Instead of going through the four Gospels in the order in which they are written, you will be reading various parts so that you will have a fairly chronological biography of Jesus’ life.
Luke 1:1-4; John 1:1-18 Beginnings
Have you personally received Jesus as your Savior and become a child of God?
Luke 1:5-25 The Angel and Zacharias
How would you react to an angel’s visit?
Luke 1:26-56 Mary and Elizabeth
What gives you joy in your life?
Luke 1:57-80 John the Baptist Is Born
When did you last say thank you to your parents?
Matthew 1:1-25 A Family Tree
Which of these people have you read about in the Old Testament?
Luke 2:1-20 Jesus Is Born!
What does Christmas mean to you?
Luke 2:21-39 Jesus’ First Trip to Church
How would you react to holding Jesus when he was a baby?
Matthew 2:1-12 Foreign Visitors
What gifts have you ever given Christ?
Matthew 2:13-23 Escape and Return
How has knowing God brought excitement into your life?
Luke 2:41-52 Jesus in the Temple Again
What four words would summarize your teenage years?
Mark 1:1-13 Baptism and Temptation
What are your most difficult temptations?
John 1:19-34 John the Baptist and Jesus
To whom did you last talk about Christ?
John 1:35-51 Jesus’ First Disciples
How would someone know that you’re a disciple of Jesus?
John 2:1-25 Jesus and Surprises
How has Christ been unpredictable in your life?
John 3:1-21 Jesus and Nicodemus
When did you first meet Jesus? How?
John 3:22-36; Luke 3:19-20 John Gets into Trouble
When has knowing Christ ever gotten you into trouble?
John 4:1-42 Jesus Changes a Town
In what ways has Jesus affected your town?
John 4:43-54 Jesus Preaching and Healing
Why do you believe in Christ?
Luke 4:16-30 Jesus Rejected
How would Jesus be received in your church next Sunday?
Mark 1:16-39 Jesus Calls People to Follow
What specific things have you left behind to follow Christ?
Luke 5:1-39 Miracles and Questions
How do Jesus’ miracles affect you today?
John 5:1-47 Jesus Demonstrates He Is God’s Son
What do you find most attractive about Jesus?
Mark 2:23-28; Mark 3:1-19 Jesus and Disciples
How would Jesus treat your personal traditions?
Matthew 5:1-16 Jesus Gives the Beatitudes
Which of these attitudes most needs to be in your life today?
Matthew 5:17-30 Jesus on Law, Anger, and Lust
How do Jesus’ views compare with yours?
Matthew 5:31-48 Jesus on Relationships
What part of your life could be most radically changed by these words?
Matthew 6:1-18 Jesus on Doing Good Things
How do your public and private lives compare?
Matthew 6:19-34 Jesus on Money and Worry
In what ways are money and worry related in your life?
Matthew 7:1-12 Jesus on Criticizing and Praying
Which one are you most persistent in doing? Why?
Matthew7:13-29 How Jesus Looks at Us
What is your foundation in life?
Luke 7:1-17 Jesus and Foreigners
What is your attitude toward foreigners? How can you show them God’s love?
Matthew 11:1-30 Jesus Describes John
How would you want Jesus to summarize your life?
Luke 7:36-50; Luke 8:1-3 Jesus and Women
How would you have fit into the group that followed Jesus?
Matthew 12:22-50 Troubles for Jesus
When are you tempted to have Jesus prove himself to you?
Mark 4:1-29 Jesus Seeks, Seeds, and Weeds
What kind of soil is your life right now?
Matthew 13:24-43 More of Jesus’ Parables
How concerned are you about the eternal fates of the people you know?
Matthew 13:44-52 Even More Parables
How and where did you find the hidden treasure?
Luke 8:22-56 Jesus in Control
Which of these examples gives you greatest comfort?
Matthew 9:27-38 The Concerns of Jesus
How do you picture Jesus caring for you?
Mark 6:1-13 Some Don’t Listen; Some Need to Hear
How clear an idea do you have of what God wants you to do?
Matthew 10:16-42 Jesus Prepares His Disciples
In what ways do Jesus’ words speak to the fears you have?
Mark 6:14-29 Herod Kills John the Baptist
How do you most want to be like John the Baptist?
