Daily Reading Week 1
Sunday
John 17
What verse did you connect with today?
How does Jesus' prayer for Himself in John 17:1-5 demonstrate His obedience to the Father's will? How can His example of surrender and purpose inspire us in our own lives?
Jesus prays for unity among His disciples and future believers. In what ways can you actively foster unity within your own Christian community, such as your youth group or church?
Reflect on the significance of Jesus' desire for believers to be united with Him and the Father. How does this unity impact our relationship with God and our witness to the world?
Jesus prays for the disciples' protection from the evil one. What are some practical ways you can seek spiritual protection and stand firm against the temptations and attacks of the enemy as a teenager?
Jesus expresses His desire for future believers, including us, to experience His joy. How does knowing that Jesus desires your joy impact your understanding of His love for you? How can you cultivate joy in your relationship with Him?
How does the truth of God's Word play a role in our sanctification, as mentioned in Jesus' prayer? Share an example of how studying and applying God's Word has brought about growth and transformation in your own life.
Jesus' prayer highlights His desire for believers to be sanctified through the truth. In what ways can you prioritize seeking and applying God's truth in your daily life as a teenager?
Reflect on the statement, "They may be one as we are one." How can you actively pursue unity and love among your Christian peers, even amidst differences and disagreements?
Respond:
In John 17, we have the privilege of witnessing Jesus' high priestly prayer. This chapter offers a glimpse into Jesus' intimate conversation with the Father just before His crucifixion. This prayer holds valuable lessons for us on unity, purpose, and the depth of Jesus' love for His followers.
In this prayer, Jesus begins by praying for Himself, acknowledging His role in fulfilling the Father's purpose and expressing His desire to glorify God through His obedience. He then shifts His focus to praying for His disciples, asking for their protection, unity, and sanctification as they continue His work on earth.
Jesus prays for future believers, including us today, expressing His desire for us to be united with Him and the Father. He longs for us to experience the fullness of His joy and to be sanctified through the truth of God's Word.
Throughout His prayer, Jesus emphasizes the unity He desires among His followers. He prays for believers to be one, just as He and the Father are one, so that the world may know and believe in Him. This unity is not just a superficial agreement but a deep, relational unity that reflects the love and oneness of the triune God.
We can learn from Jesus' prayer the importance of unity among believers and the significance of living out our faith in a way that draws others to Christ. We are called to be a testimony of God's love and grace, displaying unity and love in our relationships with one another.
Monday
John 18
DISCOVER
What does Jesus’ response to His arrest teach us about handling situations of conflict and/or injustice?
We are often guilty of ridiculing Peter for his denial of Jesus. However, at times we have all been guilty of “deny” Jesus in some way. As you look back over your life, can you see ways you have been guilty of the same thing?
How does the crowd’s choice of Barabbas over Jesus reflect the world’s rejection of Christ and what can we do to counter this?
In light of Jesus’ trials and Peter’s denial, how can you show your commitment to Jesus in difficult times?
RESPOND
As Jesus faces His betrayers, the jealous, pious, fraud, religious leaders, and hostile soldiers, the Passion begins! Jesus crossed the Kidron Valley into the grove of olives, while Judas, one of His disciples, betrayed Him to the leading priests and soldiers along with the temple guards; they all converged upon Jesus and His disciples with weapons drawn and the intimidation of the lanterns burning.
Jesus, of course, knew this would happen and could have stopped it, but He submitted to the Father on our behalf and met them with these words: whom do you seek? They replied, Jesus of Nazareth. I am He, Jesus said.
As they fell backwards to the ground without even a hint of His power, Jesus asked for the others to go. As previously foretold, not any of His are harmed. Peter, acting impulsively, drew his sword and attacked, slicing off the ear of the high priest's servant; Jesus responded by healing it back. He then asked Peter to stand down and put his sword in its sheath, because he still had to drink the cup that the Father had for Him.
And so it begins; Jesus is arrested, bound, and taken, first to Annas, the father-in-law of Caiaphas the high priest who disrespected Jesus with the statement, better that one die for all. Yet, how powerful those words will be as One will indeed die for all to pay for sins He did not commit, but that we did, so that we can be forgiven!
Tuesday
John 19
DISCOVER
In the first sixteen verses of John 19, John uses imagery of kingship as it relates to Jesus. In fact, the kingship of Christ has been an ongoing theme in the book of John. How was Jesus’ actual kingship different from what the people were expecting? Were they disappointed or delighted?
