Learning to read biblical narratives means we need to learn how to read stories to understand what the authors are trying to tell us.
Talking Points:
- Good stories have relatable characters with relatable struggles. This is important because stories are reflections of our own struggles. We see parts of ourselves in stories and characters, and the message a story conveys can have a profound impact on how we come away from the story.
- Biblical narratives develop characters differently than modern English narratives. For example, biblical narratives don’t often describe the physical appearance of biblical characters, but when they do, it’s crucial.
- Biblical narratives often refrain from providing moral commentary, telling us that one thing is right or another is wrong. Instead, the actions of the characters speak for themselves.
- Often the characters, even the ones we usually say are “good,” do bad things. They are a mixed bag of moral successes and failures, of faithfulness to God and faltering. King David is called a man after God’s own heart…yet he committed a murder. 2 Samuel 11:1-27, 1 Samuel 13:14
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Who is one of your favorite Bible characters? How about a character from outside the Bible? Why do you like/identify with these characters?
- Often, people can make the mistake of thinking the Bible is saying one thing when it’s actually saying another. Has anyone ever misinterpreted you? What happened?
- The Bible isn’t always as clear with details as modern readers might hope. Have you ever been frustrated or confused when a story in the Bible left out a detail or other piece of information you thought would be crucial? Explain.
- Read 2 Samuel 11:1-27 and 1 Samuel 13:14. How can both of these passages be talking about the same person? What does it say about God that he could still appoint David as king knowing his future mistakes?
- In what ways have you seen God as the hero in your life?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