Matthew 14:13-36 Jesus: Cook, Water Walker, Healer
Would you have been more likely to step out with Peter or to stay in the boat? Why?
John 6:22-40 Jesus Is the Bread from Heaven
How is Jesus “bread” to you?
John 6:41-71 Jesus Criticized and Deserted
How do you react when you hear critical or derogatory comments about Jesus?
Mark 7:1-37 Jesus Teaches and Creates Purity
What would God have to do to improve the purity of your life?
Matthew 15:32-39; Matthew 16:1-12 Jesus Feeds and Warns
How do you evaluate what you hear?
Mark 8:22- 38; Mark 9:1 Peter Identifies Jesus
In what specific ways have you come to understand Jesus better in the last few weeks?
Luke 9:28-45 Jesus Is Transfigured
Would you rather leave the world and be with Christ or be with Christ in the world?
Matthew 17:24-27; Matthew 18:1-6 Who’s the Greatest?
When do you worry about status?
Mark 9:38-50 Who’s on Our Side?
How do you respond to the beliefs of others?
Matthew 18:10-22 Jesus as He Teaches
How do you react to the failures of others?
John 7:1-31 Jesus Out in the Open
Which of Jesus’ teachings are difficult for you to accept?
John 7:32-53 A Warrant for Jesus’ Arrest
What does it mean to have “rivers of living water” flowing from within you?
John 8:1-20 Jesus: Forgiveness and Light
Who is the last person you had to forgive?
John 8:21-59 Jesus: Giver of Freedom
How has Christ made you free?
Luke 10:1-24 Jesus Sends Seventy Messengers
What would have been most exciting about this trip for you?
Luke 10:25-42 Jesus Tells a Story and Visits Friends
Who has been a good Samaritan to you?
Luke 11:1-13 Jesus Teaches about Prayer
How could your prayer habits be improved?
Luke 11:14-32 Accusations and Unbelief
What are your strongest reasons for being a faithful follower of Christ?
Luke 11:33-54 Real Spirituality versus Unreal Spirituality
Who has noticed light in your life recently?
Luke 12:1-21 Religious and Rich Fools
In what situations do you get too caught up in the goals of this world?
Luke 12:22-48 Jesus Warns about Worry
Do you feel worried or hopeful when you think about the future? Why?
Luke 12:49-59 Jesus Warns about Troubles
What examples have you seen of the problems Jesus mentions?
Luke 13:1-21 Jesus and the Kingdom of God
When in your life would Jesus have to call for your repentance?
John 9:1-41 Jesus and a Blind Man
What different stages of “seeing” have been part of your life?
John 10:1-18 Jesus Is the Good Shepherd
How have you experienced God’s guidance in your life?
Luke 13:22-35 Jesus: The King Who Grieves
How do you feel about those around you who don’t know Christ?
Luke 14:1-14 Jesus on Seeking Honor
When would others say that you look out for yourself too much?
Luke 14:15-35 Jesus on Being His Disciple
What is it going to cost you to be a follower of Jesus? Are you willing to pay the price?
Luke 15:1-10 Two Parables of Losing and Finding
How do these stories help you understand God’s love for you?
Luke 15:11-32 A Son Who Was Found
In what ways is this story like your life?
Luke 16:1-18 The Parable of the Shrewd Accountant
What does it mean to be an hones person?
Luke 16:19-31 The Rich Man and the Beggar
Where are the poor people in your community? Whom do you know who is poor? How can you help the poor?
John 11:1-36 Lazarus Dies
In what situations have you been disappointed with God?
John 11:37-57 Jesus Raises Lazarus
How would you have felt watching Lazarus walk out of the tomb?
Luke 17:1-19 Jesus and Ten Lepers
For what are you thankful to God?
Luke 17:20-37 Jesus and the Kingdom of God
What difference would it make in your life if Jesus returned today?
Luke 18:1-14 Jesus Teaches about Prayer
What is the attitude of your prayers?
Mark 10:1-16 Jesus on Family Matters
How far will you go to keep your word?
Mark 10:17-31 Jesus and the Rich Man
What is the most difficult thing Jesus could ask you to give up?
Matthew 20:1-19 A Parable about Equal Pay
How often are you jealous of what God has given to someone else?
Mark 10:35-52 Jesus on Serving Others
In what ways are you learning to be a servant?
