Punctuation might seem like a small detail, but it can dramatically alter how we read, and perhaps, interpret a passage. It’s like the musical notes of a sentence, guiding our tone and emphasis. Let’s take a closer look at how various punctuation choices in 2 Samuel 9:6 influence how we interpret the scene “And Mephibosheth the son of Jonathan, son of Saul, came to David and fell on his face and paid homage. And David said…”

ESV, NIV, CSB: “Mephibosheth!”

The exclamation mark paints a vivid picture of David’s enthusiasm. Imagine him exclaiming with joy, almost leaping to his feet as he recognizes the son of his dear friend Jonathan. There’s a sense of warmth and eager welcome.

NKJV, NET, WEB: “Mephibosheth?”

The question mark paints a different picture altogether. Here, we sense David’s uncertainty. Perhaps Mephibosheth is hesitant, his face downcast, making David unsure if this is indeed the man he seeks. It adds a layer of tension and anticipation to the encounter.

NASB (in all its iterations) “Mephibosheth.”

The period in the NASB feels a bit flat in contrast to the first two, it gives us a more neutral reading.

This comparison highlights how punctuation acts as a subtle interpreter. While the words remain the same, the punctuation shapes our understanding of the scene, influencing how we imagine each person’s emotions and interactions. It reminds us that even seemingly minor details can play a significant role in how we engage with Scripture.

Just as a simple punctuation mark can change the tone of a sentence, our attitudes and interpretations can color how we read the Bible and, more importantly, how we live it out. Are we approaching the text with an open mind, or are we imposing our inflections that might miss the nuances of the meaning and application?

This week, I challenge you to take a familiar passage – maybe even this very story of David and Mephibosheth – and read it in several different translations. Pay attention to the punctuation, the word choices, and the subtle shifts in meaning. As you do, ask yourself: How might my preconceptions influence how I understand this passage?  How can I be more open to the surprising ways God speaks through His Word?

May we all be attentive readers of God’s Word, approaching it with humility and a willingness to be surprised.

The simple, rhetorical question “Who knows?” when coupled with action, transforms into a powerful word of faith. At its core, “Who knows?” encapsulates the concept of divine providence, acknowledging that the future isn't entirely predetermined and leaving room for God's mercy and intervention. Though the specific details of God's plan remain unseen, “Who knows?” expresses a firm belief in God's sovereignty, and the faithful trust in His unseen hand guiding the affairs of life.

Jonah and the Ninevites:

Upon hearing Jonah’s message of judgment, the Ninevite king declared, “Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste anything. Let them not feed or drink water, but let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and let them call out mightily to God. Let everyone turn from their evil way and from the violence that is in their hands. Who knows? God may turn and relent and turn from his fierce anger, so that we may not perish” (Jonah 3:7b-9).

The king's use of the question “Who knows?” captures the Ninevites’ acknowledgment of their precarious situation and their unwavering hope in God's grace. They recognized the uncertainty of their fate, but instead of succumbing to despair, they chose to turn to God. This phrase isn’t a mere expression of doubt, but a declaration of faith (note a similar use in Joel 2:12-14). “Who knows?” reflected the Ninevites’ willingness to surrender to God’s will and trust in His capacity for compassion. In the end, God relented from the coming judgment.

Mordecai to Esther:

With the annihilation of the Jews at hand, Mordecai implored the Jewish Queen Esther, “For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14). His question isn't merely a theological musing; it is a direct challenge to Esther.

By asking “Who knows?”, Mordecai awakened Esther to her unique position and responsibility. He implicitly exhorted her to rise to the occasion, to recognize the potential divine significance of her role at this critical juncture, and to embrace the risk and uncertainty inherent in defying the king’s decree. In the end, Esther rose to the occasion and saved her people.

David and His Infant Son:

In 2 Samuel 12:22, King David utters his poignant plea, “Who knows whether the Lord will be gracious to me, that the child may live?” This statement comes amidst a deeply distressing situation: David’s infant son, born from his adulterous affair with Bathsheba, is gravely ill. Nathan, the prophet, has delivered God’s judgment, foretelling the child’s death because of David’s sin.

Yet, despite the dire circumstances, David clung to God’s mercy. His use of “Who knows?” coupled with his seven days of fasting and praying reflected his understanding of God’s character. He knew God was just in His pronounced judgment, but he also knew God was compassionate and merciful. Nevertheless, the child died, but David wasn’t broken in spirit. “Who knows?” allowed David to praise God whether He allowed the child to live or not.

