We see throughout the New Testament Jesus quoting scriptures from what we know as the Old Testament. Chapters or verses did not divide the scriptures at this time. Jesus would quote a few short words. This was a rabbinic technique of hinting at scripture. To increase the impact of a statement, rabbis would quote part of a scripture and then let their audience fill in the rest.

In the book “Sitting At The Feet Of Rabbi Jesus,” author Lois Tverberg explains, “Jesus did not reserve this technique for trained religious elites. He would use it everywhere He went, whether preaching to the crowds or fielding questions from ordinary people. Sometimes His references were obvious and sometimes subtle-only a word or two. In fact, there are times when knowing what Jesus doesn’t say becomes as important as knowing what He does say. In other words, the passages from which Jesus quoted provide background for understanding His meaning more fully. If we miss His reference, we may miss His point.”

Tverberg continues, “A single distinctive word or phrase can evoke a visceral reaction whenever it is embedded within a larger recognizable context. When you know the Bible well, even a short reference to an important passage can pack a punch.”

Now a word of caution! We must be careful about taking scripture out of context. A verse or phrase may sound great on its own, but we must look at the surrounding scripture to fully understand the verse. Looking at the complete story, there may be a different meaning than you originally thought.

One place where Jesus quoted and hinted at scripture was in Matthew 4:1-11. The Holy Spirit had led Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted and tested. With each temptation, Jesus responded with Scripture. And not just His favorite phrase. He was hinting at the larger story and meaning.

Jesus quoted from Deuteronomy 8:3 in His response that man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. The complete story in Deuteronomy 8 was that God had provided manna to the Israelites in the wilderness.

Jesus further quoted from Deuteronomy in His response we must worship the Lord your God and serve only Him. Words again from Moses to the Israelites as they are about to enter their Promised land. It is interesting that the Israelites were in the wilderness and about to enter the promise God had given them. With provisions and authority. These are the scriptures Jesus clings to as He is in the wilderness and about to enter the promise God had for His life.

Satan uses scriptures to tempt Jesus, but takes the scripture out of context. Yes, God will send angels to protect those who love Him and trust His name. But Satan wanted Jesus to test God. Jesus refers yet again back to the Israelites and how Moses reminded them not to test God like they had at Massah. The place they did not trust God to provide water and tested Him. If we don’t know the complete story in scripture, it can easily deceive us.

Jesus quoted scripture often when speaking with others. He would often hint at scripture with His parables. The disciples would often ask Him to explain things. They were missing the full story.

Are we missing the greater message? As Tverberg says, “If we miss His reference, we may miss His point.”

If we do not know scripture, someone can deceive us when they quote the Bible out of context. We must know the Word. The whole Word.