Daily Reading Week 30
Sunday
John 4 (Scripture Focus John 4:43-54)
Discover:
In today’s passage, we read that Jesus left Samaria and headed to Galilee, as recorded in John 4:43. But right after that, John adds an interesting note: Jesus Himself said that a prophet has no honor in His own “country” . That might seem confusing at first, especially since the next verse says the people in Galilee welcomed Him. After all, Galilee was where Jesus grew up—in Nazareth—and large crowds often followed Him there, as seen in Matthew 4:23.
So what did Jesus mean when He said He wasn’t honored in His own country? Well, there are a couple of things to consider. First, not everyone in Galilee was thrilled about Jesus. His hometown of Nazareth, for example, mostly rejected Him. Second, even those who seemed to welcome Him often did so for the wrong reasons. Many were more interested in seeing miracles than in truly believing in Him as the Messiah. So while the Samaritans had believed in Jesus for who He was, many in Galilee were more focused on the signs and wonders. That’s why John includes this reminder: even though Jesus came first to the Jewish people, many of them didn’t truly receive Him. People were often excited about Jesus when they wanted to see miracles—but they didn’t honor Him as the Messiah.
That said, miracles can still play a powerful role in building faith. In today’s story, Jesus meets a royal official—likely someone who worked for Herod Antipas—whose son was very sick. The man begged Jesus to heal his child. At first, Jesus seemed to challenge him, pointing out how people often want signs before they’ll believe. This echoes what Jesus later said about those who believe without seeing. But Jesus wasn’t saying it’s wrong to ask for healing—Scripture encourages us to do that. The issue is when our faith depends only on miracles, rather than on God’s promises.
Thankfully, the royal official showed real faith. He believed Jesus’ word that his son would be healed—even before seeing any proof. And sure enough, the miracle confirmed the faith he already had.
What is your faith built on? While signs and miracles can strengthen our belief, they aren’t the foundation. Many people saw Jesus perform amazing things and still didn’t believe. True faith is rooted in the promises of God. When we trust in His character and His Word, our faith can stand firm—no matter what.
Respond:
1. How do you relate to the royal official's desperation and need for Jesus' intervention?
2. What does this story teach you about the power of Jesus' words and promises?
3. In what areas of your life is God asking you to trust Him without immediate evidence?
Monday
Isaiah 61 (Scripture Focus Isaiah 61:1-3)
Discover:
Isaiah 60 presents a picture of God’s plan to bring salvation to the world through His glory reflected in faithful Israel. Instead of using worldly power, God chooses the small nation of Israel to draw kings and nations to Himself. He shows His grace by blessing them with the riches of the world—symbolized by caravans of camels bringing goods to Zion. Peace will reign, city gates will stay open, and violence will be replaced by righteousness. Best of all, God Himself will dwell with His people as their everlasting light and glory.
But who makes all this happen? Isaiah has already told us: the Messiah. He is the perfect Israel, the Servant who fulfills Israel’s calling, suffers for His people, and rises to rule in righteousness (Isaiah 9:6–7; 42:1–7; 49:1–7; 52:13–53:12). Isaiah 61 continues this theme, describing the one sent “to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor”. This isn’t Isaiah himself—he never speaks with such authority elsewhere. Instead, this figure matches the Messiah described earlier. Like the Davidic king in Isaiah 11, the Spirit of the Lord rests on Him, and His words bring righteousness and healing.
Isaiah 61 gives us a powerful image of the Messiah as the Servant who brings freedom—not just from enemies, but from sin and death. He gives His people eternal beauty and joy.
Isaiah 61:3 says the Messiah makes His people “oaks of righteousness”—deeply rooted and enduring. If you trust in Christ, you are planted in His righteousness forever, held secure for His glory.
Respond:
1. How does knowing Jesus fulfills this prophecy impact your understanding of His mission?
2. In what ways have you experienced Jesus' healing and restoration in your life?
3. How can you share the message of hope and healing with others who are brokenhearted?
tuesday
1 Corinthians 15 (Scripture Focus 15:50-58)
Discover:
As God revealed more of His plan, the people of the old covenant came to see that the Feast of Trumpets wasn’t just a celebration—it pointed to something greater. Just as God once called His people with a trumpet at Mount Sinai and again in the seventh month, He will one day sound the final trumpet to gather all nations for judgment. That day will bring sorrow for those who reject Him, but joy for all who trust in His promises—both Jew and Gentile.
For faithful believers, that day includes the resurrection of the dead. Since creation was declared “very good”, God’s plan isn’t to discard it, but to redeem it. Salvation isn’t about floating souls on clouds—it’s about the full restoration of body and soul in a new heaven and new earth. As Daniel 12:2 says, “Those who sleep in the dust will awake—some to everlasting life, others to shame.”
Jesus’ resurrection is the guarantee that this day is coming. He is the first fruits, and the full harvest is still ahead. The hope behind the Feast of Trumpets has begun to be fulfilled, and now we await the final trumpet and the resurrection of all the dead. As Paul writes, “The trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed” (1 Cor. 15:52). Our current bodies can’t stand before God, but when we are glorified—freed from sin—we will. That is our greatest hope.
Respond:
1. How does the promise of resurrection influence your perspective on life and death?
2. What does it mean for you to live with the hope of eternal life?
3. How can this hope motivate you to serve God and others more faithfully?
Wednesday
James 5:13-16
Discover:
Today’s passage offers practical wisdom for how we use our words during life’s ups and downs. In James 5:13, we’re reminded to sing praises when we’re joyful and to pray when we’re suffering. The suffering James refers to includes both persecution for our faith and everyday hardships like illness.
