Daily Bible Reading— April 2025, God’s Strengthening Word: Assurance of Hope in Christ Jesus

Scripture: John 8:12–20

Introduction 

John 8:12–20: John’s Gospel includes seven of Jesus’s “I Am” sayings (6:35, 48; 8:12; 9:5; 10:7, 9, 11, 14; 11:25; 14:6; 15:5), and today’s reading begins with one of them. The religious leaders ask Jesus about his father and accuse him of testifying on his own behalf. 

Today’s Key Verse: John 8:12b 

“I am the light of the world,” [Jesus] said. “Whoever follows me will have the light of life and will never walk in darkness.”

Reflect 

Reread verse 12. What does it mean to you to “have the light of life” by following Jesus? Reread verses 14–18. How does Jesus respond to the religious leaders who accuse him of testifying on his own behalf? How does Jesus respond when he is asked about his Father (verse 19)? 

Pray 

Lord Jesus, you are the light of the world, and I have the light of life because I am following you. You have revealed God’s love to me and made me a child of God. Teach me to live in the light of your love and to reflect your love in my daily encounters with others. Amen. 

Tomorrow’s Reading 

John 8:21–30: The religious leaders continue to question Jesus about his Father.

Scripture: John 8:21–30

Introduction

John 8:21–30: In the debate between Jesus and his opponents, they continue to question him about who his father is, and Jesus draws upon God’s divine name, “I Am Who I Am” (verse 28; see Exodus 3:14) to define his connection to God his Father.

Today’s Key Verse: John 8:28a

[Jesus said:] “When you lift up the Son of Man, you will know that ‘I Am Who I Am’.”

Reflect

Jesus draws on God’s personal name in his confrontation with the religious leaders, a name that faithful Jews do not speak aloud. Reread verses 27–29. What does Jesus say to these authorities about his relationship with God? What does it mean to you that to know Jesus is to know God?

Pray

Lord Jesus, I know that you were sent by God to reveal God to us. Help me to live out this truth and act according to your teachings. May all I do and say this day be pleasing in your sight. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

John 8:31–47: Jesus says that all Abraham’s children would listen to him.

Scripture: John 8:31–47

Introduction

John 8:31–47: Today’s reading continues a debate over Jesus’s opponents’ claim as children of Abraham and Jesus’s claim that God is his Father. The opponents claim Abraham as their father (verse 39), but Jesus declares that they are children of the devil because they will not listen to him.

Today’s Key Verse: John 8:31–32

Jesus said to those who believed in him, “If you obey my teaching, you are really my disciples; you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.”

Reflect

Reread verses 31 and 32. What does Jesus describe as the sequence for being set free? Do you find parts of Jesus’s teaching hard to accept? What does he say needs to happen to know the truth? How would you describe your desires? Have you experienced freedom from sin? In what way?

Pray

Lord Jesus, your Word is truth, and you have promised eternal life to all who believe in you and obey your teachings. Teach me to be obedient to your will and give glory to you. In your holy name, I pray. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

John 8:48–59: Jesus’s opponents accuse him of having a demon.

Scripture: John 8:48–59

Introduction

John 8:48–59: In his confrontation with the religious leaders, Jesus states that his actions honor God, and he once again invokes God’s Divine Name.

Today’s Key Verse: John 8:51

[Jesus said:] “I am telling you the truth: whoever obeys my teaching will never die.”

Reflect

In today’s reading, Jesus says, “Before Abraham was born, ‘I Am.’” God’s divine name, “I AM,” was first revealed to Moses (Exodus 3:14). Jesus’s use of the name, as noted in John 8:23–29 (in the reading from April 2), connects him with aspects of God’s nature and identifies him as the one sent by God. How does Jesus’s use of the divine name underscore his argument with his opponents? How do they react? What does Jesus’s use of the divine name mean to you? Reread verse 51. In what ways do you seek to obey Jesus’s teachings? Reread verses 54–56. What does Jesus say about God and his relationship with God? How would you describe your own relationship with God?

