December 15th- December 19th | Student Reading Plan
Reading Instructions:
Read each chapter once. After, read it again this time also following along with the key points. Then, write out answers to the questions. Then, read and reflect over the application. Next, follow the instructions for the daily encouragement. Lastly, spend time in prayer use the prayer prompt but also spend some time just talking to God.
Monday: Luke 2
Key Points:
- Jesus was born in Bethlehem as the Old Testament Predicted.
- Micah 5:2
- [a] But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah,
- who are too little to be among the clans of Judah,
- from you shall come forth for me
- one who is to be ruler in Israel,
- whose coming forth is from of old,
- from ancient days.
- The King of the Universe was born in a stable.
- It shows the Nature of Jesus someone who came to serve and not to be served.
- The angels appeared to the Shepards. The people who were the lowest of the lows. They were social outcasts.
- This showed that Jesus came for the outcasts, the lost, and the broken and not just for royal or the already righteous.
- Mary praised God for what happened. Showing what our attitude should be and who should get praised for the good things in our lives.
- Zechariah learned his lesson. He was struck dumb or unable to speak because he doubted God. While people argued over the boy’s name, Zechariah reminded them that God had already chosen the child’s name and he wouldn’t disobey again.
How can you praise God for something today?
Why is it good news that Jesus came for the lost and the broken and not just the “already good” people?
What lesson do you need to learn like Zechariah? How can you learn from past mistakes?
Application:
Luke 2 reminds us that God keeps His promises, even when they don’t look the way we expect. Jesus was born in Bethlehem exactly as the prophets said, yet the King of the universe entered the world in humility. He was not born in a palace, but in a stable. This reveals the heart of Jesus, who came to serve, not to be served, and to meet people in their brokenness. The angels appearing to the shepherds is a powerful reminder that no one is too insignificant for God’s grace. Shepherds were overlooked and rejected by society, yet they were the first to hear the good news. This shows us that Jesus came for the lost, the outcasts, and the broken, not just for those who seem religious or put together. The gospel is for everyone. Mary’s response teaches us how we should react to God’s work in our lives. She praised God and treasured what He had done instead of taking credit or focusing on fear. When God moves, our response should always be worship and gratitude. Finally, Zechariah’s obedience shows growth and humility. He had learned from his past doubt and chose obedience this time. Luke 2 reminds us that God is patient with us and gives us opportunities to grow. Our past mistakes do not disqualify us, but they should shape us into more faithful followers. Luke 2 challenges us to trust God’s promises, celebrate His grace, and respond with obedience and praise.
Daily Encouragement:
What are three things you can give God praise for today?
Prayer:
Thank You for keeping Your promises and sending Jesus in humility. Thank You that You came for the broken, the overlooked, and the lost. Help us respond like Mary, who responded with praise, gratitude, and trust. Teach us to learn from our past mistakes, like Zechariah, and to walk in obedience to You. Shape our hearts to reflect the servant nature of Jesus and help us live in awe of what You have done for us.
Tuesday: Luke 3
Key Points:
- John the Baptist begins preaching in the wilderness, calling people to repentance and a changed life.
- John fulfills Old Testament prophecy as the voice crying out in the wilderness, preparing the way for the Lord.
- Isaiah 40:3
- “Prepare the way of the Lord, make His paths straight.”
- John’s message is not just about words but about action. He calls people to live differently, showing real evidence of repentance.
- John warns the people not to rely on their heritage or family background, reminding them that faith must be personal and genuine.
- Real followers of Jesus produce real fruit in their lives.
- Galatians 5: 22 -24
- 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
- He teaches generosity, honesty, and contentment as signs of a transformed heart.
- The people begin to wonder if John is the Messiah, but John makes it clear that he is not worthy to compare himself to Jesus.
- John points to Jesus as the one who is greater, who will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire.
- Jesus comes to be baptized by John, identifying Himself with sinful humanity even though He is without sin.
- As Jesus is baptized, heaven opens, the Holy Spirit descends on Him, and God the Father affirms Him.
- God declares, “You are my beloved Son; with You I am well pleased.”
- Luke includes Jesus’ genealogy to show that Jesus is connected to all humanity and fulfills God’s redemptive plan.
- Jesus is shown as the true Son of God, prepared and affirmed before beginning His public ministry. This book was written for Gentiles so, it possess a different genealogy
What fruits are evident in your life?
How can we remind ourselves to prepare the way of the Lord?
Application:
Luke 3 challenges us to prepare our hearts for the work God wants to do in our lives. John the Baptist makes it clear that following God is not about appearances, family background, or religious knowledge. It is about real repentance that leads to real change. If our lives look no different than before, we should honestly examine whether our hearts have truly been transformed. John’s teaching reminds us that repentance shows itself in everyday actions. Generosity, honesty, and contentment are signs of a heart that has been changed by God. Faith is not just something we claim on Sundays; it shapes how we treat people, how we handle money, and how we live when no one is watching. When Jesus is baptized, God affirms Him before He begins His ministry. This reminds us that our identity is found in being loved by God, not in what we accomplish for Him. We do not earn God’s approval. Because we belong to Him, we are called to walk in obedience and humility. Luke 3 invites us to clear away anything that stands in the way of our relationship with God. Preparing the way for the Lord begins with repentance, continues with obedience, and is sustained by knowing who we are in Christ.
