Sometimes a buffet line is fun, picking and choosing from all the options to pile on my plate. But I’ve discovered that the best places to eat aren’t buffets, but restaurants specializing in a few dishes done really well.

I’m tempted to approach the Bible like a buffet line. The book is huge, filled with thoughtful passages and arcane references. Some lines comfort—the Lord is my shepherd—while others confront—you shall have no other gods before me. Why not pick out the best morsels and leave the rest drying out under the heat lamps?

One reason is Jesus himself. Arguing against his Jewish opponents (men steeped in the Scriptures), Jesus referenced a passage conveniently forgotten. He then reminded them that Scripture cannot be set aside. In other words, the Bible is not a buffet.

Those who claim to follow the ways of God cannot cut and paste from the Good Book. I don’t have the luxury of ignoring the parts I cannot explain, or offend the world around me. I wrestle with these words, because of the all or none nature of the Scriptures.

In this passage Jesus claimed to be the Good Shepherd, and the only gateway to God in heaven. Hard teachings for his opponents, and hard teachings for many today. But Jesus arrives with hard teachings, and I cannot claim the status of disciple without following the full teachings of Scripture. I can contemplate and study and argue, but I cannot ignore.

The buffet approach appears delicious on first glance. But while fills my belly, it leaves my soul wanting more.

John 10 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by Ulysse Pointcheval