Pray

Lord Jesus, I trust in you and in your word of truth. Keep me close to you and strong in faith as I seek to follow you. May all I do and say this day give glory and honor to God. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

John 11:1–16: Jesus receives word that his friend Lazarus is ill.

Scripture: John 11:1–16

Introduction

John 11:1–16: Today we will read the first part of the account of the death and raising of Lazarus. Jesus receives word that his friend Lazarus is ill, but he delays making the trip to Bethany to see him. He says that the illness will provide an occasion to reveal the glory of God.

Today’s Key Verse: John 11:4b

[Jesus said concerning the death of Lazarus]: “This has happened in order to bring glory to God, and it will be the means by which the Son of God will receive glory.”

Reflect

How does Jesus respond to the message from Mary and Martha (verses 4–6)? What does Jesus say to his disciples (verses 11, 14, 15)? What are your thoughts about Jesus waiting two days before going to Bethany? What priorities do his words in verse 15 indicate?

Pray

Lord Jesus, I believe you are the Son of God and that you came to bring glory to God. I seek to be your disciple, following and trusting in your teachings. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

John 11:17–27: Jesus says that he is “the resurrection and the life.”

Scripture: John 11:17–27

Introduction

John 11:17–27: Jesus arrives in Bethany to find that his friend Lazarus has been buried for four days, and he speaks to the dead man’s sister, Martha. Today’s reading includes another of the “I am” passages (verse 25) that appear only in John’s Gospel—Jesus’s self-revelation connecting him to the divine name (see Exodus 3:14) and identifying him as the one who has come to make God known.

Today’s Key Verse: John 11:25–26a

Jesus said to [Martha], “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me will live, even though they die; and those who live and believe in me will never die.”

Reflect

What does Jesus say to Martha (verses 23, 25, 26)? In verse 27, what does Martha’s response to Jesus indicate about her faith?

Pray

Lord Jesus, I believe you are the resurrection and the life, and I trust in you. As I walk with you each day, strengthen my faith and help me to grow in knowledge of you. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

John 11:28–44: Lazarus is brought to life.

Scripture: John 11:28–44

Introduction

John 11:28–44: Today’s reading concludes the story of the death and raising of Lazarus. Jesus weeps when he arrives at the tomb. After praying to the Father, Jesus calls Lazarus out of the tomb and instructs the onlookers to remove Lazarus’s burial cloths.

Today’s Key Verse: John 11:40

Jesus said to [Martha], “Didn’t I tell you that you would see God’s glory if you believed?”

Reflect

Mary’s words in verse 32 echo those of Martha in verse 21. What do their words indicate about their faith in Jesus? How do you demonstrate your faith in Jesus? What was Jesus’s prayer (verses 41–42)? What promise is given in verse 40?

Pray

Holy Jesus, I place my faith in you, knowing that you offer me life everlasting. I believe you have come into the world to make God known and to reveal God’s glory. Amen.

And now, join us in praising God that hundreds of thousands of Muslims and Hindus in South Asia are coming to Christ. Lord God, thanks to the generous support of Bible-A-Month Partners, Bibles and audio Bibles are introducing people to Jesus in some of the poorest countries around the world. In South Asia, despite persecution, more and more people from other faiths are deciding to follow Christ. Praise to you, Holy God, that these resources, along with the JESUS Film, are giving people all over the world the opportunity to put their faith in the Lord. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

John 11:45–57: The religious leaders make plans to kill Jesus.

Scripture: John 11:45–57

Introduction

John 11:45–57: The raising of Lazarus causes division among the Jews, and the religious authorities make plans to arrest and kill Jesus.

Today’s Key Verse: John 11:45

Many of the people who had come to visit Mary saw what Jesus did, and they believed in him.

