The Word in the Word
Message Listening Guide
Guiding Question: When it comes to reading the Bible, is it possible to get the lessons right—but miss the point?
Jesus’s Take on Scripture
Luke 24:25–27, 44–47 - After His resurrection, Jesus walks with two discouraged disciples who know the Scriptures but don’t yet understand them. Rather than giving new information, Jesus reframes what they already know—showing them that the Scriptures, properly understood, are all about Him. Even sincere readers who love God can miss the point if they miss Jesus.
John 5:38–40 - Jesus confronts the religious leaders with a sobering truth: they search the Scriptures constantly, yet God’s word does not dwell in them because they refuse to believe the One God sent. They knew the text well, but missed the Person the text was pointing toward.
John 15:4–7 - Jesus gives us the positive vision. Spiritual life flows from relationship: “Remain in me… and let my words remain in you.” Lasting fruit doesn’t come from extracting lessons or mastering techniques, but from abiding—living in ongoing connection with Christ. The written Word is meant to lead us into deeper relationship with the living Word.
The Point: Don’t miss the Author while studying His book.
Application: Reading Scripture with Jesus at the Center
What does this passage reveal about God’s character, as ultimately shown in Jesus?
What problem does this passage expose—brokenness, sin, fear, injustice, or weakness—and how does Jesus address it?
Is there a promise here, and how is it fulfilled in Christ?
Does this passage involve sacrifice, substitution, or rescue? Who suffers so others can live?
Is there a flawed leader or example—and how does Jesus succeed where they fall short?
How does this passage invite me to trust, follow, or remain in Jesus—not just in what I do, but in who I am becoming?
Connection Group Conversation Guide
Get-to-know-you Question: Share your name with the group and the answer to the question: When you were a child, was there a book or story you read over and over? What drew you to it?
Prayer: Update prayer requests and open with a time in prayer.
Opening Question: Growing up, how were you taught to read the Bible? (For example: for rules, morals, encouragement, answers, or stories?)
Review: Sunday’s message focused on how we read Scripture and the danger of missing its central purpose: Jesus Himself. We saw that even those deeply familiar with the Bible—like the disciples or religious leaders—can overlook its true message if they fail to see Jesus at the center. The sermon encouraged us to move from simply extracting lessons or moral truths to reading in a way that deepens our abiding relationship with Christ. The point is not just to study the Book but to meet its Author.
Discuss: On the other side of this three week series, what is a question or frustration about the Bible that was answered/addressed? What is a question or frustration about the Bible you still have? (Leaders, please jot down and share with Luke if you’re willing)
Discuss: When you read the Bible, what are you usually hunting for—guidance, comfort, answers, or Jesus Himself?
Read: Have someone read John 5:36–40
Discuss: Why do you think the religious leaders in John 5, despite knowing Scripture so well, missed Jesus so entirely?
Discuss: How did the Bible reading plan go for you this last week?
Discuss: Did any of you try asking the Jesus reflection questions on the bookmark when you engaged with Scripture this week? Share what you learned and how that went for you. Discuss: What would it look like for you to successfully read the Bible this week with Jesus at the center? (In other words, how will you know if you succeed at approaching Scripture this way?)
Pray: Close in prayer, asking God to help us see Jesus in His Word.