This week’s readings begin to encounter more resistance to Jesus and His ministry. There are more public challenges and secret motives revealed for the enemies of the Lord. Jesus continues to call disciples having not gathered the full 12 yet. Jesus continues to minister and reveal more about who He is and why He has come. He starts to call God His Father or use a different title by calling Himself the ‘Son of Man.’ There is a group of bystanders who ask if this is the ‘Son of David’ after Jesus performs a miracle. There were a lot of strong emotions surrounding Jesus, whether excitement or murderous resentment. These strong emotions continue today as people try and figure out exactly who Jesus is and claims to be, and 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 11
Daily Prayer Plan – Week 11
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, Mark and John, 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.
Read Daniel 7:13-14. How is the ‘Son of Man’ described? Read Daniel 7:9-10. Who is the ‘Ancient of Days,’ and how is He described?
Read 2 Samuel 7:8-16. What does God promise to David about the length of his kingdom? Read Matthew 12:22-24. What were the responses of those excited by Jesus and those who were threatened by Jesus?
Read John 5:17-18. Why were some of the Jews upset with Jesus? What were they already trying to do at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry?
Read John 5:22-24. What right has God given the Son? Why has God the Father given this right to the Son?
Read Matthew 12:6. What would it mean to a 1st century Jew that something ‘greater than the Temple is here?’ Read Matthew 12:8. How are the religious Jews confusing what the Sabbath was intended for?
SHARE IT.
Read John 4:28-29, 41-42. What is your testimony about Jesus?
Read John 5:24. What is the connection between hearing and believing?
Read John 4:35-37. How might this passage embolden you to share with others?
Read John 8:20. What is a recent trial that God has used to strengthen your faith and remind you that your citizenship is in the coming kingdom?
Read John 5:39-40, 45. How do you apply God’s word without it being your way into God’s kingdom?
FINAL THOUGHT
This week’s readings saw Jesus begin to challenge the whole paradigm of the religious leaders who obeyed the letter of the law but neglected the meaning of the law. Jesus is doing the will of His Father by challenging those who want to build a kingdom for themselves. Jesus is the Son of David whose kingdom will not end. All the uncontrollable aspects of life, such as death, disease, demons, wind, and waves, all are subject to Him. Jesus is the Son of Man who comes on the clouds and will be served by all nations in an everlasting kingdom. Jesus is the Son of God who perfectly obeyed, and all who believe in Him are saved by being passed from death to life. He freely gives to all those who would come to Him and share His Kingdom by making them co-heirs with Himself. Sinners become sons and daughters in His Kingdom.
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