Why do you think it was important to John (a Jew who had only the Old Testament as the Bible) to demonstrate that the things happening to Jesus were “in order to fulfill Scripture?”
After reading this chapter, how can we understand and apply the concept of sacrificial love demonstrated by Jesus in our own lives?
As you read through John’s description of Jesus’ crucifixion and death, what really stands out to you?
RESPOND
It seems that Pontius Pilate was trapped among his paranoia, political future, and conviction to do the right thing. Yet, not only did he not find guilt in Jesus, but he actually wanted Him released. He may even have been captivated to a degree, but not enough to turn from his ways; a little conviction was happening, just not enough to do the right thing.
So, out of frustration or to please the religious leaders so Jesus would not be killed, he had Jesus whipped and beaten. The soldiers took it too far and went overboard in their cruelty, beating Him, mocking Him, and giving us the iconic image of the True Suffering Servant who came to love, redeem, and set us free. Ironically, He came to set free the very ones who beat and mocked Him with fists that Jesus Himself created and who wanted to undeservingly give them the grace of redemption.
Then, to add insult to injury, Pilate makes the proclamation, behold your king; but, what he did not know was that Jesus was The KING of kings, and Pilate was conducting the universe's greatest act of evil for the greatest good of all.
Jesus was publicly displayed and humiliated and the evil religious leaders and wayward crowd called for His crucifixion. And yet, Pilate still did not want to kill Him, so the leaders manipulated him to stoop to their will. Pilate was shaken that Jesus claimed to be the Son of God; somehow and someway, Pilate knew this to be true, yet still would not let Jesus go. Jesus stood stoic and humble with extreme strength under His control and made that known to Pilate, yet, still he would not do the right thing.
So, he put Jesus through another mock trial of humiliation and ridicule to see if that would please the leaders; it did not. All they wanted was blood lust-Jesus crucified! Pilate complied and handed Jesus over to death.
Wednesday
John 20
DISCOVER
When Mary witnesses the open tomb, what report does she bring back to the disciples (v 1-2)?
What is so moving/touching about the way Jesus deals with Mary? What do we discover about Jesus from this encounter? How does this help us when we feel overwhelmed?
What piece of evidence do you find most compelling for the resurrection? How would you respond to a friend who said, “surely we can’t believe that a dead person came back to life”?
Look back at Jesus’ words to Mary in verse 17. What do we learn about the significance of Jesus’ resurrection? How does this provide assurance for us at a time like this?
RESPOND
Mary Magdalene, one of Jesus’ followers, goes to the tomb of Jesus. When she gets there she discovers that He is not there. Jesus then appears to Mary and several other people. In doing so, Jesus fulfills all that He previously said about rising from the dead.
It’s super interesting to have conversations today with people about the idea of others beginning a new life. In fact, our society is in love with this idea. Nearly every single night you can find some kind of reality show on television or on demand. The whole idea behind the shows is to create an instant celebrity. We get goosebumps when we hear about some achieving the “American Dream.” We love the idea that we can do anything if we’ll just work hard enough at it.
Unfortunately, no matter how hard we try and we work, we have no hope of changing ourselves. The only way we can put away our sinful habits is through a relationship with Jesus Christ which has been made possible through His death and resurrection.
When Peter looked into the empty tomb, he saw Jesus was not there and Jesus left His burial clothes. This chapter, John 20, teaches us the blessing of believing in Him and the work He has done. Today, will you look to Jesus and begin a new life in Him? Will you look to HIm as the only One that can create you into a new person (2 Corinthians 5:17)!
Thursday
John 21
DISCOVER
According to verse 2, how many of the disciples does Jesus appear to? Why do you suppose it was these seven disciples?
In verse 3, Peter declares that he is going fishing. Based on Peter’s profession before Jesus called him to be a disciple, what is this idea implying? What kind of impact does this have on the others disciples?
What encouragement and good news is found in Jesus’ conversation with Peter? Is Jesus only concerned with humiliating Peter and pointing out his failure? What else is Jesus doing in this passage?
Although Peter had failures in his life, he didn’t allow the failures to define him. The account of John 21 teaches us this great truth. Take a few moments and reflect back over your life. Are you allowing some failure of yesterday to determine your impact today?
RESPOND
In John 21, Jesus appeared in a familiar place, in a familiar way, over a familiar meal to those who were familiar with sin and betrayal, and He invited them to share a meal with Him. Jesus uses the familiarity of the Sea of Galilee and the nostalgia of the scene to graciously remind the disciples of His identity and invite them back to His original commission for them; to leave their nets and become fishers of men. Though they forsook Him, He has not forsaken them. Nearly everything in the first part of the chapter (v 1-14) prepares us for Jesus’ conversation with Peter in verses 15-19.
