“My goal has not been to teach you students how to read the Bible. My goal has been to help you discover how to let the Bible read you.” Dr. Charles Bugg was my preaching professor in seminary. He had a passion for the scripture and for shaping would-be ministers into true disciples of Jesus.

Whenever we read literature or watch a good film, we face the temptation to “center” ourselves in the story. We tend to relate to the main character or hero and imagine ourselves in such a role.  “Our” story becomes “their” story and vice versa. 

The same is true when we read the Bible. Christian readers instinctively place themselves in the main characters’ roles. For example, we might read the Exodus story and see ourselves crossing the Red Sea as Pharaoh’s army chases us from behind. We might close our eyes to feel the heat of the fiery furnace where Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stood. We might think about our leadership choices when acting in the shoes of Moses, David, Elijah, or Isaiah.

However, if we learn to let the Bible “read us,” we may find that the Spirit of God leads us to see ourselves as the villain at times. What happens to our interpretation of the Exodus story when we are the Egyptians instead of the Israelites? How do we align ourselves with the plans of God when the command “Let my people go!” is directed to us as a part of an oppressive majority? How do we read the lament psalms of David when we are not the victims, but the persecutors? How do we read Jesus’ harsh rebuke of the Pharisees when we begin to realize that we are often no different? How do we see the crucifixion when we are the Romans or the thief hanging next to Christ?

When we allow the Bible to “read us,” it opens new insight and allows us to see ourselves more clearly. I have found that evaluating my scriptural conversation partners is essential as I cultivate this practice. If I only read the Bible with people who look like me, think like me, and share my experiences, I am more likely to allow that experience to be the exclusive “lens” through which I read the scripture.

However, I can choose to listen and engage with those who are just as committed to following the Way of Jesus, but whose experience is different from mine. Doing so teaches me to distinguish between authentic “gospel” and personal bias. When I open myself up to the possibility that I may be more closely aligned with Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar, Pilate, or Herod in the Bible’s narrative, I can better understand the transformation needed to make me more like Jesus. 

Take time as you read this week to ask, “Who am I in this story?” Listen for the Spirit’s guidance. Talk to trusted friends about it. Read a commentary or devotional from a different perspective. Be open to go where the Spirit of God leads as you seek to align yourself with the heart of Christ.