This call to prayer fits with James’ earlier encouragement to rejoice in trials (1:2–3) and to be patient in suffering (5:7–11). Rather than grumbling or turning away from God, we’re invited to turn to Him in prayer and praise—even in pain.
When we’re physically ill, James tells us to call the elders to pray and anoint us with oil (v. 14). In Scripture, anointing with oil symbolizes being set apart for God’s special care and blessing.
James assures us that God hears the prayer of faith (v. 15), but we should avoid two extremes. First, this isn’t a guarantee of healing every time—we know from Scripture that God sometimes allows suffering for a greater purpose. True faith trusts Him regardless of the outcome. On the other hand, we shouldn’t assume healing is only for the life to come. Sometimes, God does choose to heal us now—and so we should boldly ask, trusting His will.
Respond:
1. How have you experienced the power of prayer in your life or the lives of others?
2. What steps can you take to be more intentional in praying for those who are sick?
3. How does confession and community support play a role in your spiritual journey?
THursday
John 11:17-27
Discover:
When Jesus calls Himself the Good Shepherd, He makes it clear that only those who follow Him are truly His. His sheep are completely secure—no one can take them from His or the Father’s hand (John 10:27–28). Their safety is guaranteed because both the Father and the Son are committed to keeping them. In response, the Jewish leaders accuse Jesus of blasphemy and try to kill Him, but He escapes once again.
This moment sets the stage for Jesus’ next powerful statement: “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25). After delaying His return, Jesus arrives in Bethany to find His friend Lazarus has been dead for four days—long enough that no one could explain a resurrection apart from a miracle.
When Jesus speaks with Martha, He assures her that Lazarus will rise again. She agrees, thinking of the future resurrection. But Jesus shifts the focus to Himself: He is the resurrection and the life. He doesn’t just bring life—He is life. He alone has the power to raise the dead and give eternal life. Then, to prove it, He calls Lazarus out of the tomb.
This bold claim can be hard to grasp. If Jesus is life, why do His followers still die? The answer lies in the kind of life He gives. When we believe, we receive spiritual life through the Holy Spirit—a life that physical death can’t destroy. And one day, that spiritual life will be made physical in the resurrection. Jesus’ own resurrection is the guarantee that death will not have the final word.
Respond:
1. How does Jesus' declaration as the resurrection and the life impact your faith?
2. In what ways can you find comfort in Jesus' presence during times of loss?
3. How can you encourage others to trust in Jesus' promises, even when facing difficult
Friday
Philippians 3:7-14
Discover:
When Paul wrote Philippians, he didn’t know how he would reach the resurrection—whether through martyrdom, natural death, or being alive at Christ’s return. But he was ready for any path, confident that he would share in the final glorification of God’s people. He had given up trying to earn righteousness on his own and placed his full trust in Jesus, the only one who can make sinners right with God.
Some misunderstand Paul’s teaching on justification by faith alone, thinking it means we can sit back and do nothing after coming to faith. But Paul’s life and words show the opposite. While he affirms that nothing can separate believers from God’s love, he also insists that true faith endures to the end. We’re called to “work out our salvation with fear and trembling,” knowing that even our efforts are empowered by God (Phil. 2:12–13).
In Philippians 3:12–14, Paul emphasizes that he hasn’t yet reached the goal. He’s still pressing on, striving to know Christ more deeply until the day of full redemption. His confidence that God would finish the work He began didn’t lead to passivity—it fueled his pursuit of holiness. Paul paid close attention to the Spirit’s work through Scripture, allowing it to convict, correct, and keep him running the race of faith. All who truly understand what it means to be declared righteous in Christ will do the same.
Respond:
1. What does it mean for you to consider everything a loss compared to knowing Christ?
2. How can you pursue a deeper relationship with Christ in your daily life?
3. What steps can you take to live with an eternal perspective, focusing on the hope of
resurrection?
Saturday
Psalm 23
Discover:
Psalm 23 is one of the most cherished passages in the Bible—and for good reason. Its comforting imagery of God as our shepherd beautifully illustrates His care and guidance. In the ancient Near East, shepherds were a familiar sight, often symbolizing leadership and protection. Even Israel’s kings were called “shepherds”. But Psalm 23 reminds us that all human leaders are merely under shepherds serving the true Shepherd—God Himself, a truth that continues under the new covenant.
The psalm opens by highlighting God’s generous provision, meeting both physical and spiritual needs. David, who experienced both hardship and abundance, knew firsthand what it meant to rely on God’s care—whether fleeing from Saul and Absalom or reigning as king. John Calvin noted, while not everyone receives the same blessings as David, all of God’s people experience His kindness in some way.
David also speaks of God’s protection and discipline using the shepherd’s rod and staff. These tools were used to defend and guide the sheep—sometimes firmly, but always lovingly. Likewise, God’s discipline may be uncomfortable, but it reassures us that He is watching over us.
The psalm ends with David’s confident hope: one day, even his enemies will witness the joy of his fellowship with God. It’s a comforting reminder that we are never alone—our Shepherd walks with us, providing, guiding, and protecting every step of the way.
Respond:
1. How does viewing God as your shepherd impact your trust in His care and guidance?
2. In what areas of your life do you need to rely more on God's provision and protection?
3. How can you cultivate a deeper sense of peace and trust in God's presence, even in difficult times?