Reflect

The religious leaders were afraid that Jesus would lead his followers to rebel against Rome and that the Roman army would then destroy their nation and the Temple. They were also afraid that, if many people started to follow Jesus and his teachings, their own power would be lessened. What are your thoughts about the debate that took place among the religious leaders and the Council (verses 47–50)? How does the biblical narrator understand the cynical words of the High Priest (verses 51–52)?

Pray

I love you, Lord Jesus. Empower me with the courage to proclaim your love and salvation to others and give glory to you. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

John 12:1–11: Jesus is anointed at Bethany.

Scripture: John 12:1–11

Introduction

John 12:1–11: Mary anoints Jesus with expensive perfume, and Judas Iscariot pretends to criticize the waste. Jesus affirms Mary’s action and rejects Judas’s interpretation. The reading concludes with the religious leaders extending their plot to include killing Lazarus, whom Jesus had raised from death.

Today’s Key Verse: John 12:8

[Jesus said:] “You will always have poor people with you, but you will not always have me.”

Reflect

The reference to Mary anointing Jesus was noted earlier by the Gospel writer in John 11:2 (see the reading from April 5). What are your thoughts regarding Mary’s action (verse 3)? Regarding Judas’s words (verse 5)? Regarding Jesus’s response (verse 7)? Why were the religious leaders making plans to kill Lazarus?

Pray

Lord Jesus, like Mary I seek to serve you with devotion and love. Empower me to serve in ways that advance your kingdom and bring glory to you. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Luke 18:18–43: Jesus and the rich man.

Scripture: Luke 18:18–43

Introduction

Luke 18:18–43: We return to Luke’s Gospel as Jesus is journeying toward Jerusalem and the cross. In today’s reading, Jesus speaks with a wealthy man, a leader, who asks him what he must do to receive eternal life. The reading concludes with Jesus speaking for a third time (in Luke’s account) about his impending death. As he continues to Jerusalem with his disciples, he heals a blind beggar.

Today’s Key Verse: Luke 18:31b

[Jesus said to his disciples:] “Listen! We are going to Jerusalem where everything the prophets wrote about the Son of Man will come true.”

Reflect

How does Jesus respond to the rich man who asks what he must do to receive eternal life? What is the man’s reaction? What are your thoughts about what Jesus said? Why do the people tell the blind man to be quiet (verse 39)? What does the blind man ask of Jesus? What is the role of faith in these stories?

Pray

Lord God, whenever I feel as if I don’t have as much as I need or as much as I want, remind me of the ways you have blessed me, and help me share those blessings lovingly as an expression of my trust and faith in you. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Luke 19:1–10: A tax collector wants to see Jesus.Continue

Scripture: Luke 19:1–10

Introduction

Luke 19:1–10: Zacchaeus, a superintendent tax collector, encounters Jesus and promises to repay those he has cheated. The concluding verse is often read as a mission statement of Jesus.

Today’s Key Verse: Luke 19:10

[Jesus said:] “The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

Reflect

How is Zacchaeus described? What does he do to see Jesus? What does Jesus say to him when he sees him in the tree (verse 5)? What do the people in the crowd say (verse 7)? What does Zacchaeus say he will do (verse 8)? How does Jesus respond in verse 9? (If you have time, compare the reading for April 3, John 8:31–47.) In Jesus’s day, tax collectors were contracted by Rome and were hated by the Jews who considered them ritually unclean and regarded them as traitors. What are your thoughts about what Zacchaeus said he would do? Reread verse 10. How does this verse portray Jesus’s role in this story?

Pray

Lord Jesus, thank you for always seeking me whenever I stray and calling me back to you. Thank you for your steadfast love, mercy, and forgiveness, and for salvation that comes from trusting in you. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Luke 19:11–27: Jesus tells a parable about gold coins.

