December 22nd - 26th | Student Reading Plan
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 7
Key Points
- Jesus heals the servant of a Roman centurion without even going to his house.
- The centurion shows great faith, believing Jesus has the authority to heal with just a word.
- Jesus is amazed at the centurion’s faith and points out that He has not seen faith like this even in Israel. This shocks Him because the Jewish people had followed God for thousands of years, yet they still doubted Jesus and His power.
- The Centurion possess a humility as he doesn't even believe he is worthy to have Jesus come into his home.
- Jesus raises a widow’s only son from the dead in the town of Nain.
- Jesus shows deep compassion for the woman, who had lost both her husband and her son. In those days, a woman without a husband or a son was left with no one to care for her. Women didn’t work so, she would be unable to provide. In her darkest moment, Jesus provides for her and cares for her not because He has to but because He had compassion.
- This miracle shows Jesus’ power over death and His care for those who are hurting and vulnerable.
- News about Jesus spreads, and John the Baptist sends messengers to ask if Jesus is truly the Messiah.
- Jesus responds by pointing to His works, which included healing the sick, restoring sight, and preaching good news to the poor.
- Jesus affirms John’s role as a prophet while also explaining that many people struggled to accept God’s plan.
- Jesus rebukes the generation for rejecting both John’s call to repentance and His message of grace.
- People rejected God not because of a lack of evidence, but because their hearts were unwilling. This is still true today. People reject Jesus because of their hearts not because of a lack of evidence.
- A sinful woman anoints Jesus’ feet with perfume and her tears while a Pharisee looks on with judgment.
- Jesus teaches that those who are forgiven much, love much. The woman had been forgiven of so much that she was beyond grateful.
- Jesus forgives the woman’s sins and praises her faith, while exposing the Pharisee’s pride. He calls out their pride because they think they are better than the woman. They are not. They have committed “less sin” than the woman, but they are still guilty in God’s eyes because they didn’t repent and place their faith in Jesus. Being righteous in God’s eyes isn’t about what you have done in the past. It is about if you have placed your faith in Him and are following Him daily.
What does the centurion’s faith teach you about trusting Jesus, even when you feel unworthy?
How does Jesus’ compassion for the widow change the way you view His heart toward those who are hurting?
In what ways do people sometimes struggle to accept God’s work, like those who rejected John and Jesus?
Application:
Luke 7 reveals both the power and the compassion of Jesus. The centurion’s faith shows us that Jesus’ authority does not depend on proximity because He can work with just a word. This challenges us to trust Jesus fully, even when the situation feels out of our control. True faith believes that Jesus is able, even before we see the outcome. Jesus’ interaction with the widow reminds us that He sees our pain and cares deeply about our suffering. He is not distant or detached; He is moved by compassion. Luke 7 encourages us to bring our grief, doubt, and questions to Jesus, knowing that He meets us with grace. He can bear our burdens. The chapter also warns us about hardened hearts. Some people rejected John and Jesus, not because of a lack of evidence, but because they refused to surrender control. This is contrasted with the sinful woman, whose deep gratitude leads her to worship. Her response shows us that when we truly understand how much we’ve been forgiven, it transforms how we love and live. Luke 7 invites us to trust Jesus’ authority, rest in His compassion, and respond to His forgiveness with wholehearted devotion.
Daily Encouragement:
How can you follow the Centurion’s example and trust God? What is one thing you can trust God with this week?
Prayer:
Jesus, thank You for Your authority and Your compassion. Help us trust You like the centurion, even when we don’t understand how You will work. Remind us that You see our pain and care deeply for us. Soften our hearts so we don’t resist Your work in our lives, and teach us to respond to Your forgiveness with love, gratitude, and worship.
Tuesday: Luke 8
Key Points:
- Jesus travels from town to town preaching the good news of the Kingdom of God.
- The twelve disciples are with Him, along with women who had been healed and supported His ministry.
- This shows that Jesus values and includes women in His ministry.
- At every turn in Jesus’s ministry, He values people who the world doesn’t. He cares for the people the world thinks are “lesser.” He calls us to do the same and to follow His example.
- Jesus tells the parable of the Sower to explain how people respond differently to God’s Word.
