The Bible Told By Jesus Series

A. THE BIBLE BY JESUS IS A PARAPHRASE

1. The Bible was originally written in Hebrew (Old Testament) Greek (New Testament) and Chaldean (verses in Daniel).

2. The Holy Spirit guided the writers of Scripture. “You must pay close attention to what they wrote, for their words are like a lamp shining in a dark place . . . no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet’s own understanding” (2 Peter 1:19-20, NLT).

3. The Bible is inspired. Inspiration means Spirit breathed. “All scripture is inspired by God” (2 Tim. 3:16, NLT).

4. Inspiration means accuracy. “And you know that the Scriptures cannot be altered” (John 10:35, NLT).

5. Inspiration means word accuracy. “I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God’s law will disappear” (Matt. 5:18, NLT).

6. A translation of Scriptures: Transferring the original meaning in the mind of the author into another language, using words that mean the same things that the author intended. (a) First, Samaritan, (b) Worldwide, Vulgate, Latin, (c) Popular, King James, (d) Attacked, Revised Standard Version, RSV, (e) Best, New American Standard Version, NASB, (f) Biggest seller, New International Version, NIV.

7. A paraphrase. A reproducing the meaning of the Bible text into modern words for clearness and understanding to the reader (a) The Living Bible, 1962, biggest and accepted. (b) The Message, 1993, popular. (c) The Prayer Bible, written in the 2nd person, directing the Scriptures to God as a prayer. (d) The Bible by Jesus, written by Jesus from His point of view.

B. WHY A BIBLE BY JESUS

1. Makes you see Scriptures fresh and new. When you have read a passage many times, your mind may jump over the actual message you need. “Be renewed as you learn to know your Creator” (Col. 3:10, NLT).

2. Takes away mental laziness and presuppositions. Sometimes we don’t see truth that is really there. God promises, “New things I declare” (Isa. 42:9, NKJV).

3. Brings Jesus into your awareness as you read Scriptures. “Didn’t our hearts burn within us as He (Jesus) talked with us . . . and explained the Scriptures to us” (Luke 24:32, NLT).

4. Gives new authority to your understanding of Scriptures. When Jesus speaks, you pay attention. “You have heard the law that says ‘Love your neighbor’ but I say ‘love your enemies’” (Matt. 5:43-44, NLT).

5. You see words and statements in a new light. “Open my eyes to see, the wonderful truths in Your instruction” (Ps. 119:18, NLT).

6. New understanding of Scriptures makes you grow. “Desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow” (1 Peter 2:2, NKJV).

C. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU DON’T HAVE “JESUS EYES?”

1. You are blinded. “The Good News . . . is hidden behind a veil . . . satan who is the god of this world has blinded the mind . . . they are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News” (2 Cor. 4:3-4, NLT).

2. You miss Jesus. “Jesus Himself suddenly came and began walking with them. But God kept them from recognizing Him” (Luke 24:15-16, NLT).

3. You don’t know what to do. You may be missing the answer to your problem. The enemy surrounded the city of Dothan. “Oh, sir, what will we do now?” the young man cried to Elisha” (2 Kings 6:15, NLT). Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes and let him see” (2 Kings 6:17, NLT). Then he saw spiritual protection, “The hillside . . . was filled with horses and chariots of fire” (2 Kings 6:17, NLT).

4. You see your problems through Jesus’ eyes. The disciples were fighting a terrible storm on Lake Galilee. “Jesus . . . saw that they were in serious trouble, rowing hard and struggling against the wind and the waves . . . He came toward them, walking on the water” (Mark 6:47-48, NLT).

D. WHAT MUST YOU DO

1. Let Jesus explain the Bible to you. “Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself” (Luke 24:27, NLT).

2. Let Jesus open your understanding. “Suddenly their eyes were opened and they recognized Him” (Luke 24:31, NLT).

3. Then do what Jesus tells you to do. “They said, ‘Didn’t our hearts burn within us as He . . . explained the Scriptures to us’” (Luke 24:32, NLT). “Now you wholeheartedly obey this teaching” (Rom. 6:17, NLT).

If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:

Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.