Daily Reading Week 31
Sunday
John 1:35-51
Discover
How does John the Baptist's proclamation about Jesus in John 1:29-36 ("Look, the Lamb of God!") reflect the purpose and mission of Jesus? What does it mean for Jesus to be the Lamb of God in your understanding?
Andrew and John’s response to Jesus by calling Him "Rabbi" signifies their recognition of His authority. How do you respond to Jesus’ authority in your daily life? What does it mean to you personally to follow Him as your Rabbi?
Andrew immediately shared the news about Jesus with his brother Simon (Peter). Why do you think it’s important to share our experiences of Jesus with others? Can you recall a time when you shared about Jesus with someone close to you?
Phillip found Nathanael and introduced him to Jesus, leading Nathanael to declare, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.” What does this reveal about the power of personal testimony and invitation in leading others to Christ?
The disciples had to make an investment in their relationship with Jesus. What does it mean for you to “Be With Jesus” and “Be like Jesus” in your everyday life? How do you prioritize this investment?
Reflect on the idea of "come and see" moments in your own life. How can you create opportunities for others to encounter Jesus through your actions and words?
Considering your current circles of influence (family, friends, work, school), who do you feel needs to experience Jesus? What practical steps can you take to introduce them to Jesus?
Respond
In John 1:45-49, Phillip tells Nathanael about Jesus, describing Him as the one Moses and the prophets wrote about. Nathanael is initially skeptical but has a transformative encounter when he meets Jesus. This story illustrates the power of personal invitation and testimony in leading others to faith. Nathanael's skepticism turns to belief when he personally experiences Jesus, proclaiming Him as the Son of God and the King of Israel. This underscores the importance of not only sharing the message of Jesus but also inviting others to experience Him personally. As believers, we have the privilege and responsibility to share our "come and see" moments, pointing others to Jesus through our words, actions, and the testimony of our transformed lives. Consider who in your life needs to hear about Jesus and how you can invite them to encounter His love and truth.
Monday
John 20
Discover
In John 20:1-2, Mary Magdalene finds the stone rolled away from Jesus’ tomb and runs to tell the disciples. How does this reaction reflect the mix of emotions that the followers of Jesus might have experienced?
Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene after His resurrection. What is the significance of Jesus choosing to reveal Himself to her first?
In John 20:19-23, Jesus appears to His disciples and says, “Peace be with you,” while showing them His hands and side. What does this greeting and action reveal about Jesus’ intentions for His disciples?
Thomas doubts Jesus’ resurrection until he sees and touches Jesus’ wounds. How does Jesus respond to Thomas’s doubt, and what does this teach us about faith?
What does it mean to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and how does this belief lead to life in His name?
Respond
In John 20:24-29, Thomas, one of the twelve disciples, doubts the resurrection of Jesus until he can see and touch Jesus’ wounds. When Jesus appears and invites Thomas to do so, He says, “Stop doubting and believe.” This moment highlights Jesus’ understanding and compassionate response to our doubts. Rather than condemning Thomas, Jesus provides the evidence he needs to believe. This interaction teaches us that it is okay to have doubts and questions, and that Jesus meets us in those moments with grace, offering us the assurance we need to deepen our faith. Our journey of faith often includes seeking and questioning, but Jesus is always ready to provide what we need to trust in Him fully.
Reflect on any doubts or questions you might have about your faith. Take comfort in knowing that Jesus understands and welcomes your pursuit of truth. Spend time in prayer and study, seeking the assurance and evidence you need to strengthen your belief. Trust that Jesus will meet you where you are and guide you toward a deeper, more confident faith. Allow this experience to bolster your trust in Him and to share your journey with others, offering encouragement and understanding to those who may also struggle with doubt.
Tuesday
John 21
Discover
Jesus appears to His disciples by the Sea of Galilee and performs the miracle of the large catch of fish. What does this miracle teach us about Jesus' provision and presence in our daily lives?
Jesus asks Peter three times if he loves Him and instructs Peter to feed His sheep. How does this interaction restore Peter after his denial of Jesus, and what does it signify about forgiveness and responsibility?
John 21:18-19 contains Jesus’ prophecy about Peter’s future and the kind of death he would experience. How does Jesus' foretelling of Peter’s martyrdom prepare Peter for his mission and commitment?
Peter asks about the fate of the beloved disciple, and Jesus responds by focusing Peter on his own path. What does this teach us about focusing on our own journey and not comparing ourselves to others?
John 21:25 concludes the Gospel by stating that not everything Jesus did was recorded, implying the vastness of His works. How does this statement encourage us to continue exploring and discovering more about Jesus’ life and teachings?
Respond
In John 21:15-17, Jesus asks Peter three times if he loves Him and instructs him to "feed my lambs" and "take care of my sheep." This poignant interaction serves as a moment of restoration for Peter, who had previously denied Jesus three times. Through this dialogue, Jesus forgives Peter and entrusts him with the responsibility of leading and nurturing His followers. This passage highlights the depth of Jesus' forgiveness and His willingness to restore us despite our past failures. It also emphasizes the importance of love and devotion to Jesus as the foundation for our calling and service to others. Jesus' commissioning of Peter reminds us that, no matter our past mistakes, He can redeem and use us for His purposes.
