Today we prefer to use direct speech or logical lists to convey theological truths. Yet God, in His infinite wisdom, decided to communicate to humanity primarily through stories. Applying biblical narratives is challenging. The narratives often do not overtly state the main point. Moreover, some biblical stories contain unusual literary structures and figures. But Alexander Maclaren can help contemporary readers navigate the most prolific genre in the Bible. Maclaren typically probed the text with three questions.
What does this story teach about God?
Maclaren initially looked for the theology the story teaches about God. It can be easy to make stories human-centric so they merely exemplify what to do or not to do. But the authors were inspired by God primarily to teach humanity about who God is and what He desires.
Furthermore, stories invite the reader to look beyond the immediate context to God’s ultimate demonstration of love and justice for His people—Jesus Christ. Maclaren said, “The inmost essence and deepest purpose of the whole Old Testament system is to create an attitude of expectance and to point onward, with ever-growing distinctness, to one colossal and mysterious figure in which the longings of generations shall be fulfilled, and the promises of God shall be accomplished.”
What do I have in common with the original readers?
Only after you find the timeless truth about God should you try to apply the story to daily living. Maclaren argued that God’s nature, humanity’s relationship with God, and human sinfulness have not changed. Our culture differs from biblical culture, but God and the universal human experience remain the same. List what you have in common with the original readers. These links can help you figure out how the story’s timeless truth touches your life today.
What can I learn from the characters?
If you start by focusing on the characters, the story may become merely an example of moral takeaways. Therefore asking the first two questions is critical to understanding biblical narratives. After you’ve explored those, the characters can provide clues for practical application.
Listen to the dialogue and look for other subtle hints as to how the text should be understood or applied. A character may be an example of someone who either correctly or incorrectly understands and follows God. While characters themselves are not the central focus of the plot (that position belongs to God), they can help readers see how the timeless truths of God impact daily living. Therefore emphasize the truths the stories teach about God, find parallels between your life and those of the original audience, and consider the characters as positive or negative examples of how to follow the timeless truth. By following Maclaren’s method, you can more confidently apply biblical stories to daily living and real life problems.
This article is adapted from “How to Apply Biblical Narratives,” first published in the Alexander Maclaren Study Bible. This Study Bible invites you to discover the richness of Maclaren’s teaching. With study notes addressing key passages in every book of the Bible, passage outlines for personal study, excerpts showing how biblical texts connect to Christ, meaningful life applications, and more, this resource will encourage you as you study the Scriptures.
The Alexander Maclaren Study Bible
The Alexander Maclaren Study Bible invites you to discover the richness of Maclaren’s teaching. With study notes addressing key passages in every book of the Bible, passage outlines for personal study, excerpts showing how biblical texts connect to Christ, meaningful life lessons, and more, this resource will encourage you as you study the Scriptures.
