Reading the Bible like Jesus involves two main approaches that reflect his own interpretation methods. First, Jesus read Scripture as a means to fulfill the two greatest commandments - loving God and loving neighbors. Second, he understood it as a cohesive narrative pointing to himself.

Love-Centered Reading Jesus explained that all Scripture hinges on two fundamental commandments:

• Love God with all your heart, soul, and mind (Deuteronomy 6:5)
• Love your neighbor as yourself (Leviticus 19:18)

Every passage, regardless of genre or location in Scripture, was given to help us grow in these two aspects of love. This applies whether reading Leviticus, Lamentations, Luke, or any other book.

Christ-Centered Reading Jesus taught that all Scripture points to him in some way:

• In Luke 24, he explains to disciples how all Scripture (Law, Prophets, Psalms) speaks about him
• Some passages directly point to Christ (like Isaiah 53)
• Other passages take a more indirect route but still lead to him
• Everything written was meant to reveal who Jesus is and what he would accomplish

Practical Application:

• Read each passage asking how it helps you love God and others better
• Look for ways the text ultimately points to Christ
• Remember that "man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4)

This approach transforms Bible reading from a mere academic exercise into a relationship-building experience with God and a guide for loving others.

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