DAILY READING WEEK 38
Sunday
The Naked Truth: The Truth about JEsus
Group Discussion Guide
SUMMARY OF CHAPTER:
A marketing campaign by Judah Smith's church in Seattle around 2010 used billboards, buses, and a website with the prompt "Jesus Is _____, " inviting people worldwide to fill in the blank.Thousands responded with worshipful, angry, thoughtful, hilarious, or vulgar answers, showing that Christians, atheists, agnostics, and others all have strong opinions about Jesus. In thecontext of Paul's letter to Rome around 57 AD, about 25 years after the crucifixion, Paul counters rumors portraying Jesus as a false prophet to the Jews, a cult leader to the Romans, or merely a human teacher/prophet. Paul presents the gospel as centered on God's Son, born in King David's family line and declared the Son of God by His resurrection through the Holy Spirit (Romans 1:3-4). Historical evidence solidly confirms Jesus existed as a real person who walked the earth, including scholarly agreement, early sources nearer in time than those for figures like Alexander the Great or Julius Caesar, and references from non-Christian historians such as Josephus, Tacitus, and Pliny the Younger. Jesus entered human history as fully man. He experienced birth, hunger, tiredness, emotion, temptation, betrayal, and suffering, while also being fully God, with divine claims, miracles, authority to forgive sins, and acceptance of worship. Roman soldiers professionally confirmed His death by crucifixion through flogging, blood loss, asphyxiation, and a spear thrust, yet He rose bodily from the grave, appearing to over 500 eyewitnesses. This resurrection transformed His followers, including skeptical brother James, proving His identity and conquering sin and death. C.S. Lewis's trilemma frames the choice: Jesus must be liar, lunatic, or Lord. Our response to who Jesus is shapes faith, calling believers beyond mere belief to daily surrender and transformed living under His lordship.
DISCUSSION GUIDE:
If you were to fill in the blank today— "Jesus is ________________" —what would you say, and how does that shape the way you face daily challenges, doubts, or decisions? What evidence or experience most convinces you of His identity as fully human, fully God, and risen Lord?
R — Reveal: What does this passage REVEAL about God and His character? What does it teach you about who He is and what He does?
E — Explain: What does this passage EXPLAIN about mankind? What does it express about who we are, how we think, and how we live?
A — Apply: What is one specific thing you can APPLY to your life today because of this passage?
D — Discuss: Who can you DISCUSS this passage with in the next 48 hours? Share what you learned, what challenged you, or what encouraged you.
Monday
2 Samuel 7 (focus V.12–16)
Discover:
The Mosaic Covenant was an important step in God's unfolding plan of grace. Through its laws, sacrifices, and rituals, God taught Israel to look forward to a coming Messiah who would save His people from sin and provide the perfect obedience that fallen humanity could never achieve. The covenant pointed beyond itself, showing that while God's law revealed His holiness, something greater was needed to fully deal with sin.
The Mosaic Law called for obedience that came from a transformed heart (Deut. 10:12-22). Yet its repeated sacrifices could never permanently remove sin. This showed that God would do more than give His people laws to follow. He would change their hearts and provide a righteous King to lead them. Deuteronomy 17:14-20 anticipates this King, and the Davidic Covenant begins to reveal how God would fulfill that promise.
God established His covenant with David after the ark was brought to Jerusalem, the center of Israel's worship (2 Sam. 6). David desired to build a temple for the Lord, but God responded with an even greater promise: David would not build God's house; God would build David's house. He promised that David's descendants would rule His people and that, even when discipline was necessary, His steadfast love would never depart from David's line (2 Sam. 7:8-16).
Sadly, many of David's descendants turned away from the Lord and led Israel into sin. As a result, the nation experienced the exile that God had warned about (Deut. 28:58-68; 2 Chron. 36:15-21). Yet God's promise to David did not fail. Through the prophet Amos, God declared that David's kingdom would be restored through a future King from David's line (Amos 9:11-15).
That King is Jesus Christ. Unlike David's other descendants, He was without sin. Yet He willingly endured God's judgment on behalf of His people. Through His death, He made atonement for sin, and through His resurrection, He was established as the eternal King who reigns forever (Rom. 1:1-4; 3:21-26).
God's covenant with David reminds us that God's mercy never comes at the expense of His justice. Sin must be paid for, and that payment was made by Jesus on our behalf. Because Christ satisfied God's righteous demands, believers receive forgiveness instead of judgment. In this we see the glory of God's grace and mercy: His justice is upheld, and His people are graciously saved.
Respond:
R — Reveal: What does this passage REVEAL about God and His character? What does it teach you about who He is and what He does?
E — Explain: What does this passage EXPLAIN about mankind? What does it express about who we are, how we think, and how we live?
A — Apply: What is one specific thing you can APPLY to your life today because of this passage?
D — Discuss: Who can you DISCUSS this passage with in the next 48 hours? Share what you learned, what challenged you, or what encouraged you.