Luke 19:1-27 Jesus and Zacchaeus
What personal physical characteristic has most affected how you feel about yourself?
John 12:1-11 A Woman Anoints Jesus
What have you ever “wasted” as an expression of love for Christ?
Matthew 21:1-17 Jesus Rides into Jerusalem
If you had been part of the crowd that day, what would have been your most lasting memory?
John 12:20-36 Jesus Explains Why He Must Die
How would you explain to someone why Jesus had to die on the cross?
John 12:37-50 Jesus and His Message
What kinds of pressures make you hesitant to tell others about your belief in Christ?
Mark 11:20-33 Permission to Pray for Anything
How bold is your prayer life?
Matthew 21:28-46 Two Parables
Which son do you resemble most?
Matthew 22:1-14 Jesus Tells about the Wedding Feasts
At what point in your life did you realize that you were invited? How did you respond?
Luke 20:20-40 Jesus Answers Questions
How do you really feel about living forever?
Mark 12:28-37 Questions Given and Taken
Whom do you know who is not far from the Kingdom of God?
Matthew 23:1-39 Jesus: Warnings and Grieving
Which of these seven warnings most directly relate to your life?
Luke 21:1-24 Jesus Talks about the Future
What do your giving habits say about your level of trust in God?
Luke 21:25-38 Jesus on Being Prepared
What does your schedule today say about your watchfulness?
Matthew 25:1-30 Parables about Being Prepared
With which of the people in these two stories do you identify most?
Matthew 25:31-46 Jesus on the Final Judgment
What people in your life are you treating in ways you would want to treat Christ?
Luke 22:1-13 Preparing the Last Supper
How do you prepare yourself for Communion?
John 13:1-20 Jesus Washes His Disciples’ Feet
What is the greats service someone has done for you? How do you serve others?
John 13:21-38 A Sad Prediction
How well do you feel Christ knows you?
John 14:1-14 Jesus Is the Way
How would you rate your present level of understanding of Christ and His teachings?
John 14:15-31 Jesus Promises the Comforter
How have you experienced the Comforter?
John 15:1-16 Jesus on the Vine and the Branches
What kind of fruit has the Gardener produced in you?
John 14:17-16:4 Jesus Warns about Troubles
What have you learned recently about loving others?
John 16:5-33 Jesus on the Holy Spirit and Prayers
Where in these verses do you find peace of heart and mind?
John 17:1-26 Jesus Prays
Where do you find yourself in this prayer?
Mark 14:26-52 A Repeated Prediction
What practical prayer problems do you need to work on?
John 18:1-24 Jesus Betrayed and Abandoned
How close have you come to Peter’s denial of Christ?
Matthew 26:57-75 Trial and Denial
In what ways has being a follower of Jesus complicated your life?
Matthew 27:1-10 The Religious Trial and Judas’ Death
When you think of sin’s consequences, what personal examples come to mind?
Luke 23:1-12 Two Political Trials
In what ways did your childhood and background prepare you to respond to Jesus?
Mark 15:6-24 Sentencing and Torture
Was there a time you chose to do the wrong thing on purpose? Why? What happened?
Luke 23:32-49 Jesus Crucified
What do you feel when you read the description of the Crucifixion?
Matthew 27:57-66 Jesus’ Body Laid in a Guarded Tomb
What have you seen people do in their resistance to Christ?
John 20:1-18 Jesus Is Alive!
What makes Easter an important celebration in your life?
Matthew 28:8-15 Reactions to the Resurrection
What would be your first words to Jesus if he appeared to you?
Luke 24:13-43 Appearances of Jesus
Would you recognize Jesus if you saw Him today? How?
John 20:24-31; John 21:1-14 More Appearances of Jesus
How has Christ answered your doubts?
John 21:15-25 Jesus Talks with Peter
What difference would it make to you to read theses verses with your name in the place of Simon Peter’s?
Matthew 28:16-20 Jesus Gives the Great Commission
What are you doing specifically to obey Christ’s words?
Luke 24:44-53 Jesus Says Farewell
How do you find Christ opening your mind as you read the Bible?
Acts 1:1-11 The Departure of Jesus
What one thing would you be sure to do if you knew Jesus was coming back today?
Acts 1:12-26 First Things First
What is your idea of the right amount of time for prayer?
