In the past, I led group workshops and would open with an icebreaker question. I enjoyed the responses participants offered when asked what book they would bring on a deserted island. Some fun answers included Treasure Island, How to Survive on a Deserted Island, and the dictionary.
I’ve given this question some thought myself, and I would bring the Bible.
I’ve read the Bible many times over the last 20 years. But no matter how many times I read it, I learn something new.
Feeding Thousands
For example, I recently realized that Jesus fed thousands of people on more than one occasion. In Mark 6:42–44 NIV, Jesus fed 5000 Jews close to the Sea of Galilee.
They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish. The number of the men who had eaten was five thousand.
And then in Mark 8:8=9 NIV, Jesus fed 4000 Gentiles.
The people ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. About four thousand were present. After he had sent them away,
Temple cleansing
I also learned Jesus overturned tables in the Temple on two separate occasions. In John 2:13–15 NIV, Jesus cleared the Temple just before Passover at the beginning of His ministry.
When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple courts he found people selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money. So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables.
In Matthew 21:12–13 NIV, Jesus cleansed the temple just after His triumphal entry into Jerusalem at the end of His ministry and life.
Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. “It is written,” he said to them, “‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it ‘a den of robbers.
Martha
In the past, I thought of Martha as a complainer who was too busy to sit at Jesus’ feet.
But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” (Luke 10:40, NIV)
But I now recognize her as a woman of great faith who confessed her friend to be the Messiah.
“Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world” (John 11:27, NIV).
Thomas
Lastly, I thought of Thomas as “doubting Thomas.” He was the one who wouldn’t believe Jesus had resurrected until he saw the holes in His hands.
But he said to them, Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe (John 20:25, NIV).
But he also showed his courage and love for Jesus. I now realize he was the one to say, let’s go to Jerusalem and die with Jesus.
Then Thomas (also known as Didymus) said to the rest of the disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.” John 11:16
The Bible continues to reveal new truths to me. And it seems the more I read it, the more I learn.
What book would you take to a deserted island?