What if we're reading the Bible backwards?
When you read the Bible this week, begin with curiosity. Before asking, “What does this mean for me?”, take time to listen to what the passage is saying. With that in mind, let’s focus on one passage this week and dive deeper each time we read it. A helpful way to do that is by using the COMA method: Context, Observation, Meaning and Application.
Read Mark 2:13-22 each day this week, and let’s use this method to see what God might be revealing to us. (Tip: In Sunday’s message, we looked at the passage directly before this, so re-watch it for a head start on the context.) Start with context: Reading a paragraph or two before it can help. Then observe what is happening. Next, consider the intended meaning of the text. Finally, think about application to your own life. In the section below are some example questions to be asking as you work through each stage of the process.
You don’t need to be an expert to begin. Read with humility, talk about what you notice with someone else, and give yourself room to learn. Remember, the goal is more than gathering information; it’s allowing Scripture to shape your life.
CONTEXT - Ask yourself:
- Where am I in the Bible?
- What's happening before and after these verses? (read the paragraph before the verse)
- Who wrote it?
- Who was it written to?
- What kind of writing is this? (Poetry, History, Letter, Parable)
OBSERVATION - Ask:
- What do I actually see?
- Who is speaking?
- Who is acting?
- What words / ideas are repeated?
- What surprises me?
- What questions does this passage raise?
- Read like a detective.... Gather evidence before drawing conclusions.
MEANING - Ask:
- What is the author communicating?
- What's the central idea?
- What does this reveal about God, humanity, Jesus?
- How does this fit into the larger story of Scripture?
APPLICATION - Only now ask:
- What does this mean for me?
- What should I believe, change, trust?
Application comes after understanding.
What is the Bible?
How the Bible is made up of many different books, written by different people, in different times and places. But together, they tell one BIG story — God’s story of His desire to be in relationship with us.
We looked at that story through 6 Acts. One of the best ways to understand what we are reading in the Bible is to ask, “Where does this fit in the bigger story?”
So this week, take some time to explore the 6 Acts for yourself. Read the passages for one Act every day and as you read reflect on these questions.
Where does this passage fit in God’s story? — Context
How does this passage intersect with my story? — Application
ACT 1 — CREATION: God WITH Us - Genesis 1:26-31; 2:15–25
ACT 2 — THE FALL: Relationship BROKEN - Genesis 3:1–13, 21–24
ACT 3 — ISRAEL: God Forms a PEOPLE - Genesis 12:1–3;Deuteronomy 6:4–9; Jeremiah 31:31–34
ACT 4 — JESUS: God Comes TO Us - John 1:1–5, 14–18; Jn 19:28-30, Jn 20:19-23
ACT 5 — THE CHURCH: God IN Us and Working THROUGH Us - Acts 1:6–9; Acts 2:1–8, 42–47; 2 Corinthians 5:17–20
ACT 6 — NEW CREATION: God WITH Us Forever - Revelation 21:1–7; 22:1–5
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Why Read the Bible?
As you read the Bible, I encouraged you to think about both your technique and your posture.
1. Technique — How does this passage point me to Jesus?
Jesus is at the centre of the story of Scripture—even in the Old Testament. As you read, look for how the passage ultimately connects to who Jesus is and what He has done.
Want an Old Testament example? Check out Isaiah 53.
2. Posture — How does this apply to my life?
We don’t simply read the Bible to gain information. We read it expecting God to shape and change us.
So ask yourself: What is God showing me, and what am I going to do with it?
Your Challenge: 7 Days in the Gospel of John
This week, I’d love to challenge you to spend a few minutes each day reading from the Gospel of John. As you read, ask these two simple questions:
• How does this point me to Jesus?
• How does this apply to me?
Day 1 — John 1:1–18
Day 2 — John 2:1–12
Day 3 — John 3:1–17
Day 4 — John 4:4–30
Day 5 — John 8:1–11
Day 6 — John 11:17–44
Day 7 — John 19:1–31
Bible Hack: Don’t do it alone! Consider asking someone to do the reading plan with you. Share what stood out, what you learned about Jesus, and how God might be challenging you to respond. You can do that in person, over the phone, by text or email, or even over Zoom. Make reading the Bible a conversation.
Want to Go a Little Deeper?
Bible Project - Is an excellent video resource for understanding the overall story of the Bible and how each book fits into that story. Before beginning the reading plan—or as you work through it—consider watching their two overview videos on John: John 1-12 and John 13-21
A great place to start if you want to make the Bible part of your everyday life. You can have the Bible right on your phone, choose from a variety of reading plans, or listen to the audio Bible. If reading isn’t your thing, try listening on your commute, while walking, or around the house.
The Paradigm — BibleProject Podcast
This 14-episode series explores some of the big questions around the Bible
How to Read the Bible — BibleProject
If podcasts aren’t your thing, this is a series of short, easy-to-follow videos that provides a great foundation for understanding the Bible, its overall story, and the different literary styles you will encounter as you read.