08. Open the Bible. Let Them Discover
Article 08
Open the Bible. Let Them Discover
Article 08
You do not have to know every answer to help someone meet Jesus.
You have crossed the room. You have begun a conversation. Perhaps you have even put another chair at your table.
Now what?
For many believers, this is where courage gives way to fear.
“What if they ask something I cannot answer?”
“What if I explain it wrong?”
“I have never been to Bible college.”
You can take a simple next step:
Open the Bible together. Read a story about Jesus. Ask what they discover.
Jesus can meet them in the story
In John 4, a Samaritan woman encountered Jesus at a well. Then she went back to her town and invited others to come and see Him.
Many initially believed because of her testimony. But after spending time with Jesus themselves, they told her they had heard for themselves and knew He was the Savior of the world.
Her invitation helped them encounter Him personally.
That is what we want for the people around our tables.
We want them to hear Jesus’ words, see His compassion, wrestle with His questions, and discover why He is worthy of their trust.
Your invitation can bring someone to the Bible. Give them room to discover the Jesus revealed there.
Begin with one story
You might say:
“Would you be interested in reading a short story about Jesus together? I would love to hear what you think.”
Try Mark 2:1-12, the story of four friends bringing a paralyzed man to Jesus.
Read it aloud. Invite someone else to read it again. Then ask someone to retell it in their own words, with everyone helping fill in what they remember.
Ask a few simple questions:
- What stands out to you?
- What does this story show us about Jesus?
- What does it show us about people?
- If this is true, how should we respond?
- Who could you share this story with?
Let people think. Allow some silence.
Listen closely to what they notice.
Someone may be struck by the friends’ determination. Another may notice Jesus forgiving sins. Someone else may wonder why the religious teachers objected.
Those observations give you something meaningful to explore together.
Keep returning to the passage
You do not need to turn every answer into a teaching opportunity.
Ask:
“Where do you see that in the story?”
That question helps everyone learn to look carefully at Scripture.
If someone offers an idea the passage does not support, gently invite the group to read that part again.
If a question comes up that you cannot answer, say:
“I don’t know. Let’s keep that question and explore what the Bible says.”
You can seek help afterward. You can keep learning together.
Your willingness to listen and learn can help someone feel safe enough to ask an honest question.
Help discovery become obedience
A good conversation can be a beginning. Following Jesus also calls for a response.
Before you finish, ask:
“Because of what we discovered, what is one thing you will do this week?”
Make room for specific answers.
“I will ask Jesus for help.”
“I will help a friend who is struggling.”
“I will tell my brother what we read.”
At your next gathering, ask how it went. Celebrate steps of faith. Pray about difficulties. Keep helping one another respond to what Scripture says.
What you discover today can become something you obey, and share, tomorrow.
Make it simple enough to reproduce.
Want to go further?
Get equipped: Begin the ten Zúme lessons in my teaching series and practice helping others follow Jesus and make disciples.
Let’s talk: If you would like help getting started, contact me. I would love to coach you as you take your next step.
Help encourage those doing the work: Your gift would be tax deductible and overseen by Northside Christian Church, our sending church. There are many we coach that could use encouragement in small ways to accomplish great things.
Terry Ruff
DMM Catalyst & Zúme Trainer | Missionary at Northside Christian Church
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