Daily Reading Week 26
Sunday
John 8 (focus v.1-11)
Discover:
One of the most touching moments in the Gospels involves a woman caught in adultery. The Jewish leaders dragged her before Jesus in the temple and the gathered crowd to trap Him. If He said she should be stoned (as Moses’ law required), He’d anger the Romans, who controlled executions. If He let her go, He’d be accused of breaking the Law.
Jesus responded wisely. He agreed the law called for death, but added that only those without sin should throw the first stone. Then He wrote on the ground (perhaps listing their own sins). One by one, her accusers slipped away, convicted by their consciences, until only Jesus and the woman remained.
He was the only sinless person present, the Author of the Law, who could have rightly condemned her. Instead, He showed mercy. “Neither do I condemn you,” He said. “Go, and sin no more.”
This woman experienced Christ’s deep compassion. Her guilt was undeniable, yet she found forgiveness in His presence. That same mercy is available to every repentant sinner today.
Jesus knew her sin completely, just as He knows ours. But He is full of compassion for those who turn to Him in trust. If you haven’t asked for His forgiveness, come to Him now. He will never turn away anyone who seeks Him.
Respond:
• Why do people often struggle to balance grace and truth?
• Which part of Jesus’ response to the woman impacts you most?
• Where do you need both grace and transformation in your life?
Monday
Psalm 103 (focus v.8-12)
Discover:
Realizing we deserve only condemnation (Rom. 3:23; 6:23) helps us truly appreciate God as “merciful and gracious” (Ps. 103:8–12). Today, many focus only on His love and kindness, but mercy and grace mean little without recognizing our deep sinfulness.
Grace is God’s unmerited favor toward those who deserve nothing good. Mercy is His decision to withhold the wrath we’ve earned and offer forgiveness instead. Without seeing the seriousness of our rebellion against a holy God (Hab. 1:12–13; Rom. 3:9–20), we can’t grasp how amazing His mercy really is.
His mercy doesn’t ignore our sin. He chooses not to hold it against us when we turn from it and believe. As Matthew Henry noted, if we truly forsake our sins, God will thoroughly forgive them.
Even as longtime Christians, it’s easy to take God’s mercy for granted. Regularly confessing our sins and returning to Him keeps us humble and grateful. Each day, reflect on where you’ve fallen short, ask for forgiveness, and rest in His sure mercy through Christ Jesus.
Respond:
• What does this passage teach you about the heart of God?
• Why is it difficult to receive grace sometimes?
• Who in your life may need mercy instead of judgment from you?
Tuesday
Romans 2 (focus v.1-4)
Discover:
After finishing his strong words about Gentile sin in Romans 1, Paul shifts his focus in Romans 2:1–2. He now addresses a second group, primarily the Jews of his day who had likely been nodding in agreement with his earlier condemnation.
With skillful rhetoric, Paul turns the tables on them. They had been quick to judge the Gentiles, but now he shows they are no better off. Their own moral standards actually condemn them, because they practice many of the same sins they criticize in others.
While this passage can apply to any outwardly moral person who condemns the sins of others, Paul’s main target here is his fellow Jews. They took great pride in being God’s chosen people and assumed it gave them special protection from judgment. But Paul makes it clear that knowing right from wrong and being part of Israel is not enough to save them. They, too, were guilty of boastfulness, gossip, and other sins (Rom. 1:28–32), and God judges impartially (Rom. 2:2).
We all do it, we judge others for the very things we ourselves struggle with. Paul’s words remind us that our quickness to condemn others actually leaves us without excuse before God. The answer isn’t to stop judging right and wrong, but to apply the same standard honestly to ourselves. When we do, we’ll see our need for the gospel and run to Christ for mercy.
Respond:
• Why is judgment often easier than compassion?
• How has God shown patience and kindness toward you?
• What would it look like to reflect God’s kindness this week?
Wednesday
Hosea 6 (focus v.1-6)
Discover:
When Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit in Genesis 3:14–19, they didn’t just fall from grace, they also broke covenant with their Creator. Though the word “covenant” isn’t used in Genesis 1–3, the idea is clearly there.
A covenant is a relational agreement in which both God and His people have responsibilities. As God’s created stewards, Adam and Eve were called to a close, family-like relationship with Him. They were to obey one simple command: not to eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil (Gen. 2:16–17). In return, God promised to sustain their lives. This arrangement is known as the covenant of works.
