November 11th - 15th | Student Reading Plan
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.
Tuesday: Matthew 26
Key Points
- Jesus once again prophecies His own death.
- A woman anoints Jesus. This once again points to the fact that He is the king of kings. Royalty such as David were anointed with oil.
- Judas’s greed caused him to betray Jesus. Our desires if left unchecked can lead us to betray Jesus or His desire for our life.
- Judas tries to act as if Jesus doesn’t know His heart. It seems foolish. We often try to act innocent, or as if we aren’t struggling in life or with a sin. Even though Jesus knows our heart, He knows what were going through.
- Verses 26-29 explain the institution of communion. Communion is is a symbolic act of obedience whereby believers memorialize the death of Jesus Christ and anticipate His return. The bread and cup represent His body and blood, serving as a reminder of His sacrifice and a testimony of the believer’s faith in Him.
- Jesus then predicts Peter betraying Jesus.
- Jesus at the most important time of His life spends time in Prayer. He is praying so profusely that Jesus is sweating blood. During this time, His disciples couldn’t even stay awake. They were sleeping instead of praying.
- When Jesus was arrested, He didn’t resist God’s plan. He followed through knowing what would happen to Him.
- Jesus was silent. Jesus spoke the truth even in danger. The pharisees mocked Him. They spit on the savior and tore His robes.
- Peter denies Jesus three times. He fulfills the prophecy of Jesus. While Jesus is being mocked, slapped, and spit on Peter is denying Jesus.
How can people go from praising Jesus to being put on trial?
Why is communion so important?
Why is it so powerful to see Jesus in prayer? How can we also be passionate prayer warriors in times of need?
Application:
In this chapter, we see one of the most heartbreaking contrasts in Scripture which is how quickly people’s devotion to Jesus can fade when following Him becomes difficult. Only days earlier, crowds were shouting “Hosanna!” as Jesus entered Jerusalem. Now, He faces betrayal, denial, and abandonment. The same people who once praised Him are the ones who will soon call for His crucifixion. We do this when we go from praising Jesus at church, to disobeying Him at home or school. Jesus knew what was coming. He again prophesied His own death, showing His full awareness and obedience to the Father’s plan. Even in the shadow of the cross, He was anointed with oil which is a reminder that He is the King of Kings, worthy of worship and honor. Yet, while one woman poured out her love and devotion, Judas chose greed over grace. His unchecked desire for money led him to betray the Savior of the world. It’s a sobering picture of how our own desires, when not surrendered to God, can lead us to betray His purpose in our lives.
Daily Encouragement:
Write down some ways that Jesus is worthy of our praise. Things that He has done and character qualities.
Prayer:
Jesus, thank You for showing unwavering faithfulness even when those around You turned away. You were betrayed, denied, and mocked, yet You remained obedient to the Father’s will. Forgive me for the times I have praised You with my words but failed to follow You with my actions. Guard my heart from divided devotion and selfish desires that lead me away from You.
Wednesday: Matthew 27
Key Points:
- Jesus is delivered to Pilot.
- Israel was ruled by Rome so, they had Romans who were there ruling and Pilot was one of them.
- Judas hung himself. Instead of trying to atone for his sin or asking for forgiveness, Judas hung himself. This is never the answer. There is no sin that Jesus can’t forgive you of. You have to go to Him when you feel guilt or shame.
- Jesus was silent as Pilot brought forth the accusations.
- The crowd chose Barabas over Jesus. He was a murderer. He was a bad person. Yet, the crowd preferred him to the savior. Jesus was the one who had healed their children, Jesus had cast out demons. Jesus fed thousands of people and yet, they still preferred a murderer to Him. Often, we too are guilty of this. Jesus has done all of these amazing things in our lives and for us and yet, we still choose our own sin, or our own desires, or we choose our boyfriend or girlfriend over Jesus.
- Pilot washed his hands clean and handed over Jesus to be crucified.
- Jesus is mocked, beaten, and stripped of dignity. This is the King of Heaven. Going through this torture, humiliation, and suffering for you and me and for the very people who called for His death. He endures this with no hesitation that is love. A love we aren’t worthy of yet, Jesus gives it to us freely when we don’t deserve it.
- As Jesus walks, they continue to mock Him. Jesus remains silent. He doesn’t chirp back. This fulfilled Isaiah 53:7
- He was oppressed, and he was afflicted,
- yet he opened not his mouth;
- like a lamb that is led to the slaughter,
- and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent,
- so he opened not his mouth.
- Jesus calls out to God from the cross.
- The veil is torn in the temple from top to bottom. This signifies that Jesus the great intercessor, gave us access to God. Before, only the high priest could go into the holly of hollies and be in direct presence of God. After, Jesus died on the cross. He made it to where you and I could have access to the King of Kings, God Himself. One of the many other miracles of Jesus death and resurrection.
- Jesus raised people from the dead while He was on the cross.
- Jesus was buried. This was the most hopeless moment in human history. The savior of the world is dead. Thankfully, Jesus wouldn’t remain in this tomb.
