Use word pictures

God has used word pictures and symbols throughout history to communicate to his people. If you've read through the prophets, you know that God repeatedly uses word pictures to help make his point. Read Ezekiel chapter four sometime…there God has Ezekiel bound and lying on his left side for 390 days preaching to an imaginary city…read it to find out why.

Here's how to integrate a word picture study into your next session.

1. Read the passage all the way through in three or more translations, so group members can see how the metaphors are used in context.

2. Point out the specific word pictures the author uses.

3. Give the members time to draw or write their personal response to each word picture (you don't have to be a great artist to draw what you see in your mind).

4. Encourage the group to share and discuss their pictures or writings. They will stimulate each other's imaginations and gain new insights from one another. As Paul suggests, it is in community, "together with all the saints," that we gain power to grasp the wonderful truths of the gospel (Eph. 3:18).

5. Take all the suggestions seriously, no matter how farfetched or funny. The most surprising pictures may be the most fruitful in creating new understanding.

Idea adapted from the archives of The Navigators Small Group Letter, © 2006, All Rights Reserved.