Opening Discussion: There are basically two ways to read the Bible. It is a book essentially about you and what you should be doing, or it is a book essentially about God and what He has done. Discuss these two perspectives. What does it look like practically to read the Bible from either viewpoint? Which way do you tend to view the Bible? Is there a middle ground? What might be the dangers of only reading the Bible as a book about what we should do?
Main takeaway: The Bible is one story whose main character is Jesus.
Read: Luke 24:25-27, 44-45
And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. (Luke 24:25-27)
Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. (Luke 24:44-45)
Discuss: Do you tend to view the Bible as telling one main story? What does Jesus mean when He says that the Scriptures are referring to Him? How should this understanding shape how we read Scripture?
Message Connection: The message referenced Peter’s usage of Psalm 16 in his sermon in Acts 2. Peter is showing us how the early Christians read the story of Jesus back into the Old Testament. Should we really do it this way? How should the coming of Christ impact our reading of the Bible?
Small Group Exercise: Break into smaller groups. Read Hebrews 1. Write down the book, chapter, and verses that the author quotes from the Old Testament. Don’t use AI! Share the references with the larger group once you are done and discuss them. What surprised you? If you read these passages in their context, would you think they were referring to Jesus?
Evangelistic Connection: As we think about sharing our faith with non-Christians, particularly in our use of the Bible, how might this concept of all Scripture pointing to Jesus impact our conversation? How might this shape how we talk about the Old Testament, about the coming of Christ, and about the uniqueness of Christianity?