Daily Reading Week 30
Sunday
John 1:6-8, 19-34
DISCOVER:
1. How can I cultivate greater humility in my daily life and interactions with others, following John the Baptist's example of not claiming more for himself than he deserved?
2. In what ways can I more actively and eagerly proclaim Christ to those around me, inspired by John the Baptist's readiness to point people to the Savior?
3. Am I consistently giving glory to God for my strengths and accomplishments, acknowledging His role in shaping who I am and how I serve others?
RESPOND:
In John 1:19-34, we see John the Baptist demonstrating humility and a clear focus on pointing others towards Christ. He was approached by priests and Levites who asked if he was the Messiah, Elijah, or the Prophet. John, knowing his role, confessed, "I am not the Christ." Despite having a significant following, John did not claim more for himself than he deserved; he humbly acknowledged his place as a voice crying out in the wilderness to prepare the way for the Lord.
Thinking about John's example, we are reminded to emulate his humility and focus on Christ. In our daily lives, we should not claim more about ourselves than is true. Instead, we must recognize our strengths and limitations, giving glory to God for all that we are and all that we do.
Furthermore, like John the Baptist, we are called to eagerly proclaim Christ to those around us. Just as John pointed to Jesus as the Lamb of God, we too should be ready to share the good news of salvation with others. Our words and actions should reflect our faith in Christ, drawing people closer to Him through our testimony and example.
John the Baptist's model of humility and bold proclamation of Christ is a good model for us. May we always be mindful of our role in pointing others towards the Savior, shining His light in a world that desperately needs His love and grace.
Monday
John 14
DISCOVER:
1. How does knowing that Jesus willingly bore our ultimate trouble impact the way I approach challenges and difficulties in my own life?
2. In what areas of my life am I holding onto troubles and fears instead of surrendering them to Jesus, who offers peace and comfort?
3. How can I embody Jesus' compassion and love by being a source of comfort and encouragement to others who are troubled or facing difficulties?
RESPOND:
Reflecting on John 14, we witness the love and compassion of Jesus as He addresses His disciples' troubled hearts. In John 12, we see Jesus expressing His own distress, yet in chapter 14, He turns His attention to comforting and reassuring His followers: "Do not let your hearts be troubled."
How can Jesus, who experienced deep trouble Himself, counsel His disciples not to be troubled? The key lies in understanding that Jesus willingly embraced the ultimate trouble – the weight of sin and separation from God – upon Himself. By bearing this burden, He paved the way for His disciples and all believers to find peace and solace in Him.
Just as Jesus took upon Himself the troubles of the world, He invites us to cast our anxieties and fears upon Him. He offers a peace that transcends understanding, a comfort that soothes troubled hearts, and a hope that sustains us through life's challenges.
As we navigate our own moments of turmoil and uncertainty, let us remember that Jesus bore our ultimate trouble on the cross. May His sacrificial love inspire us to trust in Him, find refuge in His grace, and share His message of peace with a troubled world.
Tuesday
John 15
DISCOVER:
1. How have my interactions and relationships within the Rock community impacted my sense of joy and fulfillment as a Christian?
2. In what ways can I actively engage in fellowship opportunities and deepen my connections with other believers to enhance my spiritual growth and well-being?
3. What steps can I take to ensure that new members and visitors to the Rock feel welcomed, included, and valued as part of our church family?
RESPOND:
John 15 reminds us of the importance of deep relationships within the body of Christ. Jesus uses the analogy of the vine and branches to emphasize the intimate connection we have with Him and with one another as believers. Just as branches draw nourishment and life from the vine, we are called to remain connected to Christ and to our fellow brothers and sisters in faith.
It is not uncommon for Christians to struggle with finding joy, and one reason for this difficulty could be a lack of meaningful relationships within the church community. When we isolate ourselves or remain on the periphery, we miss out on the support, encouragement, and shared experiences that come from being actively involved in the body of Christ.
As followers of Christ, we should be committed to becoming active participants in our churches. We should be excited to engage in corporate worship, join Bible studies, attend Sunday morning gatherings, and take advantage of fellowship opportunities to build deep connections with other believers. By investing in these relationships, we not only experience joy and fulfillment but also contribute to the unity and strength of the church.
Furthermore, we should extend a welcoming hand to newcomers and make intentional efforts to include them in our church family. By creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, we can help new members feel valued, supported, and connected from the very beginning.
If you are struggling with finding joy in your present circumstance, recommit to fostering deep relationships within our church community, knowing that through these connections, we can experience the joy and richness of fellowship that God designed for us as His children.
Wednesday
John 16
DISCOVER:
1. How has my understanding of God's plan for salvation deepened over time, and in what ways have I grown in my comprehension of the significance of Jesus' incarnation, ministry, death, and resurrection?
2. In what areas of my faith journey do I see parallels with the disciples' struggles to fully comprehend Jesus' teachings and the necessity of the atonement?
3. How can I guard against overconfidence in my own understanding of God's ways and remain humble, relying on His wisdom and guidance in all aspects of my life?
RESPOND:
Throughout Jesus' ministry on earth, the disciples often misunderstood the true nature of His work. Even Peter, who had a clearer understanding of Jesus than the other disciples before His resurrection, failed to grasp the necessity of the atonement (Matthew 16:13-23). This lack of comprehension regarding the purpose of Jesus' work revealed not only their misunderstanding of Jesus but also of the Father. Their failure to recognize the need for atonement reflected confusion about God's holiness and His requirements for reconciliation with His creation.