Scripture: Luke 19:11–27

Introduction

Luke 19:11–27 In today’s reading, Jesus is approaching Jerusalem (a journey that began back in Luke 9:51). In response to those who are wondering if his arrival there would signal the immediate appearance of God’s Kingdom, Jesus tells a parable about gold coins given by a nobleman to his servants. In Jesus’s day, many expected the Messiah to be a great earthly king like David who would come and defeat the Romans and restore Israel’s freedom. The parable is meant to temper these expectations. The Messiah, Israel’s rightful ruler, will receive honor only after first being rejected. What awaits Jesus in Jerusalem is crucifixion.

Today’s Key Verse: Luke 19:11b

[Jesus] was now almost at Jerusalem, and they supposed that the Kingdom of God was just about to appear.

Reflect

In the parable, the noble goes away to be made king (Herod the Great and Herod Archelaus had both gone to Rome for this purpose). He tells ten servants to see what they can earn with a gold coin while he is gone. What do each of the servants do? How does the new king respond? Verse 14 tells us that some of his people did not want him to become king. What happens to them? How might this parable relate to what is happening to Jesus?

Pray

Holy Jesus, I acknowledge you as my Messiah and King. I place my hope and trust in you. Guide me in the way of your truth and help me heed your voice and follow your teachings. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Luke 19:28–48: Jesus enters Jerusalem.

Scripture: Luke 19:28–48

Introduction

Luke 19:28–48: Jesus enters Jerusalem riding on a colt, and crowds greet him with shouts of praise. His entry marks the beginning of his final days in Jerusalem, and he weeps over the city. He then enters the Temple, driving out the merchants.

Today’s Key Verse: Luke 19:38

“God bless the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory to God!”

Reflect

How does the crowd honor Jesus? What is the reaction of the Pharisees? Jesus refers to the Temple as a “house of prayer,” but the Temple had become a dishonest commercial center. How do the chief priests react to what Jesus did? How will you honor Jesus today?

Pray

I praise and honor you, Lord Jesus! You are my King and my Savior. Reign in my heart forever. Glory to God! Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Luke 20:1–18: Religious leaders question Jesus’s authority.

Scripture: Luke 20:1–18

Introduction

Luke 20:1–18: While Jesus is teaching in the Temple, the religious leaders question his authority. His response includes a parable about wicked tenants who are punished, and a word picture in which Jesus refers to himself as “the stone which the builders rejected as worthless.”

Today’s Key Verse: Luke 20:17b

“‘The stone which the builders rejected as worthless turned out to be the most important of all.’”

Reflect

Why do the religious leaders question Jesus’s authority? Reread verses 9–18. How would those listening to Jesus have interpreted this parable? How do you understand it?

Pray

Holy God, you alone are worthy of praise. Guide me this day as I seek to do your will. May my words and actions give glory and honor to you. In your holy name, I pray. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Luke 20:19–47: The religious leaders continue to question Jesus.

Scripture: Luke 20:19–47

Introduction

Luke 20:19–47: The religious leaders appeal to the Law of Moses to question Jesus about paying taxes and about the resurrection. Jesus asks them in turn about the scriptural teaching about the Messiah. Jesus warns his followers to be on guard against those who display false piety while taking advantage of society’s most vulnerable members.

Today’s Key Verse: Luke 20:25

Jesus said, “Well, then, pay to the Emperor what belongs to the Emperor, and pay to God what belongs to God.”

Reflect

How does Jesus respond to those who question him about paying taxes to the Roman conquerors (verses 19–26)? About rising from death? What does he ask them about the Messiah? Reread verses 45–47. The behavior of those who enjoy high status is contrasted with those who have no one to speak for them. How does Jesus describe the teachers of the Law? What does their behavior indicate about their regard for justice and their concern for people in need? What is your understanding of what it means to “pay to God what belongs to God”?

Pray

Lord God, everything belongs to you, and I praise and thank you for your blessings. Open my eyes and heart to the needs of those I encounter today and teach me to share my resources lovingly and in a spirit of generosity. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Luke 22:1–30: Jesus eats the Passover meal with his disciples.

