Isaiah 8:20
To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.

Romans 3:19
Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.

Romans 4:14-16
For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect: …

Jesus replied.
This indicates Jesus' method of teaching through dialogue and questioning, a common rabbinic technique. By engaging directly with the questioner, Jesus encourages personal reflection and understanding. His response is not just about providing answers but guiding others to discover truth through Scripture. This approach is consistent with His teaching style throughout the Gospels, where He often uses questions to provoke thought and self-examination (e.g., Matthew 16:15).

How do you read it?
Here, Jesus challenges the expert in the law to interpret the Scriptures personally and thoughtfully. This question implies that understanding the Law requires more than rote knowledge; it demands insight and discernment. The phrase suggests that Scripture can be read in different ways, and Jesus is prompting the expert to consider the deeper meaning and application of the Law. This approach underscores the importance of not just knowing the text but also understanding its implications for life and faith. It aligns with the broader biblical theme of seeking wisdom and understanding (Proverbs 2:2-5).

• Jesus points the lawyer—and us—straight to Scripture, underscoring that divine revelation is already given in writing (Psalm 119:97; Romans 3:19).

• The Law (Torah) is viewed as God’s definitive standard; it is not merely advice but covenant truth (Deuteronomy 6:6; 2 Timothy 3:16).

• By asking “What is written,” Jesus highlights the permanence and clarity of God’s Word (Matthew 24:35).

• This question also exposes whether the listener has actually read and internalized the text, echoing the charge in Joshua 1:8 to meditate on the Law day and night.

• Cross-reference events where Jesus urges experts to return to Scripture: “Have you not read…?” (Matthew 12:3, 5).

• The Son of God authoritatively directs the discussion. His reply frames the entire conversation on salvation (Luke 10:25) around Scripture, not tradition (Mark 7:8-9).

• Jesus models how to disciple: respond with the Word, then invite reflection (Luke 24:27; John 5:39).

• His response also fulfills His role as the living Word who came to affirm, not abolish, the written Law (Matthew 5:17-18).

• The interaction shows Jesus’ patience; He doesn’t immediately lecture but guides the seeker to discover truth in the canonical text, just as He did on the Emmaus road (Luke 24:32).

• Responsibility shifts to the hearer: Scripture is clear, but each person must engage it rightly (Nehemiah 8:8; Acts 17:11).

• Interpretation involves both mind and heart—reading with understanding and intent to obey (Ezra 7:10; James 1:22-25).

• Jesus’ question exposes superficial or selective reading; genuine reading yields the great commandments to love God and neighbor (Luke 10:27; Deuteronomy 6:5; Leviticus 19:18).

• The phrase invites humility and dependence on God’s Spirit for illumination (1 Corinthians 2:12-14).

• Practical takeaways:

– Read the whole counsel of God, not isolated verses (Acts 20:27).

– Let Scripture interpret Scripture; the Law and Prophets harmonize (Matthew 22:40).

– Approach the text prayerfully, expecting transformation (Hebrews 4:12).

Luke 10:26 shows Jesus steering the conversation about eternal life back to the written Word, affirming its absolute authority and calling each person to a thoughtful, obedient reading. By asking, “What is written in the Law?” He grounds truth in Scripture; by adding, “How do you read it?” He presses for personal engagement and accurate application. The pattern remains our guide today: anchor every question of faith in God’s unchanging Word and read it with a receptive, committed heart.