- Some hearts are hard, some are shallow, some are distracted, and some are receptive.
- Only good soil allows the Word to grow and produce fruit. This is the kind of hearts we want to possess. Soil that grows God’s word. We are called to produce His fruit.
- Jesus teaches that a lamp is not meant to be hidden.
- Those who follow Him are meant to let the truth they receive shine for others to see.
- Matthew 5: 16
- “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that[a] they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
- Christians are called to live in a way that causes others to turn to God.
- Jesus teaches that obedience, not family ties, defines who truly belongs to Him.
- Those who hear God’s Word and do it are His true family. They are the ones who will share in His inheritance.
- Jesus calms a violent storm, showing His authority over nature.
- The disciples are afraid, even though Jesus is with them.
- Jesus asks why they lack faith, reminding them that He is in control. The number of miracles they have seen, and yet they still doubt. We are called to trust Jesus when life seems uncertain. The reason we can trust Him is that we can look at Scripture and see all the times He has been faithful.
- Jesus heals a man possessed by demons, showing His authority over evil.
- The man is completely restored, but the people are more afraid of Jesus than grateful for the miracle.
- Jesus sends the healed man to tell others what God has done for him.
- Jesus heals a woman who had been suffering for twelve years because of her faith.
- Jesus raises Jairus’ daughter from the dead, proving His power over death.
- Jesus shows compassion and care for both the forgotten and the important
- Jesus performed many miraculous acts in this chapter. Proving His power and that He is the messiah, the promised one, and the one who was foretold.
What kind of soil best represents your heart right now?
What fears cause you to doubt Jesus’ control in your life?
How can you let your faith shine instead of hiding it?
Application:
Luke 8 shows us that hearing God’s Word is not enough. It must take root in our hearts. The parable of the Sower challenges us to examine what might be blocking growth, whether it is distraction, fear, or lack of commitment. A receptive heart allows God’s Word to change how we live. It allows God’s word and the Holy Spirit to be the rulers of their lives. Jesus’ power over storms, demons, disease, and death reminds us that nothing is outside His authority. Even when the disciples were afraid, Jesus was still in control. This chapter calls us to trust Jesus in moments of fear and uncertainty. We can trust in Him because we are constantly reminded of His faithfulness and power in Scripture. Luke 8 also reminds us that following Jesus means obedience and testimony. When God works in our lives, we are called to share what He has done. Faith grows when we trust, obey, and testify to God’s power.
Daily Encouragement:
How can we treat people who are less popular as Jesus would treat them?
Prayer:
Help us to be good soil that receives Your Word and allows it to grow. When fear and doubt rise, remind us that You are in control. Give us the courage to live obediently and to share what You have done in our lives. Strengthen our faith and help us follow You with trust and confidence.
Wednesday: Luke 9
Key Points:
- Jesus sends out the twelve disciples, giving them power and authority over demons and disease. The disciples are called to preach the Kingdom of God and heal the sick. Jesus teaches them to depend on God rather than their own resources. We are still called today to go out and preach. We are still called by God to rely on Him and not our own resources.
- Herod hears about Jesus and is confused and disturbed about who Jesus really is. Many people upon hearing about Jesus can be confused. Why does He live this way? Who would care for people that way? It is our job to answer people’s confusion about Jesus with biblical truths of who He is and what He’s done.
- Jesus feeds five thousand people with five loaves and two fish. Jesus shows compassion for the crowd and proves that God can provide in impossible situations.
- Jesus asks His disciples who they believe He is. Peter confesses that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah of God.
- Jesus predicts His suffering, death, and resurrection.
- Jesus teaches that following Him requires denying yourself and taking up your cross daily. This means daily choosing the things of God over the things of this world.
- Jesus warns that gaining the world is meaningless if it costs your soul. No earthly reward is worth an eternal punishment.
- Jesus is transfigured on the mountain. Jesus’ glory is revealed, and God the Father declares that Jesus is His Son. The disciples are told to listen to Him.
- Jesus heals a demon-possessed boy after the disciples are unable to. Jesus emphasizes faith and dependence on God. We can do no good deed apart from God.
- The disciples argue about who is the greatest. Jesus teaches that greatness in God’s Kingdom is found in humility and serving others. People should follow Jesus’s model of greatness, which is serving the least of these.
