A Taste of an InterVarsity Bible Study

InterVarsity’s ministry centers around manuscript Bible study, invented in the 1950s. It has three aspects: observation, interpretation, and application. 

In this kind of Bible study, leaders are facilitators who pass out printed passages of Scripture, and members engage in communal discovery—generating questions together, sharing what they see and think, and discovering Scripture’s meaning for themselves. 

“In the way we study the Bible with InterVarsity, everyone’s on the same page ... no one knows more than someone else. We’re all starting off at the same level.” —Tori, Meredith College in North Carolina 

Try a small taste of InterVarsity Bible study on your own below. We really think it’s one of the best ways to learn more about Jesus and grow your faith. And if you like your experience, join an InterVarsity small group Bible study on your campus! 

Luke:38–42 

Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” 41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, 42 but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” 

Observation: What does it say? 

Take a pen or even pens of multiple colors and mark what stands out to you in the passage. Who are the main characters? What are their actions and reactions to each other? Notice locations and time. Are there repeated words or phrases, comparisons, cause and effect? 

Interpretation: What does it mean? 

In a small group, you’ll come up with questions to get to the heart of the passage together. The best questions can be answered through the text itself and context. Remember, you’re not necessarily trying to come up with the one right answer. 

Here are examples of questions that could come up: 

• What might Martha’s reaction reveal about her and her perspective of Jesus?
• What do you think Jesus means by “one thing” and “the good portion”?
• Why isn’t Martha praised for what she’s doing? What do you think Jesus’ reaction to her says about his perspective on the things she and Mary were doing? 

Application: What do I do now? 

Bible study should result in action and transformation, not just knowledge. God moves and speaks through his Word. 

What habits can you begin during your first semester of college to sit at Jesus’ feet and focus on the “one thing”? 

Want to join an InterVarsity Bible study on your campus? Click here to learn more.