Scripture: Luke 22:1–30

Introduction

Luke 22:1–30: The religious leaders seek to put Jesus to death, and Judas agrees to betray Jesus. Jesus prepares to eat the Passover meal with his disciples, and he announces that his betrayer is at the table. The disciples argue as to who among them should be thought of as the greatest.

Today’s Key Verse: Luke 22:27b

[Jesus said:] “I am among you as one who serves.”

Reflect

Reread verses 17–20. In ancient Israel, the bond between God and Israel was ratified with the blood of a sacrificial animal (see Exodus 24:8). What is your understanding of Jesus’s words and his reference to “God’s new covenant” sealed with Jesus’s blood? What does Jesus say to the disciples when they begin to argue?

Pray

Lord Jesus, with your holy and precious blood you have sealed God’s new covenant with us. I thank and praise you for your sacrificial love. Grant me a servant’s heart and teach me to serve with humility, reflecting your love and giving honor and glory to you. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Luke 22:31–71: Jesus goes to the Mount of Olives to pray.

Scripture: Luke 22:31–71

Introduction

Luke 22:31–71: Peter says that he is ready to die with Jesus, but Jesus tells him that he will deny Jesus three times. Jesus leaves the city and goes with his disciples to the Mount of Olives to pray, knowing that he will have to suffer. Judas betrays him with a kiss, and Jesus is arrested and questioned by the Council. Meanwhile, Peter denies that he knows Jesus, just as Jesus had predicted.

Today’s Key Verse: Luke 22:42

[Jesus prayed:] “Father,” he said, “if you will, take this cup of suffering away from me. Not my will, however, but your will be done.”

Reflect

What promise did Peter make to Jesus (verse 33)? Reread verses 54–62. What things trigger his denials? How does Peter feel after he denies knowing Jesus? What is your understanding of what it may mean to deny Jesus today? Reread verses 63–71. How is Jesus treated after he was arrested? What questions is he asked, and how does he respond?

Pray

Lord Jesus, you are the Son of God and I place my trust in you. Forgive me for those times when I have acted in ways that were not in keeping with your teachings. Help me to reflect your presence in my life and to share the good news of your love and salvation. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Luke 23:1–43: Jesus is tried before Pilate, questioned by Herod, and sentenced to death.

Scripture: Luke 23:1–43

Introduction

Luke 23:1–43: The leaders of the Council take Jesus to Pilate, the governor, for questioning. Finding no reason to condemn Jesus, Pilate sends him to Herod, the ruler of Galilee. The chief priests bring charges against Jesus that Jesus refuses to answer. Jesus is returned to Pilate, the crowd calls for his crucifixion, and Pilate sentences Jesus to death. The soldiers lead Jesus away and nail him to a cross. Two criminals are also crucified with Jesus, and one of them receives Jesus’s promise that he will be in Paradise with Jesus.

Today’s Key Verse: Luke 23:43

Jesus said to him, “I promise you that today you will be in Paradise with me.”

Reflect

Initially, Pilate could find no reason to condemn Jesus. What do you think persuades him to change his mind and sentence Jesus to death? What do the two criminals who were being crucified say to Jesus (verses 39–42)? How would you describe the differences in what each of them says?

Pray

Lord Jesus, for my sake you were sentenced to a slow and painful death even though you were innocent. You even prayed to God to forgive those who tortured and crucified you. Thank you, Jesus, for your powerful and sacrificial love for me. With a humble and grateful heart, I praise and magnify your holy name. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Luke 23:44–56: Jesus dies and is buried.

Scripture: Luke 23:44–56

Introduction

Luke 23:44–56: Jesus is on the cross. At noon, the sky turns dark. Three hours later, Jesus calls out to God and dies. Joseph of Arimathea asks for and receives the body of Jesus. He takes the body down, wraps it in linen, and places it in an unused tomb. The women who had followed Jesus from Galilee see the tomb and how Jesus’s body is placed in it. Then they return home to prepare spices and perfumes for his body.

Today’s Key Verse: Luke 23:46a

Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Father! In your hands I place my spirit!”