- Jesus warns against rejection and teaches about the cost of following Him.
- Some are willing to follow Jesus only if it is convenient. We should hope that is never true of us. We shouldn’t be people who only follow Jesus when it’s convenient, like at church or around our parents, but we should be followers who proclaim, profess, and obey Jesus in every circumstance.
What does it look like for you to deny yourself and take up your cross daily?
In what areas do you struggle to depend fully on God?
How can you practice humility and service instead of seeking recognition?
Application:
Luke 9 challenges us to move from curiosity about Jesus to full commitment. The disciples are given authority and sent out, reminding us that following Jesus means trusting God’s provision and stepping out in faith. Jesus’ miracles show His compassion and power, but His call to deny ourselves reveals the true cost of discipleship. When Jesus asks, “Who do you say that I am?” He makes faith personal. Knowing facts about Jesus is not enough; we must decide who He is to us. Only when we confess that He is Lord, do we truly follow Him. Following Him means surrendering control, embracing sacrifice, and trusting that His way leads to true life. The disciples’ argument about greatness shows how easy it is to focus on status rather than service. Jesus reminds us that in God’s Kingdom, humility matters more than recognition. Luke 9 calls us to listen to Jesus, trust Him fully, and follow Him without conditions.
Daily Encouragement:
Whom can you serve this Week?
Prayer:
Help us truly understand who You are and respond with faith and obedience. Teach us to deny ourselves, trust Your provision, and follow You daily. Remove pride from our hearts and replace it with humility and a desire to serve others. Give us the courage to follow You fully, even when it is difficult.
Thursday: Luke 10
Key Points:
- Jesus sends out seventy-two followers in pairs, showing that ministry is meant to be shared and that the mission of God involves ordinary believers, not just the twelve. Evangelism should be done in community. The Christian walk is meant to be done in community.
- Jesus says the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few, teaching that there are many people ready to hear the gospel, but few willing to go and share it.
- Jesus sends them with little provision, calling them to rely on God rather than their own resources or comfort.
- He warns that they are like lambs among wolves, making it clear that following Him will involve rejection, hardship, and opposition.
- 1 Peter 5: 8-9
- 8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
- They are instructed to bring peace and proclaim that the Kingdom of God has come near.
- Jesus makes clear that rejecting the message is serious, and people are accountable for how they respond to the truth of God. You can’t claim ignorance. We will all be judged by our response to the gospel. We are called to obey it.
- The disciples return rejoicing in the power they experienced, but Jesus redirects their joy toward salvation, reminding them that knowing God matters more than spiritual success. We must also remember that spiritual success comes from God, not our own ability. God uses Balaam’s donkey in the Old Testament. If God can use a donkey to accomplish His will, we shouldn’t boast when He uses us to do His work.
- Jesus praises the Father for revealing truth to the humble rather than the proud or self-reliant.
- A lawyer asks Jesus how to inherit eternal life, and Jesus points him back to loving God completely and loving others genuinely.
- The lawyer tries to justify himself by asking, “Who is my neighbor?” revealing our tendency to limit obedience. We want clear parameters instead of looking at the heart of the law.
- Jesus tells the Parable of the Good Samaritan, showing that true love crosses boundaries and costs something. When we love others it can be difficult. We may have to love people we have nothing in common with.
- Religious leaders pass by the wounded man, while the Samaritan shows mercy, teaching that compassion matters more than religious appearance. The Samaritan shouldn’t have been the one to help, but he did it.
- Jesus ends the parable by calling for action, not just understanding. We are called to live out what He teaches, not to just understand God’s word.
- Jesus visits Mary and Martha, showing the tension between busyness and devotion. Mary chooses to sit at Jesus’ feet and listen, while Martha is distracted by many tasks. Jesus teaches that being with Him is the better portion and should take priority over even good activities. There is nothing more important than being in Jesus’s presence. We can’t let how busy life can become take us away from Jesus.
In what ways do we sometimes try to limit whom we are called to love, like the lawyer asking, “Who is my neighbor?”
Do you relate more to Martha or Mary right now? Why?
What things in your life, even good things, might be distracting you from simply sitting at Jesus’ feet?