“Who knows?” isn’t a statement of desperation, but a declaration of hope rooted in faith. It reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there’s room for God’s mercy and the possibility of a surprising turn of events. God’s goodness transcends our limited understanding. Whether He intervenes in a way we anticipate or allows circumstances to unfold differently, we can trust that His purposes are for our ultimate good. Even when His answers to our prayers differ from our expectations, His ultimate plan is rooted in love, wisdom, faithfulness, and loving-kindness. “Who knows?” invites us to hold onto hope and to continue trusting in His infinite wisdom and unwavering love – no matter what.

Question: I would love to hear thoughts on “private” or “unspoken” prayer requests. I want an open mind, but I don't see how to pray for something someone won’t share. This seems to be a trend of late and I'm starting to feel very negative about those requests. 

Answer: Thank you for the question. It’s true that vague prayer requests like “unspoken prayer requests” can be frustrating. We naturally want to know what’s going on, understand the situation, and specifically address the needs of those we pray for. However, it’s crucial to remember that everyone has their own reasons for keeping things private. Perhaps they are facing something deeply personal or fear judgment or vulnerability.

Instead of focusing on the lack of details, let’s shift our perspective. The very fact that someone is requesting prayer, in any form, shows a desire for connection and a reliance on God.  What if they simply said, “Please pray for me.” Wouldn't we readily offer our prayers without hesitation? I think so because the core request remains the same regardless of the wording.

When encountering these “unspoken” requests, consider responding with empathy and grace.  Offer your prayers and let the person know you're there to listen if they ever wish to talk.

Most importantly, let’s pray. Even without knowing the specifics, we can still powerfully intercede for others. Here’s a prayer you might find helpful for these situations: 

“Oh God Who knows all, Who sees all, hear my prayer on behalf of [person’s name]. Though I don’t know [person’s name] specific prayer request You do. For You have said that You search the hearts of men. You know all our thoughts from afar. You know us from our beginning to our end. You are acquainted with all our ways. Even before a word is on our tongue You know it. Nothing is hidden from your eyes. Father, graciously attend to [person’s name] needs.

Though I don’t know the words to pray for [person’s name], Your Spirit knows. Thank You, Father, for the gift of Your Spirit that intercedes for me and [person’s name] with groanings too deep for words or knowledge of the situation.

Though I don’t know what’s going on in [person’s name] life, I will not think negatively of her request but will consider [person’s name] need for prayer more significant than my own. For this is the mind of Christ, who though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God as a thing to be held on to but made Himself nothing, taking the form of a servant to save [person’s name] and me by dying on the cross for our sins. Father, give me a heart like Jesus to serve [person’s name] in prayer. Amen.”

Stuck at home with nothing to do? It’s never been better time to binge read about the life and teachings of Jesus. It's so easy and interesting with the the The Life and Teachings of Jesus 2020 Reading Plan. So turn off the TV and open your Bible and your heart to Jesus.

The Life and Teachings of Jesus – Week 15 – April 13-17:

Monday – Luke 6:43-45 (Matt. 7:15-20; 12:34-37): Continuing with His Sermon on the Plain, Jesus begins this warning with a horticultural axiom: “For no good tree bears bad fruit, not again does a bad tree bear good fruit” (v. 43). In other words, the tree determines the fruit (v. 44). This being the case, the human axiom is easily understood, “The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil” (v. 45a). Significantly, Jesus emphasizes here that the mouth is what provides the primary evidence of the state of one’s heart, “For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks” (v. 45b). In other words, the heart determines the words one speaks. A person can attempt an external veneer of goodness, but the truth will become known through their words.

Make a list of your most used words, topics of discussion, and the comments you often make throughout the day. If your list was all the evidence someone had to decide if you were a Christian or not, what would they say? How would they come to their conclusion? In what ways will you turn your heart toward Jesus so that the words you speak will reflect Him?   

Tuesday – Luke 6:46-49 (Matt. 7:21, 24-27): Luke concludes Jesus’ sermon to the disciples, as does Matthew in the Sermon on the Mount (7:24-27), with the parable of the Two Builders. As a lead up to His sermon, great crowds clamored to seek Jesus’ healing touch (ref. Luke 6:17-19). Now He provides an illustration of the importance of adding obedience to an eagerness to hear His message.  The parable is introduced with the disciples giving lip service to Jesus, “Why do you call me Lord, Lord and not do what I tell you?” (vv. 46). So what is the antidote to false faith and discipleship? The answer is given in the three present tense verbs: coming, hearing, and doing (v. 47). These three qualities lay the foundation for genuine discipleship. The parable that follows illustrates the importance of acting on what one knows and hears from Jesus. Matthew’s version of the parable is about where one builds – on rock vs. sand. Luke’s version is about how one builds – with or without a foundation. Whoever builds their house (or life) on Jesus Christ and His words will not be shaken. Think about people you’ve known throughout the years.

