12-18 October 2026 (Exodus, Luke, Psalms)
Bible Reading Plan
Monday: Exodus 20:22-23:33
Tuesday: Exodus 24:1-18
Wednesday: Luke 9:51-10:42
Thursday: Luke 11:1-12:12
Friday: Reflection Day
Fluid (fit in any time): Psalm 16:1-11
Note: Italicised question are introduced at medium level
Reflection and Discussion Questions
Monday (Day 1): Exodus 20:22-23:33
Was Yahweh accepting of his people practicing idolatry? Was he particular and purposeful in the regulations He gave to Moses and His people?
Do you think Christians and their cultures around the world today should adapt their own worldviews to meet God’s will, or should God’s will be adapted to suit the worldview of each culture? Why? Can you think of examples around the world today that illustrate both examples?
What is the importance of remembering God and all that He has done for us?
Janzen (2000) summarises his Exodus 20:22-26 comments:
This introductory set of laws characterizes fitting worship as worship of one God, without images, with the help of a simple altar, in any place where God will reveal himself, and with practices respectful of the holiness of God represented by the altar. In its emphasis on fitting worship, this text lays the proper foundation for the regulations for everyday life that will follow. (p. 291)
Do you think the simplicity of worship for those who wish to find, praise, worship and pray to God is part of His design for us in Christianity?
Do you see the risk of praising the objects we make rather than God?
Do you think the temple in Jerusalem was seen as an object of worship, or the greatness of the Jewish people? Do you think there is a connection between the two that we need to be mindful of?
How do these questions relate to your society?
What are your thoughts regarding the regulations around slavery (cf. Ex. 21:1-11; Lev. 25; Dt. 15)? If used correctly, could slavery be a good thing? Why or why not?
Is the death penalty an appropriate option for Christian’s to have in society? Why or why not? Have a look into some commentaries and see why such harsh penalties were instructed.
Do you think a strict legal system based on righteousness a good thing for a young nation? Why or why not?
Do you think the rule of an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth (Ex. 21:26-27) is just or fair? If so, why change the rule? What benefit does it bring? Are there potential costs of changing it?
What is the importance of having rules for what animals do (e.g. Ex. 21:28-36)? Is this excessive? Why or why not?
Looking at all the errors listed here, it is evident that people can think of many wrongs to do. What does the fact that all these need to be written down in law for the benefit of a society tell you about humanity? Is it still relevant today, and in our own cultures?
Is it possible for us to all just be good people?
Reflecting on Exodus 22:21-27, do agree with the principle? Is this what you see in your own society? Why do you think this is or isn’t the same in your own country?
What is righteousness? Is righteousness important to God and to His people? What does righteousness look like for us in our lives today?
What are your thoughts about the ethic(s) encouraged in Exodus 34:4-5, 6, 7, 8 & 9?
Do you see the compassion and love that God speaks of Himself in Exod. 22:27 and flowing into his demands for the actions of mercy, compassion, love and justice among His people?
What three Jewish festivals can you find referred to in Exodus 23:14-17?
What examples of a sabbatical theme do see in Exodus?
Is Pentecost in the Old Testament?
Where, and what is called?
What is the Book of the Covenant?
Why should the best of the first fruits be brought to the house of Yahweh? (Exodus 23:19a)
What is Scripture referring to when it talks about the “Angel of the Lord”? Share your thoughts and reasoning.
Do you think Yahweh was to be understood as the Lord of some or every area of the lives of those who follow him?
What did you discover or find interesting in today’s reading?
Tuesday (Day 2): Exodus 24:1-18
Why was it that Moses alone was allowed to come near Yahweh? (cf. Exod. 24:2)
Considering the holiness and reverence we see for God in Scripture, do you think there is a trend in the contemporary church to become too blasé with our personal relationship with God that we have lost a necessary reverence for His awesome majesty, wisdom, splendour and authority?
What do you find interesting about Exodus 24?
What parallels do you see between Genesis 22 and Exodus 24
After mentioning many different parallels, Bailey (2007) comments:
These and other parallels signal three things: (1) Abraham’s obedience becomes the basis of all these events, (2) which fulfill God’s promises to him, (3) whose obedience becomes an example for the people.3 Ironically and contrastingly, Israel would not continue the example established by its ancestor. The nation almost immediately committed one of its worst acts of disobedience. (p. 265)
Do you agree with Bailey? What do you think about the parallels?