Reflect

After witnessing the death of Jesus, why does the army officer praise God (verse 47)? Joseph of Arimathea was from a small village but seems to have lived in Jerusalem. He was a respected member of the Jewish Council, so he risked his reputation by helping to give Jesus a proper burial. What might have given Joseph the courage to retrieve Jesus’s body? What gives you courage when you are called to stand for your beliefs?

Pray

Holy Jesus, you endured death on a cross to share God’s love, forgiveness, mercy, and salvation with all people. Give me the courage to live in faith and reflect your loving presence each day to everyone I meet. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Luke 24:1–12: Jesus is raised to life.

Scripture: Luke 24:1–12

Introduction

Luke 24:1–12: The women who go to the tomb are told that Jesus has been raised from death. They go to tell the disciples, who dismiss their claims. But Peter runs to the tomb and sees only Jesus’s burial cloths lying there. He wonders what happened.

Today’s Key Verse: Luke 24:7

“‘The Son of Man must be handed over to sinners, be crucified, and three days later rise to life.’”

Reflect

What are the women told when they arrive at the tomb? How do the disciples react to what they are told by the women? What do you think made Peter decide to run to the tomb? Have you ever been told something good that you found hard to believe? If so, what were your thoughts?

Pray

Lord Jesus, with joy I celebrate the good news of your resurrection! Alleluia! You are risen! You are risen indeed! Alleluia! Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Luke 24:13–35: Two of Jesus’s followers encounter him on the road to Emmaus.

Scripture: Luke 24:13–35

Introduction

Luke 24:13–35: Two of Jesus’s followers, who have disbelieved the story of the women, meet Jesus on the road to the village of Emmaus. Not recognizing him, they tell him what has happened the past few days. After sharing a meal with him, they realize he is Jesus raised from the dead. Then they return to Jerusalem and share this good news with others.

Today’s Key verse: Luke 24:26

[Jesus said:] “Was it not necessary for the Messiah to suffer these things and then to enter his glory?”

Reflect

Why didn’t the two followers of Jesus recognize him right away? At what point did they recognize him? Why? In what ways do we recognize Jesus’s presence among us today?

Pray

Lord Jesus, you are always in our midst—in Scripture and the breaking of the bread, and also in the smile of a stranger, in the hands of those who work for justice, in arms outstretched in love. Forgive me for the times when I fail to recognize you. Heighten my awareness of your presence and keep me forever close to you. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Luke 24:36–53: Jesus appears to his disciples.

Scripture: Luke 24:36–53

Introduction

Luke 24:36–53: Jesus appears to his disciples, promises that they will receive power from above, and is taken up to heaven.

Today’s Key Verse: Luke 24:44

[Jesus said:] “These are the very things I told you about while I was still with you; everything written about me in the Law of Moses, the writings of the prophets, and the Psalms had to come true.”

Reflect

How do the disciples react when Jesus appears to them? What does he say to them? What do they do after Jesus ascends into heaven? Reread verses 45–48. What do these verses teach about the role of Christians today?

Pray

Lord Jesus, open my mind to understand the Scriptures. Empower me to serve you faithfully, to be a witness to your teachings, and, in your holy name, to share the message of your love, forgiveness, and salvation. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

John 20:1–18: Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene.

Scripture: John 20:1–18

Introduction

John 20:1–18: Today’s reading is another account of Jesus’s resurrection. When Mary Magdalene goes to Jesus’s tomb, she sees that the stone has been rolled away. She runs to tell the disciples, believing that someone took Jesus’s body from the tomb. Peter and John come and see the empty tomb. Then Jesus appears to Mary and tells her that he is going to return to God. Mary then tells the disciples that she has seen the Lord. She is the first witness to Jesus’s resurrection.

Today’s Key Verse: John 20:16

Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned toward him and said in Hebrew, “Rabboni!” (This means “Teacher.”)

