First, select a passage from one of the gospels (a red-letter edition of the Bible may be helpful). Read the passage through and answer the below questions. You may also want to have a Synoptic (parallel) Gospels Bible handy.
Where's Jesus?
- Where is Jesus in this passage?
- Where was Jesus prior to this event?
- With what type of people is Jesus dealing? (crowd, circle of friends, Gentiles or Jews, followers of Jesus, members of what sect)
What does Jesus say?
- Summarize or quote everything Jesus says.
- Note what Jesus does not say. Silence is often very telling. It can also unnerve people.
- Note Jesus' feeling, tone, and attitude.
- Is your first impression of Jesus' attitude really right or are you making Jesus "like us" -- too human? Look for alternate explanations for Jesus' behavior or how Jesus said something.
What are others' response to Jesus?
- What do others say about Jesus?
- What are people's impressions about Jesus; how do they feel about him?
- How do people respond to Jesus?
How does this passage and insight help me develop spiritually?
- What are my impressions of Jesus from this passage?
- What characteristics of Jesus would I like to see in my own life?
- Did the people's responses to Jesus in the passage convict me or inspire me ?
- What is Jesus saying in this passage that could or would change my life? How can I work with Him to make it happen?
Reference: If you’d like learn more, read or download the full Discipleship Journal article.
