Jesus thus sets the pattern for us in establishing or judging critical matters. This must be our approach when it comes to biblical teaching: We must find multiple witnesses of Scripture to keep away from disputes over doubtful things (Romans 14:1). Jesus teaches that a single testimony is invalid. He says a couple of chapters later, He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory (John 7:18). An untested interpretation is the same as leaning on our own understanding, or being wise in our own eyes (Proverbs 3:5-7; 26:12; Isaiah 5:21).
Sometimes pride or fear keep us from taking an honest look at a matter, and allowing that we may be mistaken. Yet God says, . . . on this one will I look: On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at My word (Isaiah 66:2). If we desire for God to look on us favorably, trembling at His word must be our guiding principle. Proverbs 28:26 says bluntly, he who trusts in his own heart is a fool. We must always seek witnesses of Scripture to ensure that a teaching has more support than just human reasoning.
