One day an expert in the law stood up to test Him. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “What is written in the Law?” Jesus replied. “How do you read it?” (Luke 10:25-26)
Exegesis is inherently vulnerable. How we see exposes who we are. When we read Scripture, Scripture reads us back. In Lk 10:25-26, when Jesus was a tested by an expert in the law, Jesus in turn examined the man himself by his interpretation of Scriputre– that is, the man’s hermeneutic, the lens through which he reads, gives us a look at the man’s own soul.
While most of us in preaching circles may be familiar with “hermeneutics” as a term from within the field of biblical studies, it is also a specialized term held closely in the field of psychoanalysis (“the art of interpretation” in therapy as it refers to exegeting the human heart/life/mind/psyche [ψυχη]…) Does the one field know what it holds in common with the other? I wonder!
It’s important that we exegete our own hearts first, when we come to interpret scripture. Where is our heart, when we’re considering a text? One of the best ways to explore this is in the company of sisters and brothers. Have a small group of at least 2-3 people who are wise, and with whom you entrust yourself by sharing. This can also be part of our exegeting group on Tuesdays.
We can’t make an interpretation, neither of psyche nor Scripture, without revealing the limitations of our perspectives and insight. To paraphrase the gentle & playful psychoanalyst Dr. Donald Winnicott, “…I interpret mainly to let [people] know the limits of my understanding.”
In the next season, we hope to put together a group for preaching pastors that addresses exegetical “hot spots” in the Gospel texts of the Revised Common Lectionary. Groups will be held weekly on Tuesdays at 11am Pacific. May we have a Jesus hermeneutic. If it would give you joy to participate in this group, perhaps wanting to brush up on your New Testament Greek in community, join us. Click here to sign up for the zoom login for Tuesdays at 11 am Pacific.
I come from a tradition that suggests the best exegesis is done in [healthy] community. Let’s begin looking to the texts, as much as we’re able, with the lens of Jesus’ love. Our siblings can also help us see what we’re not seeing clearly because of the inevitable, human distortions in our own lens.
(Using the Revised Common Lectionary)