Rooting Path · How to Read the Bible · Lesson 6: Reading the Gospels, Letters and Prophets
This lesson in one sentence: Three kinds of books, three questions: why did the writer write? To whom, and why? What did the people then hear?
Timing (about 60 minutes)
- Opening5 min
- Read Together10 min
- Practice Together15 min
- Discussion20 min
- This Week5 min
- Pray for One Another5 min
Opening
What is the most memorable letter you have ever received?
Read Together
30Therefore Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book; 31but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name.
John 20:30–31 · WEB
3it seemed good to me also, having traced the course of all things accurately from the first, to write to you in order, most excellent Theophilus; 4that you might know the certainty concerning the things in which you were instructed.
Luke 1:3–4 · WEB
1Paul and Timothy, servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and servants: 2Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3I thank my God whenever I remember you, 4always in every request of mine on behalf of you all, making my requests with joy, 5for your partnership in furtherance of the Good News from the first day until now;
Phil 1:1–5 · WEB
8He has shown you, O man, what is good. What does the LORD require of you, but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?
Mic 6:8 · WEB
God, having in the past spoken to the fathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, has at the end of these days spoken to us by his Son.
Heb 1:1–2 · WEB
Practice Together
Divide Philippians into its four chapters and ask four members to read one chapter each, so the group hears the whole letter. Then answer together: why did Paul write this letter? Which word or feeling keeps coming back?
Discussion
- “these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ” (John 20:31)—in the Gospels you have read, what event has most made you ‘believe’?
- Letters are meant to be read in one sitting. How do you usually read the letters?
- “to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God” (Mic 6:8)—of these three, which is hardest for you?
This Week
This week choose one Gospel (Mark is suggested, 16 chapters) and read two chapters a day; when you finish, write down: what one thing did the writer most want readers to know?
Each person chooses the Gospel they will read this week.
Closing
In pairs, pray one sentence for the book your partner will read this week.
Tips for the leader
- If someone wants to go deeper into how details differ among the four Gospels, arrange to talk after the session rather than opening it up in the group.
- Churches interpret the prophets’ words about the future differently; don’t debate them in the group; as the lesson says, ask your own church.
- Reading the whole letter takes about fifteen minutes; keep an eye on the time.
General principles for leaders
- The leader is not a teacher but someone who walks alongside everyone.
- Give everyone a chance to speak; with someone who talks a lot, you can gently say, ‘Let’s also hear from friends who haven’t spoken yet.’
- Don’t rush to give answers. If someone is silent, wait a few more seconds.
- For a question you can’t answer, you can say, ‘I don’t know either; let’s look it up together,’ and note it down for next time.
- What is said in the group stays in the group.
- At the opening, the leader can give their own answer first, showing that it can be simple and honest.