Write about someone you know who built their life on the foundation of doing the Lord’s will. How did that firm foundation sustain them through life’s trials? Conversely, write about someone you know who didn’t build on the foundation of Jesus’ words they had heard taught.  How did their world fall apart?   

Wednesday – Matt. 8:5-13 (Luke 7:1-10): “When [Jesus] entered Capernaum, a centurion came forward to Him, appealing to Him, ‘Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home suffering terribly’” (v. 5-6). In this time period, the Jewish lands of Israel were occupied by the hated Roman legion. While it was not unusual for someone to request a healing, this request came from a most unusual source. The centurion would have been a Gentile, the commander of a division of the occupying imperial force. Yet, with such authority backing him, the centurion approaches Jesus with remarkable respect. He submissively calls Him, “Lord.” He demonstrates a deep concern for the great suffering of one who was merely a “servant.” Jesus affirms His willingness to help, “I will come and heal him” (v. 7). But recognizing his own unworthiness for the Lord to come to his home, he amazingly believes in the Savior’s ability to cure his servant from a distance, merely by a word of command, “Only say the word and my servant will be healed” (v. 8). The centurion bases his belief not on Old Testament scripture or witnessing such a healing, but on his own experience with the military (v. 9). God has such authority, He can give the order for illness to be cured instantaneously and it will be done. “When Jesus heard this, He was amazed” (v. 10) at the depth of the man’s faith. “Truly, I tell you with no one in Israel have I found such faith.” Sadly, those closest to the truth faithlessly take it for granted whereas those who have had the least exposure to it more often readily recognize its power. 

It wasn’t often that Jesus was “amazed” (cf. v. 10; Mark 6:6; Luke 7:9), or complimented someone’s faith (v. 10; Matthew 15:28). Looking at your spiritual life, would Jesus compliment your faith? Would He be amazed at your lack of faith or your faithfulness? Explain.

Thursday – Luke 7:11-17: The death of a child is certainly one of the greatest agonies possible in this life – a burying of a part of oneself. It’s a burden that all parents dread to consider. Such untimely pain was the emotional context of Jesus’ next healing.  Of the all gospel writers, Luke alone captures this intensely poignant scene of a mother burying her only child. He clearly narrates this miracle as a sequel to the healing of the Centurion’s servant. At a distance of twenty-five miles, Nain lay a full day’s journey from Capernaum. As Jesus and His retinue approach the gate of the city, they meet a funeral procession coming out of the town. At this decisive point in community life, a grief-stricken widow and Jesus meet. “When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep” (v. 13). All of our Lord’s actions center on the plight of the mother rather than the son, much as in the preceding story where Jesus focused on the Centurion rather than the servant. With a touch and a word, Jesus gives life back to the young man and gave the young man “to his mother” (v. 15). The two crowds, first mentioned at the beginning of the scene, are present to witness, to interpret (v. 16) and to report this great miracle of resurrection (v. 17). And what a great miracle it was!

There is no request for help, no outward sign of faith from the widow. (Quite different from the centurion.) What do you learn about Jesus from how He responds to the widow’s plight?

Friday – Luke 7:18-35 (Matt. 11:2-19): As Jesus’ ministry expanded, that of John the Baptist suffered literal confinement (cf. Matthew 11:2). As John languished in prison, he became increasingly perplexed by the reports he heard of Jesus’ ministry. “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” (v. 19, 20). Exactly why John questioned Jesus’ Messiahship is not revealed to us. Nevertheless, Jesus was not put off by John’s doubts. He responded with an eye-popping display of spiritual power (vv. 21). The Lord informed the messengers that His actions were fulfilling Messianic prophecies given to Isaiah (cf. 26:19; 29:18ff; 35:5ff; 61:1). The only hint of encouragement comes with the beatitude, “And blessed is the one who is not offended by me” (v. 23). The sense is, don’t be disappointed in the way I choose to work, just believe I am He who is to come. More than ever, we need to live out this beatitude. Then, lest anyone wrongly begins to depreciate John’s ministry, a situation the Savior would not let go unchecked, He issues this praise, “I tell you, among those born of women none is greater than John” (v. 28a). Even the greatest, most faithful man ever, could doubt.

Reflect on Jesus’ response to John’s doubt. How does it reveal His sympathy for John’s spiritual crisis? Have you ever experienced a spiritual crisis? If so, when? How did Jesus help you through that experience?