Acts 2:1-13 An Amazing Gift
What is the main purpose of any gift God might have given you?
Acts 2:14-20 Peter’s First Sermon
How would you put this sermon into your own words?
Acts 2:41-47; Acts 3:1-11 Daily Life in the Early Church
What part of these early days would you have enjoyed the most?
Acts 3:12-26; Acts 4:1-4 Peter’s Second Sermon
If you were given three minutes to tell the story of your spiritual life, what would you say?
Acts 4:5-22 Hostile Reactions
What excuses are you most likely to use to keep from sharing your faith?
Acts 4:23-37 Praying and Sharing
When was the last time you shared something with someone else?
Acts 5:1-16 Strange Events
How often are you tempted to take God lightly?
Acts 5:17-42 Arrested?
How do you react when you are treated unfairly?
Acts 6:1-15 Stephen: Special Servant
What specific responsibilities do you have in your local church?
Acts 7:1-29 History Review I
How familiar are you becoming with “His story” in history?
Acts 7:30-60 History Review II
In what ways would you want to be more life Stephen?
Acts 8:1-25 Benefits of Persecution
Which difficulties in your life has God used to help you grow spiritually?
Acts 8:26-40 Unexpected Appointment
What have you done about baptism?
Acts 9:1-19 Paul Meets Jesus
What unusual events has God used to catch your attention?
Acts 9:20-31 Paul’s New Life
What are three ways that Christ has changed your life?
Acts 9:32-42 God Uses Peter
This past week, what special ability did you use to meet someone’s need?
Acts 10:1-23 Peter Sees a Lesson
What lessons has God had to repeat in your life?
Acts 10:24-48 Peter Learns a Lesson
How has God helped you change your mind about some attitudes?
Acts 11:1-18 Gentiles Get a Chance
On which of your prejudices is God still working?
Acts 11:19-29 Christians Helping One Another
What do you do when you hear stories of extreme poverty or hardship among Christians in other parts of the world?
Acts 12:1-25 A Great Escape and Capital Punishment
How do you react when God answers your prayers?
Acts 13:1-12 Paul and Barnabas: Travel Preaching
What Christians do you know who might help you discover more clearly how God wants you to invest your time and abilities?
Acts 14:1-28 Response and Reaction
How does the Gospel act like Good News in your life?
Acts 15:1-21 A Church Conference
How important is it for you to talk problems over with other Christians?
Acts 15:22-41 The Gentiles Are Accepted
In what ways is God affecting the way you live and plan?
Acts 16:1-15 Paul, Silas, and Timothy
How would you describe the spiritual team of which you are a part?
Acts 16:16-40 Adventures in Jail
How would you react to God using a difficult situation of yours to help another person discover Him?
Acts 17:1-15 Different Responses from Two Cities
What part does the Bible play in your evaluation of what you hear and read?
Acts 17:16-34 Paul in Athens
What unconscious symbols of God’s presence do you see around you in society?
Acts 19:1-20 Paul in Ephesus
In what situations are you most likely to become discouraged?
Acts 19:21-41 The Riot
When are you most likely to forget that God is in control?
Acts 20:1-12 Sleeping in Church
How does God respond to your human weaknesses?
Acts 20:13-38 Saying Good-bye to Ephesus
When have painful good-byes worked for the best in your life?
Acts 21:1-17 Difficult Decision
What hard decisions do you have to make?
Acts 21:18-36 Paul in Jerusalem
How important is it to respect the consciences of others?
Acts 21:37-22:29 Paul Speaks
How can you relate what Paul is saying to what God has done in your life?
Acts 22:30-23:22 A Plan to Kill Paul
How well do you know your rights and fulfill your responsibilities as a citizen of your country?
Acts 23:23-24: Acts 27 Paul in Prison
What would be harder for you, the pressure or the prison?
Acts 25:1-27 Paul Speaks to Festus
If Christianity were outlawed, what evidence could be brought against you to prove you are a Christian?
Acts 26:1-32 Paul Speaks to Agrippa
How comfortable are you in explaining your faith?
Acts 27:1-26 The Storm at Sea
What is your attitude when you are going through difficulties as a part of a group?
Acts 27:27-44 The Shipwreck
What disasters in your life has God used to teach you?
Acts 28:1-14 The Winter on Malta
How often are you aware of God in everyday occurrences?
