Three Questions To Ask About Bible Stories
How to get the most from narrative passages
During my early years of following Christ, I had a hard time relating to many of the Bible’s narrative passages, especially those in the Old Testament. They were interesting but seemed to occur in times and places that lacked connection to my life.
Now I find narrative passages more relevant to daily life. A simple method has helped me get more from them. I ask the following questions about each narrative passage I read:
• What does this passage tell me about God?
• What does this passage tell me about myself?
• What does this passage tell me about others?
Lessons about God
First, ask yourself, “What does this passage tell me about God?” It can be tempting to rush through this question, but resist that temptation. It is probably one of the most important questions you can ask. As you consider what a passage says about God, expand on the first question by asking deeper ones, such as
• What do these verses tell me about the character of God?
• How do I see His character expressed in the passage?
• How does it reflect His holiness, love, justice, patience, or some other aspect of His character?
• What does this passage indicate about the purposes of God? Often, God allowed difficulties in people’s lives to achieve a greater purpose. For example, God allowed Joseph to be sold into slavery, but he later rose to the position of second-in-command in Egypt.
• Finally, what does this passage demonstrate about the power of God? God’s power always works in conjunction with His character and purposes, both for His glory and for our good (see Romans 8:28).
Lessons about Myself
After you’ve examined what a passage reveals about God, ask, “What does it tell me about myself?” As with the first question, the goal is to find personal application.
• Has this passage revealed particular sins in my life? If you discover a sin while reading, repent of it immediately.
• What does this passage say about my struggles? The stories in the Bible show imperfect people going through difficulties similar to those we encounter. For example, Abraham struggled with insecurity and doubt, just as many of us do today.
Lessons about Others
The final question is, “What does this passage tell me about others?” Narrative passages give us an opportunity to see other people from a different perspective. Consider asking:
• What does this passage tell me about the temptations others face? Some people may be tempted in ways you are not. Pray for them just as you would like someone to pray for you if you were tempted.
• What does this passage tell me about others’ trials? Is someone you know experiencing a difficult situation? How can you help and pray for that person?
SAMPLE STUDY
Lessons from Jonah
Let’s follow this method with the story of Jonah. In the book of Jonah, the reluctant prophet rebels against God and ends up in the belly of a great fish. Jonah prays for and receives deliverance, begrudgingly obeys God, and preaches to Nineveh. After Nineveh repents, Jonah complains to God in disgust and learns of God’s continued concern for the lost. How do I apply this distant story to my daily life?
First, what does this passage tell me about God? I see God in control of nature (Jonah 1:4), even providing a great fish to deliver Jonah to dry land (Jonah 2:10). He also provides shade for the prophet’s comfort (Jonah 4:6) and then removes it (Jonah 4:7).
In addition, I see how much God cares for people—those who serve Him and those who don’t. He spares the lives of the sailors (Jonah 1:15) as well as Jonah’s life. He also cares for the Ninevites, sworn enemies of Israel (Jonah 3:10; Jonah 4:11). Evidence of God’s loving care and control, His power and patience can be seen throughout the book of Jonah.
Second, what does this passage tell me about myself? It’s tempting to believe I could never act like Jonah. However, I must consider whether or not I have always been obedient to God. Do I sometimes run from Him? Do I wait to pray until a situation is desperate? Do I struggle to share God’s good news with others? Do I sometimes place my bitterness ahead of the grace of God? Am I always willing to listen when God wants to correct me? Perhaps I am more like Jonah than I want to admit.
Finally, what does this passage tell me about others? God was equally patient with Jonah, the sailors, and the people of Nineveh. Do I struggle when God demonstrates His patience toward others, even those I consider my enemies or whose lives seem rebellious? Do I pray for those who may be struggling with bitterness toward God, as Jonah did? Do I regularly pray for missionaries who may be experiencing difficulties? Do I share God’s love and compassion for the lost?
Every narrative passage can stimulate growth and Christlikeness in our lives when we ask these questions about God, ourselves, and others.
