Daily Bible Reading - January 2025, God’s Strengthening Word: Celebrating Unity in Christ JesusSample

Introduction

Luke 3:1–20: John preaches in the desert, preparing people for the coming of God’s chosen one, Jesus. He warns the people to repent of their sins, and he speaks about how God wants people to live. The reading concludes with a reference to John being imprisoned by Herod, the ruler of Galilee, for reprimanding Herod about marrying his brother’s wife and for other evil things he had done.

Today’s Key Verse: Luke 3:18

In many different ways John preached the Good News to the people and urged them to change their ways.

Reflect

Baptizing people with water symbolized the old way of life being washed away. John’s message to the people who came to be baptized was blunt. What was his message? What things did he say that might have upset them? Is John’s message relevant for today? Why or why not?

Pray

Thank you, God, for your messengers like John the Baptist who preach of repentance and forgiveness of sins. Help me to see the things in my life for which I need to repent and seek your forgiveness. Open my eyes to the needs of others and empower me to speak out against injustice. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Luke 3:21–38: Jesus is baptized and his identity is revealed.