Acts 28:15-31 Paul in Rome
What would you most like to be doing when your time on this earth is over?
Romans 5:1-11 Faith Brings Joy
When was the last time you thanked God for all He’s done for you?
Romans 8:1-18 Truly Free from Sin
In what areas are you still struggling with your sinful nature?
Romans 8:19-39 How God Loves
What things do you sometimes feel might be able to separate you from the love of Christ?
Romans 12:1-21 Living Sacrifice
What act of living sacrifice might God allow you to do today?
1 Corinthians 13:1-13 Real Love
Which quality of real love do you most need to ask God to increase in your life?
1 Corinthians 15:1-20 The Basic Gospel
What parts of the Gospel are especially helpful to you in times of doubt or stress?
1 Corinthians 15:42-58 Destiny!
How much are you looking forward to all Christ has planned for you?
2 Corinthians 4:1-18 Weak Containers; Strong Contents
With which of the four difficult situations Paul mentions do you identify most clearly?
Galatians 5:13-26 Two Radically Different Lives
Who comes to mind as someone who you need to love as you love yourself?
Ephesians 1:3-23 God’s Action
In what ways has God marked your life?
Ephesians 2:1-22 God’s Plan
When have you recently reminded yourself and God that you want your life to be used for His purposes?
Ephesians 4:1-16 Picture of the Church
What is your role in Christ’s body?
Ephesians 6:10-20 Armor of God
Which of these weapons do you need to learn to use better?
Philippians 2:1-18 The Mind of Jesus
In what ways would having Christ’s attitude make you face this day differently?
Philippians 3:1-21 Learning Joy
What areas of your life could God be using to teach you joy?
Colossians 2:1-15 What We Have in Christ
What dangerous philosophy is present in your environment that could affect your relationship with Christ?
Colossians 3:1-17 Christian Relationships
What do you envision when you think about Heaven?
1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 Spiritual Reputation
How do you think others would evaluate your spiritual life?
1 Thessalonians 4:1-18 Living for God
What specific action could you take today simply out of obedience to God?
2 Thessalonians 1:1-12 Encouragement
What other Christians could you encourage today?
2 Thessalonians 3:1-18 Final Requests
How aware and involved are you in the worldwide spread of the Gospel?
1 Timothy 4:1-16 Always Going Forward
Which of these positive commands need to be given a higher priority in your life?
1 Timothy 6:3-21 A Friend’s Final Words
How does your attitude toward money match Paul’s advice?
2 Timothy 1:1-18 The Importance of Examples
Who has been a good spiritual example for you? How can you thank him or her?
2 Timothy 3:1-17 Last Days
How many of these characteristics are part of your world today?
Titus 3:1-11; Philemon 1:4-7 Good Counsel
Which of these commands apply directly to your life?
Hebrews 10:19-39 The New Life
What do your prayer habits and church habits say about the real importance of faith in your life?
Hebrews 11:1-40 A Review of Faith
How deep is your commitment to Christ?
Hebrews 12:1-13 Our Turn
Which of the directions would have a significant impact on your faith?
James 1:2-27 Tough Times, Happy People
In what difficulty could you use the “James plan” right now?
James 2:1-13 Valuing Other People
Which tendencies do you have to watch out for in how you treat others?
James 3:1-12 Words as Weapons
How sharp would others consider your tongue?
1 Peter 2:1-25 Living Stones
Which would you choose as the biggest personal challenge in these verses?
1 Peter 3:1-22 Relationships and Pain
How willing are you to carry out your relationships God’s way, even when there are difficulties?
2 Peter 1:2-21 Knowing God
How would you answer someone who asked you what it means to know God?
1 John 1:1-10 The Way of Forgiveness
What part does confession have in your life?
1 John 3:1-24 God Is Love
How can you tell if your love is growing?
1 John 5:1-21 The Life God Gives
How do you know that you have eternal life?
2 John 1:4-6; 3 John 1:5-8; Jude 1:17-25 Family Matters
How often do you go out of your ways to meet the needs of other Christians?
Revelation 1:1-20 Jesus the King
How would you describe your mental picture of Jesus?
Revelation 21:1-27 Everything Made New
What difference do you think you will most notice between the new world and the old?
Revelation 22:1-21 Life in the New City
When was the last time you were excited about heaven?