Wednesday
1 John 1
Discover
John speaks of the Word of life that was from the beginning and which they have seen and touched. What does this passage tell us about the nature of Jesus and His incarnation?
In 1 John 1:3, John emphasizes fellowship with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ. Why is fellowship with God and fellow believers so important for our spiritual life?
1 John 1:5 states, "God is light; in him there is no darkness at all." What does this metaphor of light and darkness reveal about God's character and our relationship with Him?
According to 1 John 1:6-7, what does it mean to walk in the light, and how does it impact our fellowship with God and each other?
John addresses the issue of sin and confession. How does acknowledging our sins and seeking forgiveness maintain our relationship with God?
Respond
In 1 John 1:9, we read, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." This verse encapsulates the heart of God's grace and the pathway to restored fellowship with Him. Confession is not merely an admission of guilt but a sincere acknowledgment of our shortcomings and a step toward healing and transformation. God's faithfulness ensures that when we come to Him with genuine repentance, He forgives us and cleanses us from all unrighteousness. This promise encourages us to live transparently before God, knowing that His forgiveness is always available to us, fostering a deeper, more intimate relationship with Him.
Thursday
1 John 2
Discover
John refers to Jesus as our advocate with the Father and the atoning sacrifice for our sins. How does this description of Jesus provide comfort and assurance for believers?
How can we know that we truly know God, and what is the evidence of our relationship with Him?
John speaks about loving our brothers and sisters. What does this passage teach us about the importance of love in the Christian community?
1 John 2:15-17 warns against loving the world and its desires. What does it mean to love the world, and how can we guard against it in our own lives?
John encourages believers to remain in Christ so that they may be confident and unashamed at His coming. What does it mean to remain in Christ, and how can we apply this to our daily lives?
Respond
In 1 John 2:15-17, John warns believers, "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him." This passage calls us to examine our affections and priorities, distinguishing between temporary worldly desires and the eternal love of God. Loving the world means prioritizing its values, possessions, and pleasures above our relationship with God. This can lead us away from His purpose and into a life of spiritual emptiness. John reminds us that the world and its desires are fleeting, but doing the will of God leads to eternal life. By setting our hearts on God's love and aligning our actions with His will, we can live with purpose and fulfillment that transcends the temporal allurements of the world.
Reflect on areas in your life where worldly desires may be competing with your love for God. Identify specific habits or pursuits that may be drawing your attention away from Him. Commit to prioritizing your relationship with God above all else, seeking His guidance in aligning your desires with His will. Pray for strength to resist the pull of worldly values and for a heart that treasures eternal things. Let your love for God shape your decisions and actions, leading you to live a life that honors Him and reflects His eternal purpose.
Friday
1 John 3
Discover
John marvels at the great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God. How does recognizing ourselves as God's children impact our identity and daily living?
According to 1 John 3:4-6, what does John say about sin and the life of a believer? How are we called to respond to sin in our lives?
John speaks about the message to love one another and contrasts it with hatred and murder. How does this passage highlight the seriousness of harboring hatred in our hearts?
1 John 3:16-18 emphasizes showing love through actions and truth, not just words. What are practical ways we can demonstrate this kind of love in our communities?
John discusses the confidence we have before God and the importance of keeping His commandments. What role does obedience play in our relationship with God and in receiving what we ask from Him?
Respond
In 1 John 3:18, John urges, "Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth." This call to authentic love challenges us to move beyond mere verbal expressions of care to tangible acts of kindness and support. True Christian love is demonstrated through our willingness to meet the needs of others, to sacrifice our own comfort for their well-being, and to act in ways that reflect the heart of Christ. By loving in action and truth, we embody the love of God and make His presence known in the world. This active love not only benefits those we serve but also deepens our own faith and connection to God.
Saturday
1 John 4
Discover
John warns believers to test the spirits to see whether they are from God. How can we discern between the spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood in our daily lives?
According to 1 John 4:7-8, love comes from God, and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. What does this passage teach us about the nature of love and its source?
In 1 John 4:9-10, John describes God's love manifested through sending His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. How does this understanding of God's love influence our view of His character and our response to Him?
1 John 4:16-18 speaks about living in God's love and how perfect love drives out fear. What does it mean to live in God's love, and how does this affect our fears and insecurities?
John emphasizes that we love because God first loved us and that our love for God should be reflected in our love for others. How does this challenge us in our relationships with others, especially those who are difficult to love?
Respond
In 1 John 4:18, we read, "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." This powerful verse speaks to the transformative nature of God's perfect love. When we fully embrace God's love, it dispels fear and brings us into a place of security and confidence in our relationship with Him. Fear often stems from uncertainty and the anticipation of punishment or rejection. However, knowing that God's love is unconditional and unwavering allows us to live with boldness and assurance. This freedom from fear enables us to love others more deeply and selflessly, reflecting the love we have received from God.