Lesson Focus: Jesus Opens Our Heart and Mind to Understand the Scriptures

1.Read Luke 24:45

Then he opened their minds to understands the Scriptures (ESV).

2.Study Luke 24:45

“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right” (2 Timothy 3:16) and for this reason we cannot approach our time in God’s Word as though we are reading any other book. We cannot understand the Scriptures without the assistance of Jesus through the Holy Spirit whom he has sent to “lead us into all truth” (John 16:13).

The Word of God has a special place in our lives. For the believer it is the manual we are to live by. Everything in it has been inspired by the Holy Spirit. So, although we might recognize the author as Moses, one of the prophets, an Apostle or servant of God, we know they did not write under their own motivation or thoughts, but what God, through the Holy Spirit directed. Bible study is an important part of the believer’s life and understanding, growing and strengthening in the Word of God should become one of our core values or principles; nothing should keep us from the study of God’s Word, and we should not only make time for it but make sure to get under the teaching of someone who has a solid handle on the Scriptures and gifted by the Holy Spirit to teach the Word of God. Whenever we enter our time of study, whether we are alone or with a group, we can know only the Spirit can open our minds and our heart to receive what we read and understand what we are reading.

When the disciple’s heart and minds were opened by Christ, they understood everything he had spoken to them when he was with them, and they understood everything he was saying to them at that moment. Today we are blessed to know that whenever Jesus opens our heart and mind we will also understand and be blessed.    

3.Meditating on Luke 24:45

Can you sense Jesus opening your mind as you study and meditate on the Word of God?      

4.Praying Luke 24:45            

God, you alone open hearts and minds to understand your Word. Remind us, when we are tempted to “jump right in” that we need to pause, asking for your Spirit to fill, direct, lead, and open us so our time in your Word is fruitful and a blessing to our lives and understanding. Amen