After they ate Jesus turned to Peter and graciously confronted his heart, his pride, and his failure. He does so by asking him a very pointed question. But Jesus’ aim is not to humiliate Peter. Instead, Jesus is graciously reinstating Peter issuing the command to shepherd His sheep. From this point on, Peter’s life is no longer his own; he must yield fully to Jesus. This is the final point Jesus makes in verses 18-19. Though Peter failed, though Peter abandoned and denied Jesus, Jesus has not forsaken him.
Maybe today is a great day to deflate your overinflated view of yourself. How? Under God’s mighty hand. See His holiness, His power, and His wisdom. At the same time, see your weakness and frailty.
“When Christ calls a man, He bids him come and die. Only the man who is dead to his own will can follow Christ. In fact, every command of Jesus is a call to die, with all our affections and lusts. The opposite of discipleship is to be ashamed of Christ and His cross and all the offense which the cross brings in its train.” - Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Friday
Proverbs 5
DISCOVER
How does Solomon describe the words of an adulterous woman in chapter 5? What does this teach us about temptation in general?
How does this chapter demonstrate the importance of heeding wise counsel?
What are some ways that wisdom and understanding serve as a shield against immoral temptations in our modern society?
In the face of temptation, how can we develop the discipline to remember the long-term consequences of our actions, as suggested in Proverbs 5?
RESPOND
Much of the advice that we read about in the book of Proverbs often comes in the form of warnings. These warnings are especially aimed at what happens when a person gives into sin in general. This part of Proverbs focuses on the sin of adultery. This particular chapter begins with the typical plea for the reader to pay close attention to what is being said. The reader is encouraged to apply wisdom and use all discernment.
A key part of avoiding sin is to avoid temptation. This is why Solomon strongly suggests staying far away from those who tempt us towards adultery. Avoiding situations where we're liable to be overcome is sound advice. As part of that warning, this passage also describes the consequences of adultery. Those include a loss of reputation, shortened life, possible legal trouble, and reduced prosperity. Worse, adultery leads to deep regret, looking back with sorrow on sinful choices. There is a reason why, even in a modern culture drenched in promiscuity, there is still a deep stigma against those labeled as marital "cheaters."
Summarizing this section is a reminder that God knows and sees all things. A common thread in adultery is secrecy, but that's not possible in the eyes of an omniscient Creator. Another common thread is regret over consequences. Once adultery has been committed, it cannot be undone. God can—and will—forgive those who seek Him. But that forgiveness does not change the past. The damage to relationships, reputations, and bodily health are real, and those who ignore godly advice are liable to find this out the hard way
Saturday
Proverbs 6
DISCOVER
How can the teachings about diligence and laziness in verses 6-11 be applied to your personal life?
Proverbs 6:12-15 warn against being a dishonest person. How can we identify such traits in ourselves and change them?
Think about some practices that you can integrate into your daily life that might help you be diligent and work hard.
How does the modern understanding of dishonesty relate to the seven things that God detests in this chapter?
How does Proverbs 6 challenge the way you think about your obligations and commitments to others?
RESPOND
The first of the wise lessons in this chapter relates to wisely caring for one's existing wealth. Solomon especially urges his son to avoid financial entanglements by not entering into a surety agreement. In rough terms, this means being extremely cautious about cosigning a loan. If he does cosign, and realizes he's gotten into a risky situation, he should try to get out of the deal even if doing so causes humiliation. While this does not prohibit all forms of debt or lending, this Scripture strongly advises being careful not to waste what has been earned.
Just as cosigning for an untrustworthy person might cause poverty, laziness is another way a person can become destitute. Solomon tells his son to consider the ant. Without supervision, it works hard to meet its needs both present and future. Unless a person works, poverty will overtake him as surely as a robber or an armed man overtakes his victim. Here, again, the general principles are seen in common sense. Wasted opportunities cannot be "made up" when times get hard.
Also, the Bible points out that a wise person refuses to stir up strife. As with all proverbs, this is meant as general wisdom. In most circumstances, those who aggravate trouble are those most likely to suffer from it. Beyond that, God has particular distaste for certain sins associated with troublemakers. A "worthless person" is described as one who uses corrupt, deceptive speech and deceptive signals to sow discord. The list of God-hated attitudes includes arrogance, deceit, violence against the innocent, an evil heart, and lies. Summarizing these sins is the idea of someone who creates controversy or hatred among others.