Have You Not Read…?
Jesus asked a piercing question over and over in Matthew’s Gospel: “Have you not read?” (Matthew 12:3, 5; 19:4; 21:16, 42; 22:31).
It’s the type of question asked by one who knows that God has spoken incredible truths, and that we’ve read them, yet wonders why we keep struggling and living as if we had never heard them before.
It’s the type of question asked by one who knows that God has spoken incredible truths, and that we’ve read them, yet wonders why we keep struggling and living as if we had never heard them before.
He wasn’t speaking to people who had never read these passages. These were men who knew the texts by heart. They had read them—but they weren’t believing them. They weren’t letting God’s Word shape their hearts, their decisions, or their view of Him.
That’s big.
It’s not so different for us. We may “know” the verses, but live as if we haven’t read them. We may nod at the truth of Scripture, even make notes in our bible, then ignore it when it collides with our preferences, fears, or culture’s expectations. We may choose which verses to apply to our situation or not.
Jesus’ question cuts deep: “Have you not read?”
Legalism: Adding More Than God Says
One danger is legalism. This is where we take God’s broad commands and add extra rules or specific details to them. God says, “Love one another.” Legalism says, “Here’s my checklist of what love looks like, and if you don’t do it exactly this way, you fail.”
Legalism takes God’s broad commands and adds extra rules or specific details to them.
Legalism scrutinizes, judges, and legislates morality in ways God hasn’t commanded.
License: Softening What God Says
The opposite danger is license—where we downplay or explain away what God actually commands. God says, “Keep away from immorality.” License responds, “Well, that was then. Things are different now. God wouldn’t really expect me to…”
License makes God’s commands more “palatable,” but in the end, it’s just as harmful as legalism.
What Jesus Shows Us
Jesus opposed both extremes. He never added to God’s Word, and He never lessened it. Instead, He submitted to it—even when it cost Him His life. He trusted the Father and lived out what was written.
Here’s the pattern: God’s commands often come in sweeping ideals rather than detailed lists. Love one another. Walk by the Spirit. Keep away from immorality. Prove what God’s will is.
Jesus opposed both extremes. He never added to God’s Word, and He never lessened it. Instead, He submitted to it—even when it cost Him His life.
That feels less tidy than a checklist, but it’s far better. Why? Because it calls for trust and reliance on God. It builds a relationship with God. It drives us to prayer, conscience, and depends on the Spirit’s leading. It asks us to trust God in the moment, not just check off boxes.
God is more likely to say, “Don’t stand too close to the cliff’s edge.” But we want to know the details: “Okay, but exactly how many inches is too close?” Fear plays into this. And control. But each conscience is different. God gives us guiding principles, big ideals, then invites us to walk with Him in faith.
Questions for Reflection
Where are you tempted to add more than God says? Do you ever hold others to rules God never gave? How does that affect your joy, peace, or relationships?
Where are you tempted to lessen what God says? Are there commands you quietly soften to make them easier to live with? What does that reveal about your trust in God’s goodness?
“Have you not read what God says?”
For those going through trials, confusion, or setbacks, and you wonder if God is still at work, Jesus may ask: ”Have you not read that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him?”
For those going through trials, confusion, or setbacks, and you wonder if God is still at work, Jesus may ask: ”Have you not read that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him?”
For those weighed down by guilt, shame, or spiritual dryness, Jesus asks: “Have you not read that nothing can separate you from the love of God in Christ?”
For those struggling with self-worth, identity, comparison, or body image: “Have you not read that you are fearfully and wonderfully made?”
The Heart of It All
Ultimately, Jesus’ question is about trusting Him and being guided by His Spirit. Next time we read His word, will we believe Him and allow Him to form our values, relationships, and worldview? Will we let His Word lead us, shape us, and draw us closer to Him?
“Have you not read?” may just be the question our hearts need most today.