Engaging the Bible: Apples, Bananas, and Coconuts

Have you ever struggled to dive deeper into the Bible? You open it, eager to study, but then stumble over difficult passages, leaving you discouraged by things that seem unknowable? I get it—the Bible can feel overwhelming with its sheer depth and detail. But here's what I've learned: while the Bible can be challenging, it is never boring and always worth our time, observations, and questions.

One of my favorite subjects to teach is methods of Bible study. As a self-proclaimed Bible nerd, I love a deep dive into footnotes or a long lecture dissecting scripture. But more importantly, I firmly believe that engaging with the Bible can spark creativity and innovation.

I’ve had my share of trial and error teaching the Bible to people who weren’t exactly eager to learn. Through this experience, I discovered a simple and effective way to approach Bible study, something I call the “Apples, Bananas, Coconuts” (or ABC) method. It goes like this:

Apples: The Ready-to-Eat Passages

Let’s start with the easiest fruit to eat: the apple. You can bite straight into it with no extra effort. Similarly, some Bible passages are like apples—clear, straightforward, and easy to understand. These are the verses where the main idea and purpose are obvious, like John 3:16 or Psalm 23. They require little explanation but offer profound nourishment.

Bananas: Peeling Back the Layers

Next, we have bananas. They’re simple to eat but require a bit of peeling first. Some Bible passages are like this too. They may present a word, place, or concept that isn’t immediately clear but can be solved with a little effort. When you come across a "banana" passage, it’s an invitation to ask questions like, “what is the significance of this word?” or “what’s the context here?” By identifying what’s unclear, we can begin to peel back the layers to uncover deeper understanding. Tools like a concordance or study notes (even a podcast like The Bible Project) can help us peel away the confusion and get to the heart of the message.

Coconuts: Cracking the Tough Shell

Finally, we come to coconuts, the most challenging fruit to open. Without the proper tools or effort, they might seem like nothing more than hairy rocks. But once cracked, they reveal refreshing water and sweet meat inside.

Some parts of the Bible—like Ezekiel, Leviticus, or Revelation—can feel like coconuts. They’re dense, mysterious, and might leave you scratching your head. But difficult doesn’t mean impossible. With time, effort, and the right questions, even the toughest passages can yield rich spiritual insight.

Cracking open these "coconut" passages might require more study, prayer, or external resources, but the reward is worth it. Don’t let the hardness of the shell fool you—God’s truth is there, waiting to be discovered.

An Approachable Method for All Seasons

If I can encourage you to do one thing, it’s this: read your Bible slowly. Don’t rush. Savor the "apples," take the time to peel the "bananas," and don’t shy away from the "coconuts." The Bible isn’t just a book to be read; it’s a treasure to be explored and lived out.

God’s Word is worth our questions, and He invites us to wrestle with its truths. Often, following Him means investigating what we don’t fully understand.

If you try this method and have observations or questions, I’d love to hear about your journey. Together, we can delight in the richness of God’s Word—one apple, banana, and coconut at a time.

Cheering you on,