Encounter: Plant your feet firmly on the ground. Inhale deeply. Hold that breath. Release it slowly. Repeat two or three more times or until you feel you've given your body time to slow down and meet your spirit as you accept the Holy Spirit's invitation to this moment.
Read Mark 10:46-52.
After you finish reading that passage, take a few more breaths as you contemplate the image above entitled "The Cloak of Bartimaeus." What feelings/emotions does this image elicit within you?
This Sunday our time together will be marked by outlining the basics of inductive Bible study using this passage in Mark 10.
Inductive Bible study is a tool for not only reading the Bible but reading the Bible to understand then to take our understanding a step further to applying the words of God directly into our lives.
Studying the Bible inductively includes three steps: observation, interpretation, and application. Observation means we look directly at what the text says. This step in the process includes knowing the type of writing we’re studying (is it an outline of historical events, a letter of encouragement, the words of a prophet, or even poetry?). The second step, interpretation, is discovering what the text means. This step includes getting to the main point of the Scripture by using cross references. Good observation is the foundation for accurate interpretation. The third and final step in inductive Bible study is application or the process of conforming or aligning to the Word of God. Many think application means only, “What am I to do with what I’ve observed and interpreted?” However, application does not always mean doing something. Sometimes, application is simply believing what you’ve studied, and at times, changing your mind to align with the truth of God’s Word.
Reflect: Paul’s second letter to Timothy describes Scripture as God-breathed. When we come to Scripture, we open ourselves to the voice/the breath of God upon our lives. As you reflect upon the passage from Mark 10:46-52, consider the following:
Something compelled Bartimaeus to shout out for Jesus as he sat beside the road. Perhaps it was primarily his desire to see accompanied by a desire to no longer be overlooked. Regardless, he felt so strongly that he was willing to go against what was socially acceptable to get Jesus’s attention. Is there anything in your life right now that is compelling you to shout out for Jesus? Perhaps it is a physical, emotional, spiritual, or relational need? Perhaps you want to shout out for Jesus as a form of praise for something God’s done to show you His great love for you?
Are there voices around you or within you that are trying to keep you from shouting for Jesus?
Encourage: Bartimaeus was a social outcast, yet Jesus stopped and gave him attention and space. Next Monday is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a day during which we reflect, celebrate, and continue to build upon the great life and works of Martin Luther King Jr. who, like Jesus, peaceably yet passionately sought to give attention and space for the social outcast of his day.
For many of us, each day presents at least one opportunity for us to be more like Jesus in the simple act of giving attention and space to someone who might be considered an outcast, minority, or even is “just too different.” What are some ways you can prepare to give attention and space to someone the next time the opportunity presents itself?
Gather: In addition to sharing some of your experiences to the questions above, consider beginning your small group, triad, dinner with friends or other gathering with a SASHET check in. Share which word in the SASHET acronym best fits your week and briefly describe why.
S - Sad
A - Angry
S - Stressed
H - Happy
E - Excited
T - Tender
Feasting on the Word with you,
Pastor Matt
Comments