Sabbath School Lesson for November 14-20, 2026
Introduction of Lesson 8, Interpreting Prophetic Writings
Memory Text: “Then beginning with Moses and with all the Prophets, He explained to them the things written about Himself in all the Scriptures.” Luke 24:27 NASB
After the resurrection, Jesus soon appeared and taught two very discouraged travelers from Jerusalem, opening their eyes to the broader, correct interpretation of the Messiah that had escaped them all their lives. With joy, they continued their journey, anxious to share their newfound awareness and appreciation for what the Son of God had done for them.
What a tremendous relief it was to the followers of Jesus when they discovered that their interpretation of Scripture was wrong. It wasn’t the purpose of the Messiah to deliver them from the Romans, as they had been taught. But rather to suffer and die for their sins, just as He had done on the cross.
How important it is for all of us to interpret correctly the things we find in the Bible, and not let biases cloud our understanding. Satan is constantly seeking to obscure God’s truths, but Jesus patiently reminds us that with humility, when we are guided by the Holy Spirit, it’s possible to interpret correctly what we need to know to be saved.
This week, we’ll explore:
- Sunday: The Bible, Its Own Interpreter
- Monday: The Historical-Cultural Context
- Tuesday: The Literary Context
- Wednesday: The Meaning of the Text
- Thursday: Biblical Exposition
- Friday: Reading Ellen G. White
Sunday: The Bible, Its Own Interpreter
As far as possible, we should allow the Bible to interpret itself without regard to our long-held opinions. Often, this task is not difficult. For example, Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of an image and its interpretation is found within the same chapter, Daniel 2. Just as with the parable of the sower in Matthew 13. Other times, the meaning can be found in later chapters, or by a later prophet.
Jesus recognized the many misinterpretations of the Ten Commandment Law. Therefore, He devoted much of His Sermon on the Mount to broadening our understanding of it, helping us soak deep into our hearts the love found there, which can fully change our outlook and behavior.
Many symbols and figures found in the Old Testament are interpreted in the New. Broadly then, the New Testament becomes the inspired interpreter of the Old. The Old Testament is the gospel in figures and symbols, and the New is the substance of what the gospel is all about. Thankfully, Jesus opened our eyes to see many aspects of our salvation that had been misinterpreted or forgotten over the years.
Verses for reflection and discussion:
Matthew 5:17-22 and Jeremiah 31:31-33
- Why was so much of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount about how we should be keeping the Ten Commandments?
2 Timothy 3:16
- Why are all Scripture (both the Old and New Testaments) important?
Monday: The Historical-Cultural Context
Isaiah 65 talks about the new heavens and the new earth, but in verse 20 we find that “the child shall die one hundred years old”. If death will be no more in the new earth, it doesn’t make sense that a child would die there, even at such an old age. But, Isaiah 65 also speaks of another time in history when there would be blessings for the nation Israel if they were faithful to God. The description of this child could, therefore, apply to the Israel Isaiah longed to see. Surely, no infant mortality and longevity for everyone would be the norm in Israel if they followed God’s counsel.
In consideration of the historical context, we also find in Matthew 24, Jesus talking about the future destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D., which was a very troubling prospect for the disciples and why they had asked Him about it. Jesus used the opportunity, however, to also describe the destruction of our earth in the last days. Knowing this helps us to better interpret and understand the prophecy.
Also, it’s important to recognize the cultural customs of the time. Several verses in the New Testament talk about greeting those in our church family with a “holy kiss”. Is this meant to be literal? In some cultures, a kiss would be highly inappropriate as a greeting. Instead, a handshake, hug, or bow would be more in keeping with the intent of God for fellow believers.
Verses for reflection and discussion:
Isaiah 65:17-20
- Will children die in the new earth as stated here in verse 20? How would you then explain the meaning of this verse?
1 Corinthians 16:20, 2 Corinthians 13:12, and 1 Thessalonians 5:26
- Why would cultural norms need to be applied to these verses?
Tuesday: The Literary Context
Satan is an expert when it comes to taking verses out of context and causing misinterpretation and confusion over their meaning. He did it masterfully in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve, and also in his attempts to get Jesus to sin right after His baptism.
Each wilderness temptation began with a quote from Scriptures which Satan had lifted out of context and misapplied to the situation before them. But, Jesus saw through his deceptive ploys and countered his arguments with verses that exposed their evil intent.
Unfortunately, many of us have learned from Satan how to generalize, misquote, and misapply the truths in God’s word. Taking His words out of context, we may either, intentionally or unintentionally, distort their original meaning.
Verses for reflection and discussion:
Genesis 3:1-5 and Matthew 4:1-11
- What pattern do we see here for how Satan operates to achieve his goals, and what are his goals?
- What can we do to protect ourselves from these manipulative tactics, no matter who is using them?
Wednesday: The Meaning of the Text
As we interpret what we read in the Scriptures, we must first consider the verses and chapter surrounding it–its literary context. This helps us identify its historical and cultural context as well. But, often the meaning may still be obscure. When this happens, it’s particularly important to compare it with similar verses found elsewhere in the Bible.
An example of this is in the Gospel of Matthew, where Jesus told us to “be perfect” (Matthew 5:48), causing some to focus too much on our perfection. But Luke records Jesus as saying, “be merciful” (Luke 6:36), which probably is more in keeping with the verses that surround it which are about being loving and kind to everyone.
Comparing parallel texts such as this can truly enrich our Bible study experience and reduce the risk of misinterpreting it.
Verses for reflection and discussion:
Matthew 5:43-48 and Luke 6:27-36
- Which seems to fit the context more here: to be perfect or to be merciful?
Isaiah 28:10
- How does one study this way, “here a little, there a little”, and why is it important?
Thursday: Biblical Exposition
Exposition is what helps us explain something in the Bible. It exposes us to its background or setting. In order to interpret what we read, we need to recognize its original meaning, historical/cultural context, and the author’s intent.
With the guidance of the Holy Spirit, faithfully studying the Bible has two purposes. It helps us grow spiritually and equips us to teach others what we have learned. The preaching of Jesus was firmly anchored in the Scriptures, giving us reason to study and stay firmly rooted in them as well.
The story of the Ethiopian eunuch, who was studying Isaiah but not understanding it, was aided by Philip’s exposition of the passage he was reading. From this story in Acts 8, we learn:
- that a simple reading may not always be enough for our understanding,
- we can learn from others, and
- we have an obligation to share what we know with others.
Verses for reflection and discussion:
Luke 24:25-27, 44-49
- How and for what reason did Jesus “expound” the meaning of the Scriptures?
Acts 8:27-35
- What can we gain from studying the Bible with each other?
Friday: Reading Ellen G. White
Several principles can and should be applied when we study the Bible, or any religious literature–including the published works of Ellen G. White, who is thought to have been inspired by God.
- Always begin with a prayerful heart and an open mind.
- Verify the authenticity of the passage in question. Authors are frequently misquoted.
- Consider all the contexts of what you are reading–its historical and cultural setting, as well as the sentences and paragraphs that surround it.
- Attempt to find the author’s original intent and apply it sensibly to your present situation.
- In order to interpret correctly, broaden your study to include everything on a particular topic.
Without applying these principles to our reading, we can easily misinterpret the message God has for us from His prophets. For example, one might misapply what Ellen G. White said when she condemned bicycles in 1894. At that time, bicycles were rather new and very expensive, so Ellen’s counsel included the broader concept of proper stewardship of God’s resources. Some, unfortunately, might refrain from bicycle riding today without considering these sensible guidelines.
Next Week: Testing the Prophets
To read the Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly and see more resources for its study, go to