Daily Encouragement:
How does having our identity in Christ change our perspective of ourselves?
Prayer:
Thank You for sending John the Baptist to prepare the way for Jesus and for showing us the importance of repentance and obedience. Help us to examine our hearts and turn from anything that separates us from You. Teach us to live in a way that reflects true faith, trusting in Your promises and walking in obedience. Remind us that our identity is found in Your love, and guide us to follow You faithfully every day.
Wednesday: Luke 4
Key Points:
- Jesus is led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness, where He fasts for forty days and is tempted by Satan.
- Jesus is tempted to rely on His own power, seek worldly authority, and test God, but He resists every temptation using Scripture.
- Jesus shows that victory over temptation comes through dependence on God’s Word, not personal strength.
- Jesus returns to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about Him spreads quickly.
- Jesus goes to Nazareth, His hometown, and reads from Isaiah in the synagogue, declaring that the Scripture is fulfilled in Him. Jesus spoke the truth and people were offended.
- Isaiah 61:1–2
- “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me… to proclaim good news to the poor.”
- At first, the people are amazed, but they quickly become offended when Jesus challenges their unbelief.
- Jesus reminds them that God’s grace is not limited to one group, and this angers the people.
- The crowd attempts to kill Jesus, but He passes through them unharmed. No one has power over Jesus. He knew it wasn’t His time. This also shows that Jesus died willingly on the cross because He had the power to stop it and He didn’t.
- Jesus casts out an unclean spirit, showing His authority over demons.
- Jesus heals many people who are sick and oppressed, demonstrating His power and compassion.
- Even demons recognize who Jesus is, but Jesus silences them.
- Jesus withdraws to a quiet place to pray, showing the importance of spending time with the Father.
- Jesus declares that He must preach the good news of the Kingdom of God, because that is His mission.
- It is the same mission that we have as well. Our mission comes from the Great Commission, Matthew 28.
How can we rely on scripture to overcome sin?
What is the value of spending time by yourself?
Why does the Gospel offend people?
Application:
Luke 4 reminds us that following God does not mean we will avoid temptation, but it does show us how to stand firm when it comes. Jesus faces temptation at His weakest physical moment, yet He responds by trusting God’s Word instead of relying on His own strength. This teaches us that victory over sin comes from knowing Scripture and depending on God, not from willpower alone. Jesus is also rejected by the people who knew Him best. His hometown hears the truth, but instead of responding in faith, they become offended. This reminds us that obedience to God may lead to rejection, especially when His truth challenges pride, comfort, or familiarity. Following Jesus means choosing faithfulness over approval. Throughout the chapter, Jesus shows His authority over demons, sickness, and even public opinion, yet He still withdraws to pray. This shows us that spiritual power flows from time spent with God. If Jesus needed to step away and pray, how much more do we need regular time in God’s presence? Luke 4 calls us to trust God’s Word during temptation, remain faithful when rejected, and stay rooted in prayer as we live out the mission God has given us.
Daily Encouragement:
Spend 5 minutes a day this week by yourself in prayer.
Prayer:
Thank You for showing us through Jesus how to stand firm in temptation. Help us rely on Your Word when we are weak and trust You instead of ourselves. Give us the courage to remain faithful even when we face rejection or opposition. Teach us to value time in Your presence through prayer and shape our hearts to follow Your will in every area of our lives.
Thursday: Luke 5
Key Points
- Jesus teaches by the Sea of Galilee and asks Simon Peter to put out into deep water after a long, unsuccessful night of fishing.
- Peter obeys Jesus even though it doesn’t make sense, and the result is a miraculous catch of fish. Jesus sometimes calls us to do things that don’t make sense. We can rest assured that when He calls us to do something that He is with us and He keeps His promises.
- Peter recognizes his own sinfulness and Jesus’ holiness, falling at Jesus’ feet. This should be our response. We should know that we are broken and that Jesus is Holy. We should fall at His feet daily, submitting to His will.
- Jesus calls Peter, James, and John to leave everything and follow Him, telling them they will now be fishers of people.
- Jesus heals a man with leprosy, showing compassion and power over disease and impurity.
- Jesus tells the healed man to show himself to the priest, demonstrating obedience to the Law.
- Large crowds gather to hear Jesus, but He often withdraws to lonely places to pray.
- Jesus heals a paralyzed man who is lowered through the roof by his friends. This shows friends who want their companion to be in the presence of Jesus.
