How to See the Bible’s Big Story

One of the privileges of having small children is that you get to clean up—a lot.

Some of the worst messes happen when our girls pull out several puzzles at once. Before long, pieces from three or four different puzzles are scattered across the floor. Then McCaffity and I get to sit together, pick them up one by one, and ask, “Where does this go? Which puzzle is this from?”

It is frustrating to stare at a single puzzle piece without knowing where it belongs. That is why, when I am working on a difficult puzzle, I want the picture on the box beside me. Once I can see the whole picture, I have a much better chance of understanding where each individual piece fits.

Here’s the problem. A lot of Christians approach the Bible as if it’s a pile of disconnected puzzle pieces.

We know some verses. We remember a few stories. We may be familiar with Noah’s ark, David and Goliath, the Ten Commandments, and the resurrection of Jesus. But we are not always sure how these people, promises, and dramatic events belong together.

The Bible is a long book. Because it’s 66 books written by multiple human authors over many centuries. It includes history, poetry, prophecy, letters, genealogies, laws, and visions. And it’s roughly 1,000 pages long.

But across all of those words and pages and books, the Bible tells ONE BIG STORY.

The Picture on the Box

From beginning to end, the Bible reveals God’s plan to have his people living in his presence, enjoying his place, and flourishing under his rule.

God created a good world and placed Adam and Eve in the garden. They were made in his image to know him, represent him, and rule over his creation under his authority.

But humanity rebelled against God. Sin brought guilt, death, and separation from his presence. Adam and Eve were driven from the garden, and the world God created was fractured by sin.

Still, God did not abandon his creation or surrender his plan.

He promised a Rescuer. He formed a people. He gave them his law, dwelled among them, raised up kings, and spoke through prophets. Over thousands of years, God continued moving his plan forward until, at just the right time, Jesus stepped into The Story.

Jesus lived the faithful life humanity had failed to live. He died to bear the judgment our rebellion deserved. He rose from the grave, defeating sin, death, and Satan. One day he will return, make all things new, and dwell with his redeemed people forever.

That is the Bible’s big story:

God created us for life with him. We rejected his rule and lost his presence. But God sent his Son to rescue us and bring us home.

The Bible Is About Jesus

If you want a “cheat code” for understanding the Bible, remember this:

The Bible’s big story points to Jesus.

That does not mean every verse contains a hidden reference to Jesus or that we can ignore what a passage originally meant. It means every passage belongs within the story that reaches its fulfillment in him.

Genesis introduces the world Jesus came to reclaim and the problem he came to solve. God’s promises anticipate him. The sacrifices foreshadow his death. Israel’s kings create longing for a righteous King. The prophets announce his coming. The Gospels reveal him. Acts and the Epistles explain his mission and the life of his church. Revelation shows Jesus returning to finish what he began.

Jesus is not simply one important character among many. He is the hero of the story—the one everything else points to.

Paul connects creation itself to the saving work of Christ:

“For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”
 —2 Corinthians 4:6

The God who spoke light into the darkness in Genesis is the God who shines the light of salvation into darkened hearts through Jesus.

Four Questions to Ask When You Read the Bible

The next time you open your Bible, resist the temptation to treat a passage or verse like an isolated puzzle piece. 

Try asking these four questions:

1. Where does this passage fall in the Bible’s story?
2. What does it reveal about God?
3. What does it reveal about humanity?
4. How does it prepare for, point toward, or center on Jesus?

Just a heads up. You will not immediately understand every passage. Some pieces take longer to place than others. But do not give up.

Keep the big picture in front of you. Follow the story. Watch God’s plan unfold.

The more clearly you see the Bible’s big story, the more clearly you will see Jesus. And the more clearly you see Jesus, the better you will understand who God is and who he created you to be.