- Matthew includes that the tomb was sealed. So, they could further prove Jesus was truly resurrected.
Have you ever pondered on the suffering Jesus endured on the Cross?
What does it mean to you that Jesus died for you while you were still a sinner?
How does this comfort you when you suffer, knowing Jesus endured suffering Himself?
Application:
Matthew 27 paints one of the darkest and most heartbreaking scenes in all of Scripture, the innocent Son of God handed over to die. It’s a chapter that reveals both the depth of human sin and the unmatched depth of God’s love.Jesus is brought before Pilate, a Roman governor with earthly power but no real understanding of heavenly truth. Accused and mocked, Jesus remains silent. He could have defended Himself. He could have called down angels. Yet, He chose silence and not because He was powerless, but because He was fulfilling His Father’s plan. His silence speaks louder than words: a Savior willing to endure humiliation and pain for the sake of love. As the crowd chooses Barabbas ,a murderer , over Jesus, we see how easily people can prefer sin over salvation. They traded holiness for comfort, truth for popularity, and the Giver of life for a temporary release. It’s easy to judge them, but if we’re honest, we often do the same. Every time we choose our own desires, our pride, or our relationships over obedience to Jesus, we too echo that crowd’s cry: “Give us Barabbas.”Then Pilate washes his hands which was an outward symbol of innocence that can’t cleanse an inward heart. We can’t wash away our own guilt. Only Jesus’ blood can. As Jesus is beaten, mocked, and stripped of dignity, we’re reminded that the King of Heaven willingly took on shame to bring us glory. He endured what we deserved so that we could receive what He deserved which is life, hope, and access to God. When He breathed His last breath, the veil in the temple was torn from top to bottom. A sign that the barrier between God and man had been destroyed. Through Jesus, we now have direct access to God Himself. The chapter ends in silence. The tomb sealed, hope seemingly gone. But that sealed tomb wasn’t the end of the story. Even in the darkest moment, God was already preparing the resurrection.
Daily Encouragement:
Write a thank you note to Jesus. Thanking Him for what He did for you on the cross.
Prayer:
Jesus, thank You for Your incredible love and obedience. You stayed silent when the world accused You, and You endured suffering that I could never comprehend all so that I could be forgiven and free. You were mocked, beaten, and rejected, yet You never turned away. Thank You for choosing the cross instead of comfort, and for loving me even when I choose the world over You.
Thursday: Matthew 28
Key Points:
- Mary Magdalene and Mary are visited by an angel.
- The Angel says the best sentence ever uttered in Human history “He is not here, for He has risen.”
- Mary and Mary ran to tell the disciples. They were met by Jesus. How amazing it is that Jesus first visited women. At that time, women were viewed as lesser than men. However, they weren’t in Jesus’s eyes as He visited them first.
- The government pays the guards hush money. So, they won’t go telling people what happened.
- Jesus then delivered the great commission. Which is a charge for all believers to go out and to make disciples and to spread the gospel.
- If you look at yesterdays reading, you can see the beating the punishment Jesus endured for you and your sins. The least you can do is to go tell others about Jesus.
Why is it important Jesus visited women?
Why did the government pay the soldiers?
How can you fulfill the great commission?
Application:
Then Jesus appeared to His disciples and gave them one final command before ascending to heaven. This is what we call The Great Commission. He said:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”
This was more than a suggestion, it was a mission. Jesus didn’t just save us so we could keep the good news to ourselves; He saved us so we could share it. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is the power that sends us out to reach others. When we remember all that Jesus endured including the pain, the betrayal, the cross, it makes this command even more meaningful. If He suffered and died so we could live, the least we can do is live for Him by telling others who He is and what He’s done. Sharing the gospel isn’t always easy or comfortable, but it’s the greatest act of love we can offer. The Great Commission isn’t just for pastors or missionaries, it’s for every believer. You might not travel to another country, but you can live out this calling right where you are: by boldly sharing what Jesus has done in your life.
Daily Encouragement:
Write down some names of people who aren’t followers of Jesus. Pray for them everyday. Look for opportunities to share the gospel.
Prayer:
Jesus, thank You for conquering death and rising again. Because You live, I have hope and purpose. Thank You for trusting ordinary people like me to share the greatest message the world has ever heard. You could have chosen anyone or any way to spread Your truth, but You chose us to go and make disciples. Help me to fulfill that command.
Friday: Mark 1
Key Points:
- Mark was written by Mark. He was a close companion of Peter. His full name was John Mark.
- Mark was likely written between 50-70 AD. This is less than 100 years after Jesus.
- Matthew wrote to the Jewish people. Mark is writing to the Romans. He uses Roman time system. (Mark 6:48, 13:35)
- Mark presents Jesus as the suffering servant. He focuses more on the deeds of Jesus rather than the teaching or words of Jesus.
- Mark skips the genealogy and birth of Jesus.
- Mark is a very fast pace writer. Almost like an action movie director. He skips around to the action.