The prophet Hosea confirms this when he says, “Like Adam they transgressed the covenant” (Hos. 6:7), linking Israel’s failures to Adam’s original sin. God created Israel to be a kind of “new Adam”, called to the same kind of obedience, fruitfulness, and dominion (Gen. 1:28; 2:15; Deut. 28:4–14). Sadly, both Adam and Israel failed to keep the covenant.
That’s why we needed a Messiah who would succeed as the true Israel and the new Adam, fulfilling God’s purposes for humanity.
God showed amazing grace by not destroying Adam or Israel when they broke covenant. Instead, He preserved them so His good purposes could one day be fulfilled. Today, He extends that same grace to us, freely forgiving our sins and continuing to love us even though we don’t obey perfectly (1 John 1:8–10).
Respond:
• What is the difference between religion and relationship with God?
• Why do outward appearances sometimes distract us from the heart?
• How can you pursue genuine transformation instead of performance?
Thursday
2 Corinthians 3:16-18
Discover:
Just as the glory of the old covenant was veiled to the Israelites because of their hard hearts (Ex. 34:29–35), the glory of the new covenant remains hidden until we turn to Christ (2 Cor. 3:12–16). Faith in Jesus removes that veil so we can see Him clearly in the Scriptures. That’s just the beginning.
Paul tells us that “the Lord” who lifts the veil is the Spirit (2 Cor. 3:17). He’s not saying Jesus is the Holy Spirit. Rather, he’s highlighting the perfect unity between the Son and the Spirit. They work so closely together that the life-giving work of the Spirit is also the work of the Son. As Charles Hodge explained, the Lord is “one with the Spirit, the same in substance, equal in power and glory.”
Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom (2 Cor. 3:17). This means freedom from the condemnation of the old covenant. The new covenant is a “ministry of righteousness” that declares us right with God, so there is “no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 8:1).
Even better, we are being transformed into the image of Christ, from one degree of glory to another (2 Cor. 3:18). This is our lifelong sanctification, and one day, our full glorification. The old covenant could never do this, but the new covenant gives it freely.
Respond:
• Where have you seen God changing you over time?
• Why is transformation often a process instead of an instant moment?
• What area of your life is God currently refining?
Friday
Matthew 9 (focus v.10-13)
Discover:
Tax collectors were among the most hated people in Jesus’ day. They worked for the Roman Empire (or its local rulers like Herod Antipas) and often overcharged people to line their own pockets. Matthew (also called Levi) was one of them, likely a Levite by birth, which made his collaboration with Rome even more scandalous in the eyes of the Pharisees.
When Jesus called Matthew to follow Him and then ate with him and other “sinners,” the Pharisees were outraged. Sharing a meal in that culture meant acceptance and friendship. But Jesus showed His love for those society considered beyond hope.
In response to their criticism, Jesus quoted Hosea 6:6: “Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’” He came to call sinners to repentance, not the self-righteous. The Pharisees should have known this from Scripture, but they failed to see their own need for forgiveness.
We can all be recovering Pharisees, quick to judge certain sins while excusing our own. We should never to be surprised when Jesus saves people who have lived the worst lives. Our churches should welcome repentant sinners of every kind, those society considers beyond hope. After all, we deserve God’s pardon no more than they do.
Respond:
• Why do you think Jesus was drawn to broken people?
• How should followers of Jesus treat people who are struggling?
• Is there someone in your life who needs compassion more than criticism?
Saturday
Titus 2 (focus v.11-14)
Discover:
Crete had a reputation in the first century. Paul even quoted the saying: “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons” (Titus 1:12–13). Their loose morals were tied to their pagan beliefs, including the myth that Zeus was born, lived, and died on their island. The lie was kept alive to attract tourists, and it shaped a culture that treated truth lightly.
New Christians in Crete were called to live differently. Paul urged them to be self-controlled, honest, and reliable (Titus 1:10–2:10). These qualities aren’t the starting point of the Christian life, they’re the result of believing the gospel.
That’s why Paul begins with “For…” in Titus 2:11. The foundation for holy living is God’s grace: “The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people.” Gratitude for what God has done motivates us, and the Holy Spirit gives us the power to live holy lives. Good works are the fruit of salvation, not its cause (Gal. 2:15–16; 5:22–23).
God’s grace has come to people from every background—every tribe, tongue, and nation (Rev. 7:9). It’s not universalism, but it is wonderfully inclusive: anyone who trusts in Christ can be saved.
Respond:
• How has grace changed the way you live?
• Why is truth necessary for lasting transformation?
• What step of obedience is God calling you to take today?