However, Jesus assured His disciples that He would reveal more about the Father after His resurrection (John 16:25-28). As we see in the New Testament, especially in the book of Acts, the disciples gained a deeper understanding of Jesus' incarnation, ministry, death, and resurrection after His victory over death. The disciples became bold proclaimers of the cross, but this understanding was not fully realized until Pentecost (Acts 2).
In today's passage, the disciples believed they had a clear understanding of God and Christ, but Jesus knew their understanding was incomplete. When Jesus mentioned speaking plainly about the Father, the disciples insisted that He was already speaking plainly to them (John 16:29-30). This overconfidence in their knowledge was consistent with the disciples' tendency to think they knew better than Jesus. Jesus, however, saw through their self-assurance and predicted that the disciples would scatter when He was arrested (John 16:31-32).
Despite their claims of loyalty, the disciples would ultimately fail to stand with Jesus during His trial and crucifixion. Only the Father would remain steadfast in His support for Jesus. This passage serves as a reminder of the disciples' human limitations and the necessity of relying on God's wisdom and guidance in all circumstances.
Thursday
John 17
DISCOVER:
1. In what ways can I actively contribute to promoting unity and reconciliation within the Church, both in my personal interactions with other believers and in the broader Christian community?
2. How do my attitudes towards differences in doctrine and practice impact my ability to work towards visible and invisible unity within the body of Christ?
3. How can I embody the spirit of Christ's high priestly prayer for unity in my relationships with fellow believers, demonstrating love, grace, and humility in pursuit of peace and harmony within the Church?
RESPOND:
Jesus' high priestly prayer in John 17 reveals His deep concern for the unity of the Church. In His prayer, Jesus expresses His desire for believers to be one, just as He and the Father are one. While we must never compromise on the essential truths of the gospel, working towards reconciliation and unity among believers is a noble and commendable goal.
The unity of the Church, both invisible (the spiritual unity of all believers in Christ) and visible (the practical demonstration of unity among believers), is essential for reflecting the love and truth of Christ to the world. As followers of Christ, we are called to pursue unity, peace, and harmony within the body of believers, striving to maintain the bond of peace and the unity of the Spirit.
While differences in doctrine and practice may exist among various Christian traditions, we are reminded of the importance of extending grace, patience, and understanding towards one another. As we seek reconciliation and unity with fellow believers, we emulate the heart of Christ and fulfill His prayer for unity among His followers.
Pray today for God to help us to commit to fostering unity within the Church, recognizing that our shared faith in Christ unites us in a bond that transcends differences and divisions. May we prioritize love, humility, and mutual respect in our interactions with other believers, seeking to build bridges of understanding and cooperation for the sake of the gospel and the glory of God. As we strive towards unity in the faith, may we reflect the love and unity of the triune God to a divided and hurting world.
Friday
John 18
DISCOVER:
1. In what areas of my life do I struggle to trust in God's sovereignty? Reflect on specific situations where you feel anxious or uncertain. How can recognizing God's control over those details bring you peace?
2. How does the truth of Jesus' control during His crucifixion encourage me in my own trials?
3. What steps can I take to deepen my trust in God's plan for my life?
RESPOND:
John 18 recounts the events leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion, a moment that appears chaotic and filled with anguish. Yet, as we read, we should be reminded of the ultimate sovereignty of Christ, even in the darkest hours.
In John 18, we see Jesus arrested, betrayed by Judas, and abandoned by His disciples. The weight of the world seems to rest upon His shoulders, and yet, throughout this narrative, He maintains ultimate control. When confronted by the soldiers, He boldly declares, “I am he.” (John 18:6) Even in the face of betrayal and impending death, Jesus is not a victim of circumstance; He is fully aware of what is to come, and He willingly submits to it.
In moments of uncertainty and fear, we often feel the world spinning out of control. Relationships fracture, dreams shatter, and pain surfaces in unexpected ways. Yet, as we witness Jesus’ calm amidst chaos, we are reminded that He is God incarnate (John 1:1-18). He knows the beginning from the end, and nothing happens without His permission.
Jesus allowed the Romans and Jews to arrest Him as long as they left the other disciples alone, and John says this fulfills Jesus’ words that none of His true disciples would be lost (18:6–9; see 17:12). That night, Jesus protected His disciples from physical capture and from falling away from the faith finally when they saw Him arrested.
Romans 8:38-39 tells us: “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” No circumstance, no betrayal, no trial can sever our bond with Him.
Saturday
John 19
DISCOVER:
1. What burdens or feelings of unworthiness do I currently carry, and how can I surrender them to God in light of Jesus’ declaration, “It is finished”?
2. In what ways do I see God’s grace actively at work in my life, and how can I cultivate a deeper awareness of this grace daily?
3. How does understanding my identity as a beloved child of God change the way I approach my struggles and challenges?
RESPOND:
John 19 depicts the heart-wrenching narrative of Jesus’ crucifixion. The weight of the moment is palpable as we read of the suffering He endured, the mocking He faced, and the finality of His sacrifice. Yet, amidst this profound sorrow, we hear the echo of His triumphant declaration: “It is finished.”
In his commentary on the Gospel of John Dr. R.C. Sproul notes that when Jesus uttered these words, He was not merely acknowledging the end of His life but proclaiming the fulfillment of His divine mission. In this moment of utter despair, there lies this truth: His purpose in coming to earth and going to the cross was accomplished. Jesus’ sacrifice was not in vain; it was the completion of a plan crafted by our loving Father from the very beginning.
As we think about what “It is finished” means we should be struck by the assurance it provides. Jesus has accomplished redemption. Every sin we have ever committed, every moment of shame or guilt we carry, has been paid for in full. The weight of our failures no longer hangs over us like a dark cloud. Instead, we can rest in the truth that through Christ, God sees us as righteous and worthy of His kingdom.