Reflect

What is Mary’s message to Peter and the other disciple after seeing the empty tomb (verse 2)? What do they do? How do they react? What does Jesus say to Mary (verse 17)? How will you share the good news of Jesus’s resurrection today?

Pray

Alleluia! Lord Jesus, I continue to celebrate the joy of your resurrection. Be my teacher and empower me to proclaim this good news to all I meet today. Alleluia! Amen!

Tomorrow’s Reading

John 20:19–31: Jesus appears to the disciples.

Scripture: John 20:19–31

Introduction

John 20:19–31: Late Sunday evening Jesus appears to the disciples who are gathered behind locked doors. Jesus breathes on them and says, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” Thomas is not present and refuses to believe the disciples. Jesus appears to them again a week later and speaks with Thomas.

Today’s Key Verse: John 20:29b

[Jesus said:] “How happy are those who believe without seeing me!”

Reflect

Thomas is convinced that Jesus has been raised from the dead because he can see and touch the wounds Jesus received when he was crucified. But Jesus says that those who believe without seeing are the ones who are truly happy (verse 29). What does it mean to you to have faith without seeing? (See also Hebrews 11:1.) Does doubt play a role in faith? What other kinds of evidence is available beside touch and sight? What do the concluding verses to this chapter (30–31) reveal about the Gospel writer’s purpose?

Pray

Lord Jesus, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, but sometimes I feel like Thomas, and I want more proof of your reality, of your love and grace. Reassure me in times of doubt and increase my faith so that I may have confidence in you and live according to your will. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

John 21:1–14: Jesus appears to seven disciples.

Scripture: John 21:1–14

Introduction

John 21:1–14: Seven of the disciples fish all night but catch nothing. When Jesus appears on the shoreline of Lake Tiberias and tells them to cast their net again, they catch many fish. Jesus invites the disciples to share with him the meal that he has prepared.

Today’s Key Verse: John 21:13

Jesus went over, took the bread, and gave it to them; he did the same with the fish.

Reflect

Who among the disciples is the first to recognize that it is Jesus on the shoreline? What does Peter do upon hearing that it is Jesus? What might the disciples have been thinking or feeling while sharing a meal with Jesus? Are there occasions within your community of faith when members and invited guests gather to share a meal? What recollections do you have of such times together?

Pray

Lord Jesus, you lovingly invite me to dine with you each day as I feast on your Word. With a joyful heart I thank and praise you for the spiritual nourishment you graciously provide each day. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

John 21:15–25: Jesus speaks to Simon Peter.

Scripture: John 21:15–25

Introduction

John 21:15–25: Jesus speaks to Simon Peter, and three times he calls on Peter to care for Jesus’s lambs and sheep (verses 15–17). Scholars often understand the three questions about Peter’s love for Jesus as a counterbalance to Peter’s earlier three denials of Jesus (see John 18:17, 25–27, and Luke 22:54–62 from the April 17 reading).

Today’s Key Verse: John 21:16b

Jesus said to him, “Take care of my sheep.”

Reflect

What commands does Jesus give to Peter? What does that mean for Peter? What do these commands mean for Jesus’s followers today? In what ways does your community of faith and its leaders care for Jesus’s lambs and sheep?

Pray

Lord Jesus, you call us to be your disciples and to care for one another. Open my eyes to the “lambs and sheep” I encounter today and teach me how I can help feed and care for them. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

1 Corinthians 15:1–11: The apostle Paul teaches about the resurrection of Christ.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:1–11

Introduction

1 Corinthians 15:1–11: Today’s reading is the opening section of a lengthy chapter in the apostle Paul’s teaching about the resurrection of Christ. He begins by reminding the Corinthians of the message he preached to them and of Christ’s post-resurrection appearances.

Today’s Key Verse: 1 Corinthians 15:3–4

I passed on to you what I received, which is of the greatest importance: that Christ died for our sins, as written in the Scriptures; that he was buried and that he was raised to life three days later, as written in the Scriptures.

