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| THE JOURNEY How to read the Bible…and not skip the hard stuff By DJ Toelle I’ll never forget this phone call. I was leading a bible study of a few college students during my first job, and they would often call me with bible questions. Jessica called on a Saturday afternoon with a few of her friends who were trying to enjoy some outdoor time reading scripture together, and they came across this passage and needed some answers: “On the way to Egypt, at a place where Moses and his family had stopped for the night, the Lord confronted him and was about to kill him. But Moses’ wife, Zipporah, took a flint knife and circumcised her son. She touched his feet with the foreskin and said, “Now you are a bridegroom of blood to me.” (When she said “a bridegroom of blood,” she was referring to the circumcision.) After that, the Lord left him alone.” Exodus 4:24-26 NLT I was too stunned to speak. I thought, “How have I never heard of this passage?” And, if I’m being honest, “Why is there such hard stuff to explain in the Bible?” Have you ever asked yourself this question? Maybe a co-worker shares a frustration or assumption about the Bible with you, or perhaps you come across a passage that offends a long-held belief. These moments can feel crushing to our faith. What do we do? How do we not skip the hard parts? I love that we are discussing this because there are many things like it in the Bible. What is your temptation when you read passages like the one above? Brad gave three: dismiss it, distort it, or deconstruct it. But we challenge these temptations because, as Brad said, “The least loving thing for us to do would be to mislead people into a faith that crumbles under honest questions.” One of my favorite songs over the years is Heretic by Gable Price and Friends. In this song, the lyrics “[Jesus] Offend my mind so that I can know you more” have become a life mantra for me that I often repeat. The lyrics remind me of the end of Psalm 139. (Thanks to my friend Ryan, for pointing this similarity out). Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. This describes my relationship with scripture well. We invite God to search and know us when we read the Bible. We invite God to stretch us and meet with us when a passage gives us anxiety or confuses us. We ask God to call things out (even though it may offend us), and we ask him to lead us in our journey. Looking back, I’m not sure I ever answered Jessica’s questions. I researched, found the context, looked at the bigger story, and tried to explain my way through this challenging passage. But I know that was more important to our faith journeys because we asked the questions, talked it over, found common ground on a difficult topic, and didn’t dismiss a story of God’s grace. I don’t know what comes to mind when you hear the word “Bible.” You could feel comforted, you could feel wounded. Wherever you are with the Bible, know that you don’t have to figure it out alone when it comes to reading the easy passages AND the difficult ones. There are people to do the hard parts with and help you on your journey to knowing God more. [Monday, May 12] John 6:35-59 Jesus declares, “I am the bread of life.” This is a bold and profound statement, but have you ever considered how hard it might be to fully trust those words? Bread sustains, provides energy, and satisfies hunger, but Jesus is claiming to be the ultimate sustenance for our souls. What does it mean to allow him to fill and sustain you completely? Today, ask yourself, “Have I been relying on things other than Jesus to satisfy me?” Reflect on the places where you feel spiritually starved or restless. What would it look like to trust him as the bread of your life—not just in words, but in action? Ask God to search your heart and reveal where you need to surrender your hunger to him. Jesus promises that anyone who comes to him will never be hungry or thirsty. [Tuesday, May 13] John 6:60-71 “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?” These words from Jesus’ disciples echo when we encounter a scripture or teaching that challenges us. Maybe you’ve felt the weight of wanting to turn away because it simply feels too hard. But notice what Peter says in this moment of tension and uncertainty, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” Pause and ask yourself, “What is my response to the hard teachings of Jesus?” Do I wrestle with them, avoid them, or try to explain them away? What might God want to reveal to me or me to learn about him in this passage? [Wednesday, May 14] John 7:1-13 Before reading, put yourself in Jesus’ shoes. He knows people are whispering, plotting, and looking for him. Imagine how it would feel to have your every move scrutinized. Consider his decision to move wisely, in God’s timing, not the world’s. Now, reflect on your own life. Are you rushing ahead or feeling pressured to act because of external expectations? Or are you willing to trust God’s timing, even when it doesn’t match your agenda? Invite God into your decisions today. Ask him, “What does it look like to trust your timing in this situation?” Sit with this question throughout the day and watch for moments where God might guide you differently than you expect. [Thursday, May 15] John 7:14-36 Imagine yourself sitting among the crowd in the temple, hearing Jesus teach. Some are amazed by his wisdom; others are skeptical and question his authority. Take a moment to recognize the divide his words create as he boldly speaks the truth. Now, bring this into your own life. When you encounter Jesus’ teachings, how do you respond? What comes to mind when you read Jesus’ direct words? Are you eager to learn, challenged by his words, or hesitant to fully trust? Reflect on a teaching of Jesus that has been particularly striking or hard for you. Spend a moment in prayer today, asking for a heart open to his truth, even when it stretches you. “Offend my mind so that I can know you more.” “Search me, oh God, know my heart.” [Friday, May 16] John 7:37-53 Start by reading Jesus’ powerful cry in this passage, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink.” Close your eyes and picture yourself being invited by Jesus to this living water. Imagine the refreshment, the fullness, and the satisfaction that comes from drinking deeply of his Spirit. As division among the people forms in this story, ask yourself, “What divisions do I see in the world today? How does the living water Jesus offers bring healing and unity?” Reflect on moments where you feel spiritually parched or disconnected, and take a step today to come to Jesus, knowing he desires to fill and empower you with his Spirit. Prepare your heart to recognize Jesus as your source, and as you go about your day, echo this promise in your heart, “Whoever believes in me… streams of living water will flow from within them.” Carry that promise with you, and look for how he nourishes your soul and overflows to those around you. © 2025 Heartland Community Church |