Tuesday
Daniel 7 (focus v.13–14)
Discover:
The New Testament writers most often refer to Jesus as Christ and Lord. Yet the title Jesus most frequently used for Himself was Son of Man. Understanding this title helps us understand how Jesus viewed His own identity and mission.
At first glance, "Son of Man" might seem to emphasize Jesus' humanity or connect Him to the prophet Ezekiel, who was often called a son of man. While Jesus was fully human and served as God's prophet, those ideas do not capture the primary meaning of the title as He used it.
The key background is found in Daniel 7. In Daniel's vision, the "Ancient of Days" sits in judgment over the kingdoms of the world, represented by powerful beasts. Their authority is taken away, and dominion is given to "one like a son of man" (Dan. 7:13-14).
This Son of Man is a majestic, heavenly figure who receives authority, glory, and an everlasting kingdom. People from every nation and language serve Him, and His reign will never end.
When Jesus called Himself the Son of Man, He was identifying Himself with this figure from Daniel's prophecy. We see this clearly when Jesus speaks of coming in the clouds of heaven, echoing the language of Daniel 7 (Mark 13:26).
By using the title Son of Man, Jesus was doing far more than affirming His humanity. He was declaring His heavenly origin, divine authority, and eternal kingship. He is the promised ruler who will reign over all things forever.
Some claim that Jesus never presented Himself as more than a teacher or prophet. But His use of the title Son of Man points to something much greater. Jesus identified Himself as the sovereign King foretold in Daniel's vision. As the King of kings, He deserves the worship, trust, and obedience of every person. Pray for those who have not yet submitted to Christ's rule, that they would recognize Him as the eternal King and gladly follow Him.
Respond:
R — Reveal: What does this passage REVEAL about God and His character? What does it teach you about who He is and what He does?
E — Explain: What does this passage EXPLAIN about mankind? What does it express about who we are, how we think, and how we live?
A — Apply: What is one specific thing you can APPLY to your life today because of this passage?
D — Discuss: Who can you DISCUSS this passage with in the next 48 hours? Share what you learned, what challenged you, or what encouraged you.
Wednesday
Zechariah 12 (foucus v.1-14)
Discover:
Zechariah 12 is one of the more challenging chapters in the Old Testament because it seems to describe events that span different periods of history. Some parts appear to point to events near Zechariah's own time, while others seem to look ahead to God's final victory over all His enemies.
One question is whether Jerusalem in this chapter represents the city itself or God's people more broadly. Scripture sometimes uses Jerusalem as a picture of God's redeemed people (Rev. 21:1-2). However, the overall tone of Zechariah 12 suggests a real, historical conflict. This is especially true because John tells us that Zechariah's prophecy about the One who would be "pierced" was fulfilled in the crucifixion of Jesus, an actual event in history (John 19:37; Zech. 12:10).
The chapter ultimately points to a future day when God will defend His people and decisively defeat His enemies. On that day, He will display His power so greatly that even the weakest among His people will be strengthened, and God's chosen King will reign in glory (Zech. 12:1-9).
But this victory comes only after repentance. Zechariah foretells a time when God will pour out a "spirit of grace and pleas for mercy" on His people. They will look upon the One who was pierced and mourn deeply for their sin (vv. 10-14). The pierced One is the Lord Himself, fulfilled in Jesus Christ through His incarnation and crucifixion.
Many interpreters understand this passage as pointing to a future turning of many Jewish people to Christ. Before the final judgment and restoration of all things, they will recognize Jesus as the Messiah, grieve over rejecting Him, and seek His mercy.
Zechariah reminds us that true restoration begins with repentance. God's plan to renew the world is inseparably connected to the spiritual renewal of His people. That is why evangelism and missions matter so much. Every time someone turns to Christ in faith, we see God's redemptive plan advancing toward the day when He will make all things new.
Respond:
R — Reveal: What does this passage REVEAL about God and His character? What does it teach you about who He is and what He does?
E — Explain: What does this passage EXPLAIN about mankind? What does it express about who we are, how we think, and how we live?
A — Apply: What is one specific thing you can APPLY to your life today because of this passage?
D — Discuss: Who can you DISCUSS this passage with in the next 48 hours? Share what you learned, what challenged you, or what encouraged you.
Thursday
Mark 8 (focus v.27–31)
Discover:
Among the disciples, Peter often served as the spokesperson. He had a habit of saying what everyone else was thinking, sometimes before fully thinking it through. Yet at Caesarea Philippi, Peter voiced one of the most important truths in all of Scripture.
As Jesus and His disciples traveled to Caesarea Philippi, He asked them, “Who do people say that I am?” (Mark 8:27). The people generally viewed Jesus as one of the great prophets, comparing Him to John the Baptist, Elijah, or other significant figures from Israel’s history (v. 28). While these were high compliments, they still fell short of the truth.
Jesus then made the question personal: “But who do you say that I am?” (v. 29). At that moment, the disciples began to see more clearly who Jesus really was. Speaking on behalf of the group, Peter answered, “You are the Christ” (v. 29).
