The answer isn't found in who can argue the loudest, or the best. The answer is found in "have you not even read..." ............Well, have you?...
Bob Pulliam