The Life and Teachings of Jesus – Week 11 – March 16-20:

Monday – Matt. 7:7-11 (cf. Luke 11:9-13): When you pray, do you make your petitions with timidity as if you’re requesting something from a grudging giver or with impudence as if you’re requesting something from a generous giver? In our reading today, Jesus calls for us to approach the throne of our Father with boldness. Now, carte blanche approach to prayer taught by prosperity preachers is not supported from scripture. Perhaps it is wise to read the unqualified offer of vv. 7-8 against the backdrop of Matt. 6:11, 16-24, 25-34. But for all the necessary caution, there is a sense that Jesus invites not merely a resigned acceptance of what the Father gives, but a willingness to prayerfully explore the extent of His generosity. The point Jesus is making is not that human persistence wins out in the end, but that the heavenly Father who loves His children will certainly answer their prayer… if only they would ask, seek, and knock.

What encouragement does Jesus give those who ask, seek and knock? How can we be assured of these promises?

Tuesday – Matt. 7:12 (cf. Luke 6:31): “Therefore, whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” For ninety-one verses Jesus has been teaching us what He expects from His disciples. Yet, in one verse He summarizes His whole sermon, not to mention all of the Old Testament. In these few words, our Lord gives us a guide to how unselfish love should work itself out in our relationships with others. Our actions, He teaches, are not supposed to be dictated by the actions of others. If a person is mean to us, then we’re to be good to them because that’s how we want to be treated. The person who consistently lives according to this rule is totally excluding selfishness and replacing it with love and care for others. An ancient Jewish teaching stated in the negative, “What is hateful to you, do not do to anyone else.”

How does Jesus’ positive rule go beyond this command? In what ways would your life change if you followed Jesus’ teaching from this verse?

Wednesday – Matt. 7:13-14: The concluding section of the sermon is taken up with impressing upon hearers the difference between real and nominal discipleship. In four short warnings (vv. 13-14, 15-20, 21-23, and 24-27) Jesus calls for wholehearted commitment to Himself and the Father’s kingdom. To start, Jesus makes it clear that there are only two paths in life that are set before people; therefore it is important that the right choice be made. He presents a scene where a broad road leading to a splendid gate is obvious and easy to be seen, whereas a way that brings a traveler to the unimposing gate is inconspicuous and is perceived only by those who look for it carefully.  The first road “leads to destruction,” a fact that doesn’t alter its popularity. While the second road is “narrow” (or “difficult” NKJV) and few find the way “to life.” (We must not press “few” too hard, for elsewhere in Matthew Jesus speaks of “many” that are saved cf. 8:11; 20:28.) The contrast is stark and clear between the two roads in their character, popularity, and in their destination. Without using the words, this saying sets before us the alternatives of heaven or hell. Those are our only two choices, choose wisely.

In what sense is “the gate wide and the way easy” that leads to destruction? Conversely, in what sense is “the gate narrow and the way hard” for those who follow Jesus? Which road are you on?

Thursday – Matt. 7:15-20 (cf. Luke 6:43-45): The second warning focuses on the danger posed by false prophets, who are, by implication, contrasted with true prophets who may be trusted. How can followers of Jesus recognize false teachers? From their fruits; their fruits will in the end betray them. It is not outward appearance that is important (ravenous wolves may be dressed in sheep’s clothing) but the things that the false prophets teach and the manner of their life. For their teaching and lifestyle proceed from what they are in their hearts. The fruit is the test of the tree; if there is no good fruit, there is no good reason for the tree to exist. And the fruit is the test of one who claims to be a prophet (or in modern terms, preacher, pastor, etc.). “Are grapes gathered from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles?” Jesus asks. Obviously not, if there is no fruit there, then there’s no good reason for the person to be treated as a prophet worthy of an audience.

List several “fruits” a false teacher would produce and several “fruits” a true teacher would produce. (You might think in terms of opposites.)

Friday – Matt. 7:21-23 (cf. Luke 6:46): In the third warning, we’re confronted with a profoundly searching and disturbing scene for all professing disciples. Here we meet people who confess their allegiance to Jesus as “Lord” and who can back up that claim with impressive spiritual achievements, all carried out explicitly in the name of the Lord. Nevertheless, Jesus says to them, “I never knew you, depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness” (v. 23). Even good works by themselves are not enough. There are good people who claim to follow Jesus as “Lord” and who do good works, nonetheless they are on the broad way leading to destruction. Despite their good deeds, they were carried out by people who still lacked the relationship with Jesus which is the essential basis for belonging in the kingdom of heaven. While the words and actions may be good, their lives were lawless denying Him in their hearts. Since they didn’t really know Him, He didn’t know them.

In spite of their admirable statements or actions, why does Jesus condemn these people? Why do you think people so often confuse religious activity with knowing and doing the will of the Father?