Application:
Augustine once said, “What does love look like? It has the hands to help others, the feet to hasten to the poor and needy, the eyes to see misery and want.” The Good Samaritan models this kind of love. It moves toward suffering instead of avoiding it. Jesus teaches that real faith expresses itself through compassion, even when it is inconvenient or costly. Martin Luther emphasized that good works are not done to earn salvation, but flow naturally from a heart transformed by grace. In Luke 10, the Samaritan doesn’t help to prove he is righteous; he helps because mercy has taken hold of him. Likewise, our love for others should be the result of a heart shaped by Christ. Finally, Jesus’ interaction with Mary and Martha reminds us that activity for God must never replace intimacy with God. John Calvin wrote that “the human heart is an idol factory,” meaning we can turn even good things like service, busyness, or responsibility, into ultimate things. Jesus calls us first to sit with Him, listen to Him, and let everything else flow from that relationship. Following Jesus means going when He sends, loving without limits, and resting at His feet. When we keep these in the right order, our lives reflect the Kingdom of God in a broken world.
Daily Encouragement:
How can you make your life less busy?
Prayer:
Thank You for calling us to follow You and for showing us what true love looks like. Teach us to depend on You rather than ourselves, to love others with compassion and courage, and to never let busyness replace our time with You. Help us to be doers of Your Word, shaped by mercy and grounded in Your presence. We want to choose the better portion, which is you.
Friday: Luke 11
Key Points
- Jesus teaches His disciples how to pray, emphasizing intimacy with God, dependence on Him for daily needs, forgiveness, and reliance on God’s protection rather than self-strength. All of these things are essential to the Christian walk.
- Jesus encourages persistence in prayer, using the illustration of a friend at midnight to show that God is not annoyed by our requests but invites bold, continual prayer. We can never over-pray. We are called to pray consistently.
- Jesus assures His followers that the Father delights in giving good gifts, especially the Holy Spirit, to those who ask Him.
- Jesus casts out a demon, and some accuse Him of using Satan’s power. Jesus exposes the illogic of their accusation, teaching that a divided kingdom cannot stand.
- Jesus warns that removing evil without filling one’s life with God leaves a person vulnerable to greater spiritual danger, highlighting the need for true transformation, not surface change. We must fill every hole in our life, mind, and heart with Jesus. We can’t just empty those things of evil, but we must fill them back up with Jesus, so that evil can’t creep back in.
- A woman praises Jesus’ mother, but Jesus redirects the focus, teaching that true blessing comes from hearing the Word of God and obeying it.
- Jesus confronts the Pharisees and religious leaders for their hypocrisy, exposing how they focus on outward religious behavior while neglecting justice, love for God, and humility.
- Jesus pronounces woes on the religious leaders for burdening others with rules while refusing to help them, revealing the danger of spiritual pride and empty religion.
What stands out to you about how Jesus teaches His disciples to pray?
Do you find it easy or difficult to be persistent in prayer? Why?
Are there areas where you are trying to clean up behavior without allowing God to change your heart?
How can you move from simply hearing God’s Word to truly living it out?
Application:
Charles Spurgeon once said, “Prayer is the slender nerve that moves the muscle of omnipotence.” Persistence in prayer is not about wearing God down, but about shaping our hearts to trust Him more fully. When we pray continually, we acknowledge that we are not self-sufficient, but that we need God in everything. Jesus’ strong rebuke of the Pharisees warns us of the danger of outward religion without inward transformation. John Owen taught that sin must be dealt with at the heart level, not merely through behavior modification. If we remove sin but do not replace it with obedience, Scripture, and the Spirit’s work, our lives remain spiritually empty. Luke 11 calls us to examine whether our faith is external or internal, whether we merely know God’s commands or actually obey them. True blessing comes not from association with Jesus, but from hearing His Word and doing it.
Daily Encouragement:
How can you refill your life with God?
Prayer:
Thank You for inviting us into a relationship where we can come to You freely and boldly. Teach us to pray with trust, persistence, and humility. Guard our hearts from hypocrisy and empty religion, and help us not just to hear Your Word but to obey it. Fill us with Your Spirit so that our lives are transformed from the inside out. We depend on You for everything.