- Mark skips right into the action. He starts with John the Baptist preparing the way.
- We once again witness the baptism of Jesus. Where God officially ordains Jesus as His son and the rightful Messiah.
- Jesus begins His ministry after the imprisonment of John the Baptist.
- He begins proclaiming the gospel. He models what we should be doing as well.
- Jesus calls His disciples. He calls mere fishermen. He doesn’t call scholars or pharisees, but he calls fishermen and ordinary folk.
- Jesus casted out an unclean spirit. People realize He has power over everything.
- Jesus healed many. Jesus made time to minister to everyone.
- Jesus had pity on a leaper and healed him.
- The man possessed real faith in Jesus. He said “I will be clean” and then he was.
- Jesus became so popular that He couldn’t enter places.
Why would writing a gospel to a different people change the way you write?
Why did Mark skip genealogy, since he wasn’t writing to the Jewish people?
Do you have a faith like the leaper?
Application:
In Mark 1, Jesus begins His public ministry not by gathering scholars, religious leaders, or people with impressive resumes, but by calling a few ordinary fishermen. Simon (Peter), Andrew, James, and John were simple men doing their daily jobs when Jesus showed up and said, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Without hesitation, they dropped their nets and followed Him. What’s amazing about this moment is how normal it is. These men weren’t trained theologians, wealthy rulers, or powerful speakers. They were ordinary workers who were tired, imperfect, and probably unsure of what Jesus even meant. Yet, Jesus saw something in them that they couldn’t see in themselves. He wasn’t looking for people who were already qualified; He was looking for people who were willing. That’s the beauty of how Jesus calls us too. He doesn’t wait for us to have everything together before He invites us to follow Him. He meets us right where we are at our “boats” and “nets”, and gives us a purpose far greater than we could ever create for ourselves. When we say yes to His call, He begins to shape and equip us for His mission. The disciples had no idea what lay ahead: miracles, challenges, persecution, and transformation. But they didn’t need to know. All they needed to do was trust and follow. The same is true for us. When Jesus calls, obedience comes before understanding. We may not feel ready, but He promises to make us ready. Jesus doesn’t call the equipped but He equips the called. He takes ordinary people and does extraordinary things through them. The question isn’t whether you’re capable; it’s whether you’re willing to drop your “nets”, your comfort, plans, and excuses, and follow Him wherever He leads.
Daily Encouragement:
What is Jesus calling you to do in your life?
Prayer:
Jesus, thank You for calling ordinary people like me to follow You. You didn’t look for the strongest, smartest, or most talented, you looked for willing hearts. Thank You for reminding me that I don’t have to be perfect or have everything figured out before I can be used by You. Lord, help me to trust Your call even when it feels uncertain. Give me the courage to drop my “nets”, the things that keep me comfortable or distracted, and follow You fully. Teach me to rely on Your strength instead of my own abilities.
Saturday: Mark 2
Key Points:
- These men wanted to get their friend to Jesus. They did whatever means necessary. They got their friend in the presence of Jesus. This is what were called to do. To get everyone in need into the presence of Jesus.
- Jesus called a tax collector. This might have been the least popular profession at that time. Yet, Jesus called Levi/Matthew to follow Him.
- Jesus tells the pharisees that His disciples don’t fast because they are in the presence of God already through Jesus. You fast to draw yourself close to God. What is the point of doing that if the disciples are walking around with Jesus all day.
- Jesus is Lord over the Sabbath. He is Lord over every religious tradition and practice.
Would you do anything to get your friends in Jesus’s presence?
Why did Jesus call a tax collector?
Application:
In Mark 2, we see one of the most powerful pictures of faith and friendship in the entire Bible. Jesus was teaching in a packed house, so full that no one else could get in. But outside stood four friends carrying a paralyzed man, someone who couldn’t get to Jesus on his own. Instead of giving up, they climbed onto the roof, tore a hole in it, and lowered their friend down right in front of Jesus. Their determination is incredible. They faced obstacles, crowds, and probably criticism, but none of that stopped them. They believed that if they could just get their friend into Jesus’s presence, He would do what no one else could. And that’s exactly what happened.When Jesus saw their faith, He didn’t just heal the man’s body, but He forgave his sins. The man walked away completely changed, both physically and spiritually. This story reminds us that we’re not meant to follow Jesus alone. Sometimes faith means carrying someone else when they can’t carry themselves. It means praying for them, encouraging them, and doing whatever it takes to bring them closer to Jesus. Real friendship isn’t just about hanging out, but it’s about helping each other grow in faith.
Daily encouragement:
How can you encourage your Christian friends in their walk with the Lord?
Prayer:
Jesus, thank You for showing me what real faith and friendship look like through the story of the four friends. Their love, persistence, and belief inspire me. They didn’t let anything stop them from getting their friend to You, and because of their faith, a life was forever changed. Help me to have that kind of faith. Give me eyes to see the people around me who are hurting, stuck, or far from You. Teach me to love them enough to act and to pray, to reach out, to lift them up, and to bring them closer to You.