Putting yourself in a Bible character's place
The stories of the Bible are not cold documents: they tell about people. A blind man by the roadside, a woman at the well, a father who waits. This quest invites you to read a story by putting yourself in a character's skin, to better feel what is happening.
What it looks like in your day
Choose a short story: the healing of Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46-52), the encounter with Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10), the woman with the issue of blood (Mark 5:25-34), the younger son (Luke 15:11-24). Then:
- Read the story a first time, to follow it.
- Choose a character. Not necessarily the hero: also take a supporting role, a bystander, a disciple.
- Reread, putting yourself in their place. What do they see? What do they hear? What do they feel? What are they afraid of? What do they hope for?
- Write three or four sentences in the first person. “I'm sitting by the roadside. I hear the crowd. They tell me to be quiet.”
- Ask yourself Jesus' question. What would Jesus say to me in this situation? What would I answer him?
In the story of Bartimaeus, for example, you can feel the humiliation of being pushed aside, then the boldness of crying out louder. Jesus stops and asks: “What wilt thou that I should do unto thee?” You hear the question, and you look for your answer.
If you are short on time, take just one moment of the story. If you are a beginner, choose a very lively story, with dialogue. If you are shy, you can keep it all to yourself.
What the Bible says
Paul explains that the stories of the Old Testament serve to instruct us:
“Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.”
These things happened to them “for ensamples”. They are not closed stories: they resemble us. And Jesus himself, facing the blind man of Jericho, asks a question that is addressed to us:
“And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight.”
When you put yourself in Bartimaeus' place, the question changes weight: it is asked of you. What do you want Jesus to do for you?
Paul also specifies, about the Scriptures, that they give us hope (Romans 15:4). The stories of the Bible are there so that we may find courage in them, not just information.
Pitfalls to avoid
Inventing details that contradict the text. Imagination is useful, but it must not add things the text rules out. Stay faithful to the facts: what is written takes precedence over what you imagine.
Casting yourself as the hero. It is tempting to place yourself on the side of Jesus or Peter. Also try the place of those who are mistaken: the Pharisees, the older brother, the disciples who didn't understand. You will learn more there.
Staying in the emotion. Identification moves you, but it must lead somewhere: to a prayer, a change, a recognition. Always end with “And now, what do I do with this?”
Forgetting the meaning of the story. The biblical author tells for a reason: to reveal God, to teach, to call to faith. Don't turn it into a mere story of emotions.
Forcing yourself. Some stories will speak to you, others won't. Move on to another if nothing comes.
Today, take a story. Choose a character. Write three sentences in the first person, then ask yourself Jesus' question.