Conversations With Christ

One of my favorite little resources for learning to read the Bible is a short book called One to One Bible Reading by David Helm. In it he outlines multiple methods and approaches to studying and chewing on passages of scripture. For both our Palm Sunday and Easter services, as well as our Holy Week booklet, we focused on different passages from the gospels (i.e. Matthew, Mark, Luke, John). Below are some helpful questions that Helm provides specifically for working through passages in the gospels:
 
Context Questions

1. What has happened so far in the narrative? Have there been any major events, characters, or themes?
2. What has happened just prior to the section you are reading?

Observation Questions

1. What do you learn about the main characters in this section? How does the author describe them? How do they describe themselves?
2. Is time or place significant in the events that happen in the passage?
3. Do you think there is a main point or theme in this section of the story?
4. What surprises are there?

Meaning Questions

1. Are there any ‘editorial’ comments from the author about the events in the narrative? How do these comments illuminate what is happening?
2. Does someone in the narrative learn something or grow in some way? How? What does this person learn?
3. What does the passage reveal about who Jesus is, and what he came into the world to do?
4. How could you sum up the meaning of this passage in your own words?

Application Questions

1. How does this passage challenge (or confirm) your understanding?
2. Is there some attitude you need to change?
3. What does this passage teach you about being a disciple of Jesus?