The Rabbit Trail Bible Study Method

Rabbit Trail Bible Study Method: How to Study the Bible by Letting Curiosity Lead

What if going off on a tangent is a great way to study the Bible? Recently, while leading a church small group, I asked everyone to share how they studied the Bible. One member shared how she embraces the rabbit trails when she reads. She said that, instead of feeling pressured to finish her chapter, or check off a box, she will let her curiosity win and she will follow whatever rabbit trail her Bible reading led her on.

As someone who loves structure, this point of view both surprised me but also encouraged me to step outside of my rigid, follow-the-rules self and embrace curiosity as a way to learn more about the Bible and grow closer to God. There have been many times when I’ve read the Bible that I’ve wondered about a certain verse, theme, word or event. I will wonder, but since I want to finish my chapter, I will move on and soon forget that initial spark of curiosity.

But what would happen if we all embraced those rabbit trails? How can we use our curiosity to our advantage and learn more by reading the Bible in an Alice-in-Wonderland style instead of reading just to check off another box?

What Does a Rabbit Trail Look Like?

A Bible reading rabbit trail looks like a question mark or an exclamation point lighting up in your head as you read your Bible. It looks like a sign on the side of the road that says: “I wonder…”

This can be in the form of an unfamiliar word, theme, character or place. It can also look like your brain playing dot-to-dot and trying to piece stories together. You may find yourself asking questions like: How does this story relate to everything I’m reading? This sounds familiar, I wonder where else I’ve read it? Why does this word come up so much in this chapter?

What Do You Do When You See a Trail You Want to Follow?

First things first, stop and let your curiosity win. The whole point of rabbit-trail Bible study is to let your curiosity win and learn more than you ever would by following paths that branch off the main road. Once you see a rabbit trail, mark your place or make a note for whenever you want to come back. Then go off and explore. Maybe pack some pencils and sticky notes for your journey. And remember, rabbit trails begin when you ask questions.

What Do You Do Once You’re on the Rabbit Trail?

Trails are for enjoyment, adventure, memories and new experiences. So enjoy the adventure when you’re on it! Stop and take in the view. See the big picture of whatever caught your attention. How does it relate to the entire Bible and God’s plan of redemption? How does it point to Jesus?

Once you’ve taken in the big picture, look at the little things that make the hike worth it. The flowers on the side of the road, the moss growing on the rocks, the different bark on each tree.

Ask yourself, what does this word mean? Does it appear in many places? How is this verse different than what I’ve read so far? Are there any fun historical details that relate to what I’m reading? Does this word/verse/character appear in any other place in the Bible? Remember: It’s the little things along the trail that make the journey worth it.

How Long Do You Stay on the Trail?

There are all sorts of trail lengths in this world. Some are short and easy, others are long, steep and arduous. It will be like this when reading the Bible. Some rabbit trails will be short and concise and you will get your answers in a jiffy. Others are long and may weary you. So feel free to stop for breaks whenever you need to. Or put it on pause and continue on your journey another time. But whenever you do reach the top of that mountain, it will be like hitting the jackpot and the view will be worth it. When you spend time studying something in the Bible, you will then find yourself reading with more ease because you put in the work. The knowledge you acquire of the Bible, and its Author, will be well worth it.

Who Should You Take on the Journey?

Most important of all, remember that you have a Guide who’s an expert and can teach you all about the trail you’re on. You have the Holy Spirit! He can answer your questions, spark new ones, and lead you to your goal as you study the Bible. If it feels overwhelming, He’s got you. He’s an expert on the Bible and on keeping you alive on the journey.

Set Your Pace

At the end of the day, everyone has their own pace in life, even when following rabbit trails. Not all people are in a place to hike Mount Everest, but lots can go for a stroll around the park. Make the journey your own and follow your own pace. Get curious, explore, but at the end of the day, go as fast (or as slow) as you can. Remember, you also have a Guide who’s got you!

Make the Journey Your Own

Like I mentioned, make the journey yours. For some, this looks like taking field notes and writing down what they learned and saw. (Colors and highlighters, anyone?) For others, this looks like snapping pictures to encapsulate the moment. You can draw what you learn, paint or get visually creative as you take Bible snapshots. Others love trail mix and snacking along the way. And still others simply love to hike and take in the view without worrying about notes or constantly stopping for pictures. Read the Bible in a way that you can engage with, and above all, do it to grow closer to God and to learn more about Him.

In summary, here is how you can do a Rabbit Trail Bible Study:

• Find a rabbit-trail
• Stop and mark your place (For future reference!)
• Follow the rabbit trail
• Ask questions
• See the big picture
• Mark the little details
• Take a break if you need to
• Don’t forget your Guide
• Set your pace
• Make the journey your own

Ready to follow some rabbits? Let’s go study our Bibles with open hearts and lots of curiosity.

Until next one!
Anna

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Photo by Alin Andersen on Unsplash