- Jesus forgives the man’s sins, showing His authority over both sickness and sin.
- The Pharisees question Jesus’ authority, but Jesus proves He has the power to forgive.
- Jesus calls Levi (Matthew), a tax collector, to follow Him.
- Levi leaves everything behind and hosts a feast so others can meet Jesus.
- The Pharisees criticize Jesus for spending time with sinners.
- Jesus responds that He came not for the righteous, but for sinners who know they need Him. We can never think that we are too good to be around certain people. Jesus never thought this way. We have to remember that we are all separated from God by sin, and that we aren’t saved by what we do but rather by God’s mercy.
- Jesus teaches that new life in Him cannot be contained by old ways of thinking, using the illustration of new wine and new wineskins.
How can we fall at Jesus’s feet daily?
How can we remind ourselves to stay humble?
Application:
Luke 5 shows us what it looks like to respond to Jesus with obedience, humility, and surrender. Peter obeyed Jesus even when it didn’t make sense, and his obedience opened the door for God to work powerfully. Following Jesus often requires trusting Him beyond our own experience, logic, or comfort. Peter’s response to the miracle is just as important as the miracle itself. When he sees Jesus’ power, he becomes aware of his own sin. True encounters with Jesus lead us to humility, not pride. Instead of pushing Peter away, Jesus calls him to follow, reminding us that God doesn’t call the perfect, but He calls the willing and He equips them. Jesus’ compassion is also clear as He heals the sick and forgives sins. He doesn’t just address physical needs; He goes straight to the heart. The Pharisees struggle with this because they care more about rules and appearances than restoration. Luke 5 challenges us to examine whether we value grace and forgiveness as much as Jesus does.
Daily Encouragement:
What is one area of your life in which you need to grow in Humility?
Prayer:
Thank you for calling us even when we feel unworthy or uncertain. Help us to trust and obey You, even when it doesn’t make sense. Give us humble hearts that recognize our need for Your forgiveness and grace. Teach us to follow You fully, leaving behind anything that keeps us from living the new life You offer. Fill us with courage and faith to be Your disciples every day.
Friday: Luke 6
Key Points:
- Jesus and His disciples walk through the grain fields on the Sabbath, and the disciples pick some heads of grain to eat.
- The Pharisees criticize them for breaking the Sabbath, but Jesus teaches that the Sabbath was made for people, not people for the Sabbath.
- Jesus declares that He is Lord of the Sabbath, showing His authority over the Law.
- Jesus heals a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath, challenging the Pharisees’ legalism.
- The Pharisees grow angry, but Jesus proves that doing good and showing mercy is always right, even on the Sabbath.
- Micah 6: 8
- He has told you, O man, what is good;
- and what does the Lord require of you
- but to do justice, and to love kindness,[a]
- and to walk humbly with your God?
- Jesus chooses twelve apostles from among His disciples to be His closest followers.
- These twelve are sent out to preach, heal, and share the Kingdom of God.
- Jesus delivers the “Sermon on the Mount,” teaching radical love and mercy. He teaches that following Jesus isn’t just about following a list of rules, but it’s actually a radical transformation of the heart.
- He calls His followers to love their enemies, bless those who curse them, and do good to those who hate them.
- Jesus emphasizes that God shows kindness to both the righteous and the unrighteous, and His followers should imitate this mercy. We can’t choose who to be kind to because we are called to treat all with love and mercy.
- Jesus teaches the importance of judging rightly and wisely.
- He warns against hypocrisy and encourages His followers to live with integrity and discernment.
- He compares wise followers to those who build on a solid foundation, illustrating that hearing and obeying His words leads to stability in life. Build your foundation on Jesus and not worldly desires.
What is your foundation?
How can you change your heart?
How can you grow in mercy?
Application:
Luke 6 challenges us to live a life that reflects God’s mercy, love, and wisdom. Jesus shows that following Him often goes against the expectations of the world. He healed on the Sabbath and stood against the Pharisees’ legalism, teaching that doing good and showing compassion is always right. This reminds us that God’s priorities our love, mercy, and justice and these should guide our actions above rules or appearances. Jesus calls us to love radically, even loving those who hurt us or oppose us. Loving our enemies, blessing those who curse us, and doing good to those who hate us is not easy, but it reflects the heart of God. When we imitate God’s mercy, we become a light in a dark world and reflect His character to others. Jesus also emphasizes obedience and integrity. Hearing His words is not enough; we must put them into practice. Living on the firm foundation of God’s truth protects us when life is difficult and keeps us steady in faith.
Daily Encouragement:
Write down a few people’s names you need to grow in mercy for.
Prayer:
Thank You for teaching us to live with mercy, love, and wisdom. Help us to love even those who oppose us and to do good in every situation. Give us the courage to obey Your Word, not just follow rules, and help us build our lives on the solid foundation of Your truth. Shape our hearts to reflect Your mercy and bring light to those around us.