Looking for Connections

Introduction

This series has really been about studying scripture, about digging deep into specific texts, trying to understand them in the context they were written, in the language they were written. Our final session brings us back to the place where many of us started; simply reading the Bible.

I listen to the Tom Wright podcast and he often recommends reading through a book in one go, even repeatedly doing so. This, alongside the sort of study we’ve discussed already, will really help bring the word to life.

What are connections?

Connections are simply those passages that make you think of another passage. They may be obvious; such as the same account of an event appearing in multiple Gospels, or they may be less obvious such as considering the life of Jesus as the new and better version of an Old Testament character.

How do we find connections?

Finding these connections becomes easier the more familiar we are with the bible, and the easiest way to get familiar with it is to read it. My Grandad used to study the Bible in depth, but he also used to just read it, cover to cover every year. This practice of just reading allows us to take in the text, to keep the full story fresh in our minds. The more we do this the more we will find connections.

So we can find them by simply reading, re-reading, and re-reading the Bible, eventually we will encounter something that triggers a memory. This memory may be an exact reference, or just a fragment of a verse or story. If it's just a fragment then Google is very helpful in finding the exact passage. There are also study aids, like a chain reference Bible that points out these links.

Following these links, or memory triggers really helps us to see God at work throughout all of scripture. It also helps us to understand more of what Jesus was saying, or what the writers of the Gospels and Letters were drawing our attention to. Once such example of this is that in the account of the feeding of the 5,000 in Mark (Mark 6:30-44) there is the phrase

“...sit down in groups on the green grass”

Mark 6: 39

This may not seem too significant, but when I read that it reminds me of Psalm 23:

“...He makes me lie down in green pastures,”

Psalm 23: 2

Perhaps Mark is pointing out to us that Jesus is the good shepherd, leading us to sit in green pastures. Certainly the story, featured in all the Gospels, shows Jesus as one providing for His sheep like a good shepherd.

Connections trace through

It has been said that Genesis is the seed bed for all of scripture, that ideas we encountered in the New testament can be traced back to Genesis. This is a useful idea to keep in mind. As we read the Bible we can be sure that we can trace back what we read to God’s creation, God’s original desire for mankind. Take for example the grace we see Paul so thoroughly explain. Now consider the scene in the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve have just sinned and eaten the fruit. They feel shame and they feel the need to hide. God reaches out to them and makes them coverings of animal skin. This shows God’s grace towards them, it shows the power of sacrifice, it shows God has not rejected them. All lessons we see in the writings of Paul and the teachings of Jesus.

Let’s have a go

Pick a passage you are familiar with, from anywhere in the Bible. Read through it slowly. If you have a chain reference Bible follow some of those links you see off to the side.

If you don’t then let your mind ponder the words and see if it triggers any memories of other passages you’ve read. Look those up.

As always keep notes of your study, share what you learn with others and keep reading, keep practicing.