This week continues through the books of Matthew and Luke, however, there is a pause in the Gospel of John. The Gospel of Mark makes its first appearance on the reading plan. Remember that each author recorded their perspective of the events of Jesus' life to communicate about Jesus. We believe this happened under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit so that what was written is God’s word to mankind. The authors had different styles and goals for writing, but ultimately they all testify to Jesus being the prophesied Messiah and God’s glorious redemption plan for mankind. Some information is introduced in one or maybe all of the Gospels, however all of it serves a point. For example, this week’s readings hold a small amount of scripture on Jesus’ early life as a boy. The important thing is that Scripture is going to tell us all we need to know about redemption through Jesus Christ. That is the Big Picture.
Each week, as you take in the Bible, find some friends to talk it out. You can follow this simple guide to help. First, R.E.A.D. and P.R.A.Y. on your own. Then, meet with friends to share what you've learned.
R - Repeated words
E - Examine and mark
A - Ask what you learn about God
D - Do if there is anything to do
P - Praise
R - Repent
A - Ask
Bible Reading Plan - Week 9
Daily Prayer Plan – Week 9
Psalm 39
Psalm 40
Psalm 41
Psalm 42
Psalm 43
START IT.
We're reading the Bible together in 2025 to see how Love Shows Up from the Old Testament and into the New Testament. How do we understand so many stories and lessons through the entire Bible while trying to stick to the "sacred timeline"? The answer is the big picture. If we get the big picture, we get the story the Bible is trying to tell. From Sunday's message or The Big Picture Bible Reading Plan this week in the Gospels of Matthew, Luke, and Mark, what is impacting you the most? How has praying daily through the Psalms impacted you? Was there a word, phrase, Bible verse, or theme that impacted you?
STUDY IT.
What stories have you noticed are repeated in all Gospels? What do you think was so central to the message of the Gospel that they were included by all?
What stories have you noticed do not appear in all the Gospels? How do these stories help us understand Jesus and the plan of redemption?
Read Mark 1:12-13. What details does Mark include about the temptation of Jesus?
Read Matthew 4:1-17. How does Matthew’s detailed account align with Mark’s shorter account?
What might be significant about the number 40 to a 1st-century Jew? Read Deuteronomy 8:1-3. Was the nation of Israel faithful to the Lord’s commands after this?
SHARE IT.
Read Luke 2:25-32. Is there anything that if you do not get to do before you die you will feel like you missed out? How does Simeon show us how to find contentment with God?
Read Luke 2:36-38. What if you lost it would you almost lose the will to live? How does Anna show us how to find contentment with God?
Read Luke 2:51. How do you record or remember God’s faithfulness or scripture? Read Matthew 4:5-7. How do you correctly interpret scripture to face life’s challenges and temptations?
Read Luke 2:52. What habits or disciplines help you grow in wisdom, holiness, or ‘one anothering’ other people? What growth do others say they see in you?
What habits do not help you grow in wisdom, holiness, or ‘one anothering’ other people? Would you be open to letting someone close enough to help you grow?
FINAL THOUGHT
At Jesus’ baptism, a voice from heaven states that Jesus is “the beloved son” and God is “well-pleased” with Jesus. Mary and Joseph were confused when they lost Jesus as a boy in Luke 2:48-50. However, Jesus’ response to his parents points to His understanding of His relationship with God the Father, even as a boy. Jesus stated, “Didn’t you know that it was necessary for me to be in my Father’s house?” This stands in contrast to the nation of Israel, which is also described as God’s son in Hosea 11. However, they were “bent on turning” from God (Hosea 11:7). Mathew 2:15 quotes Hosea 11:1 in reference to Jesus’ escape to and return from Egypt. Israel was supposed to be the Son, but their failure pointed to the need for the perfect Son. Jesus perfectly obeyed in the wilderness, even when starving and tempted. Jesus is the true Son who fulfilled the law and took the curse so that the rebels would become the perfect sons and daughters of God through belief in Him. (John 1:12)
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