This was far more than a title. Christ means “Anointed One” or Messiah. In the Old Testament, prophets, priests, and kings were anointed for their God-given roles. Jesus fulfills all three offices perfectly. He is the Prophet who reveals God’s truth, the Priest who offered Himself as the sacrifice for our sins, and the King who reigns over all creation.
Peter’s confession remains the foundation of the Christian faith. Christianity is not merely about following Jesus’ teachings or admiring His example. It begins with recognizing who He is: the promised Messiah, God in the flesh, the Savior and King. The church stands firm only as long as it remains committed to this truth. When confidence in Jesus’ identity is lost, the very foundation of the church is threatened. But when the church faithfully proclaims Christ, it stands strong and unconquerable.
Paul calls the church “a pillar and buttress of the truth” (1 Tim. 3:15). A pillar can only hold up the truth if it is firmly grounded in that truth itself. That is why every believer has a role in supporting the church’s commitment to biblical doctrine. As we grow in our understanding of Christ and faithfully proclaim who He is, we help uphold the truth before a watching world.
Respond:
R — Reveal: What does this passage REVEAL about God and His character? What does it teach you about who He is and what He does?
E — Explain: What does this passage EXPLAIN about mankind? What does it express about who we are, how we think, and how we live?
A — Apply: What is one specific thing you can APPLY to your life today because of this passage?
D — Discuss: Who can you DISCUSS this passage with in the next 48 hours? Share what you learned, what challenged you, or what encouraged you.
Friday
Leviticus 16 (focus v.15–22)
Discover:
Although God provided regular sacrifices for Israel's sins, the sacrificial system was never intended to be the final solution. Sins could be overlooked or forgotten, and animal sacrifices could never fully remove guilt. As Hebrews 10:4 explains, the blood of bulls and goats could not ultimately take away sin. These sacrifices pointed forward to a greater sacrifice that was still to come.
Over time, the accumulated sins of both the people and the priests symbolically defiled not only the tabernacle but even the Most Holy Place, where God's presence was uniquely displayed. The Day of Atonement was established to address this problem and to provide a yearly cleansing for the entire nation.
Many of the rituals on the Day of Atonement resembled other sacrifices, but there was one important difference: the high priest entered the Most Holy Place and sprinkled blood on the mercy seat itself (Lev. 16:14). This act symbolized cleansing God's sanctuary from the effects of Israel's sin. The priest also carried incense so that a cloud covered the mercy seat, shielding him from directly seeing God's glory and facing judgment (Lev. 16:12-13).
Two goats played a central role in this ceremony. One goat was sacrificed, and its blood was offered before the Lord. This pictured propitiation: God's righteous wrath being satisfied through a substitute.
The second goat, often called the scapegoat, symbolized expiation. After the sins of the people were confessed over it, the goat was sent away into the wilderness, carrying Israel's sins far from the camp (Lev. 16:20-22). In this way, the people were reminded that God not only forgives sin but also removes it from His people.
Together, these two goats foreshadowed the work of Jesus Christ. Through His sacrifice, God's justice was satisfied, and our sins were completely taken away.
Respond:
R — Reveal: What does this passage REVEAL about God and His character? What does it teach you about who He is and what He does?
E — Explain: What does this passage EXPLAIN about mankind? What does it express about who we are, how we think, and how we live?
A — Apply: What is one specific thing you can APPLY to your life today because of this passage?
D — Discuss: Who can you DISCUSS this passage with in the next 48 hours? Share what you learned, what challenged you, or what encouraged you.
Saturday
Luke 24 (focus v.44–49)
Discover:
What is at the center of your life today? For some, it's family or loved ones. For others, it's success, money, influence, or a cause they deeply care about. Whatever sits at the center of our lives is often what motivates our thoughts, decisions, and actions.
For Christians, Jesus is meant to be that center. He is the reason we live, worship, and find lasting hope.
In today's passage, Jesus is preparing to return to the Father. Before ascending into heaven, He reminds His disciples of their mission: they are to be His witnesses to the world. Then He lifts His hands and blesses them.
What a remarkable moment. Jesus entrusts His followers with the work of sharing the gospel despite their weaknesses, failures, and fears. As they watch Him ascend into heaven, they are filled with joy rather than sadness because they understand who He truly is and what He has accomplished.
Luke tells us, "They worshiped Him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy." Their worship centered on the risen and ascended Christ. Jesus was not merely a teacher they admired, but the living Lord who filled their hearts with joy and purpose.
What occupies the center of your life today? Success, relationships, possessions, or something else? True joy is found when Jesus is at the center. He is worthy of our worship, our trust, and our devotion. As you go through your day, remember that the heart of worship is not a place, an event, or a feeling. It is a Person, and it's all about Jesus.
Respond:
R — Reveal: What does this passage REVEAL about God and His character? What does it teach you about who He is and what He does?
E — Explain: What does this passage EXPLAIN about mankind? What does it express about who we are, how we think, and how we live?
A — Apply: What is one specific thing you can APPLY to your life today because of this passage?
D — Discuss: Who can you DISCUSS this passage with in the next 48 hours? Share what you learned, what challenged you, or what encouraged you.