Reflect

What is the message that Paul says has the power by which believers are “saved” (verse 2)? To whom did the risen Christ appear (verses 5–8)? In what ways do your experience the risen Christ’s presence in your life?

Pray

Lord Jesus, thank you for your living presence in my life. As I journey in faith, I place my hope and trust in you, knowing you are with me each day. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

1 Corinthians 15:12–34: The apostle Paul discusses the meaning of Christ’s victory over death.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:12–34

Introduction

1 Corinthians 15:12–34: In today’s reading, the apostle Paul gives his most detailed teaching about the Christian hope for life after death. He says that God’s people will be raised to new life, just as God raised Jesus from death.

Today’s Key Verse: 1 Corinthians 15:22

For just as all people die because of their union with Adam, in the same way all will be raised to life because of their union with Christ.

Reflect

Apparently, some of the followers of Christ in Corinth did not believe that people who had died could be raised from death to eternal life. Reread verses 12–22. What is Paul’s argument here? How does Paul contrast Christ with Adam? Do you ever encounter people who express skepticism about Jesus’s resurrection? If so, how do you respond to them?

Pray

Lord Jesus, I choose to live in union with you. You offer me forgiveness, and you have overcome sin and death. May I be ever mindful of your sacrificial death for my sake, and your glorious resurrection, trusting that you are always with me and resting in your promise of eternal life. Amen.

And now join us in thanking God for military edition Bibles designed for troops and veterans. Gracious God, thanks to the generosity of Bible-A-Month Partners, uniquely designed military edition Bibles with biblical study materials are ministering to and encouraging our nation heroes. Military personnel have a hunger for Scripture, especially when they are stressed. It helps them withstand the challenges of military service and combat. Thank you, Lord God, that Service men and women are being helped to understand your Word and to know Christ as their savior. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

1 Corinthians 15:35–58: The apostle Paul discusses the resurrected and immortal body.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:35–58

1 Corinthians 15:35–58: The Corinthians had sent a letter to Paul asking him several questions. In this passage, Paul responds to the question, “How can the dead be raised to life? What kind of body will they have?” (verse 35). Paul says that our earthly bodies will be changed into eternal or spiritual bodies.

Today’s Key Verse: 1 Corinthians 15:52b

For when the trumpet sounds, the dead will be raised, never to die again, and we shall all be changed.

Reflect

Paul teaches that those who are raised to life from death will have a completely new spiritual body. Reread verses 48–49. Thinking back to our recent readings, what do you remember of the things Jesus did in his resurrected body? In what ways does the hope of being raised to new life with Christ and living with God forever impact your life today? What is the victory that God has given us (verse 57)? Reread verse 58. In what ways can this verse be a source of encouragement for you?

Pray

Holy God, I yearn to experience a taste of your realm here on earth, even as I look toward eternal life with you. Keep me firm and steady, strengthening my faith each day as I seek to do your will. In your holy name, I pray. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Romans 15:1–13: The apostle Paul encourages believers to unity through following Christ’s example.

Scriptures: Romans 15:1–13, Psalms 85

Introduction 

Romans 15:1–13: Chapter 15 begins the conclusion of the apostle Paul’s letter to the Romans. He encourages the Lord’s followers not to please themselves but to act in ways that edify the whole community of believers. He reminds them that the Good News is for both Jews and Gentiles. 

Today’s Key Verse: Romans 15:13 

May God, the source of hope, fill you with all joy and peace by means of your faith in him, so that your hope will continue to grow by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Reflect 

What words of encouragement does Paul give the believers in Rome? Why is building up one another in faith important to Paul? In what ways does your community of faith build up one another? What words of encouragement and hope can you bring to someone today? 

Pray 

God hope and love, teach me day by day what is written in the Scriptures. Grant me patience to study your Word, and fill me with joy and peace so that, by the power of your Holy Spirit, I continue to grow strong in faith. Amen. 

Tomorrow’s Reading 

Psalm 85: A prayer for the nation’s welfare.