Wednesday (Day 3): Luke 9:51-10:42
Do you think the reason the Samaritans did not welcome Jesus in 9:53 was because the Samaritans rejected the Jews’ claim that Jerusalem was the place where God was to be worshipped? Where did the Samaritans believe God should be worshipped?
James and John suggest an idea similar to the miracle of Elijah in 2 Kings 1:10-12. Why do you think Jesus rebukes the two for this idea?
What do you find important or valuable in the passage regarding the sending out of the 72[2] (Lk 10:1-20)?
Do you think that this passage is still relevant to Christians today? If so, how and why? If not, why not?
What Old Testament story does Luke 10:13 refer to?
Do you agree with Black’s comments regarding Luke 10:17-19, 20? He writes:
The seventy-two missionaries returned after their journeys and joyfully told Jesus of their successes. They especially enjoyed the fact that even the demons submit … in your name (an occurrence which will happen on many occasions among the followers of Jesus in the book of Acts). Jesus does not reprimand these disciples for their exuberance regarding their ability to defeat the enemy. In fact, he too rejoices, exclaiming, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.” Jesus is speaking figuratively here, and his point is simply that Satan is being defeated, as his demonic forces are being cast out. This is not a comment on the origin of Satan. The imagery of Satan’s falling from heaven is based on Isaiah 14:12 (see Rev 12:7–10). Jesus then tells the seventy-two that they will have authority not only over the demons but also over snakes and scorpions and even over all the power of the enemy. This may be the clearest proof that this limited mission looks forward to the ultimate mission narrated in Acts. There Luke will tell the stories of numerous victories over Satan’s forces, including Paul’s good health even after being bitten by a deadly snake (Acts 28:3). Nothing will harm them.
20. Despite these marvelous successes, however, Jesus reminds his disciples that having power over the enemy is not their most important privilege. (In fact, pride with regard to even spiritual accomplishments should be guarded against.) Real joy is to be found not in the destruction of the enemy but in the prospect of eternity in the presence of God. They should rejoice that their names are written in heaven.
Do you think the parable of The Good Samaritan is timeless? What do you find special about the parable in Luke 10:25-37?
What do you find interesting about the story of Mary and Martha (Lk. 10:38-42)? Do you find it relatable?
Thursday (Day 4): Luke 11:1-12:12
Do you see themes of prayer and giving throughout Luke 10-12? Do you think there is a comparison being illustrated, showing the difference between those who follow God and those who don’t but think they do?
Is the Lord’s Prayer in Luke 11:2-4 different to that of Matthew 6:9-13?
What do you find interesting about the Lord’s prayer in Luke 11:2-4?
How do the passages of the readings in Luke progressively sync together? (e.g. 11:1-4, 5-13, 14-23, 24-28, 29-32, 33-36, 37-54; 12:1-3, 4-7, 8-12, etc.)
What message do you take from Luke 11:5-13?
What point is Jesus trying to make in Luke 11:14-23?
Who is Beelzebul?
What does Luke 11:24-25 mean to you, and how should we prepare to ensure we apply the message of these words?
What point can be deduced from the correction that Jesus makes (cf. Lk 11:28) of the woman’s exclamation in Luke 11:28?
How is the story of Jonah (Lk. 11:29-30; cf. Jonah) relevant as a sign? Who is the queen of the south being spoken about in Luke 11:31? How do you think Luke 11:32 should be interpreted?
What is the message of Jesus’ words regarding the light and the darkness in Luke 11:33-36?
Do you think the passages following Luke 11:37-53 relate well to Luke’s account regarding Jesus’ encounter with the Pharisee and scribes? If so, how do you think they relate?
Friday (Day 5): Reflection Day
Psalm 16:1-11
What are your thoughts, revelations and inspirations when reading, dwelling and meditating on Psalm 16?
References
Bailey, R. C. (2007). Exodus. College Press Publishing Company.
Black, M. C. (1995). Luke. College Press Pub.
Janzen, W. (2000). Exodus. Herald Press.
[1] This is a critical error that I see time and time again. God has planted the seed that is you; yearn to grow towards Him, in Him, and become more like Him. Do not define who God is, as He is the Creator, but learn His ways, allowing yourself to come to fruition in Him.
3 Friedman, Torah, p. 252.
[2] Some noteworthy early manuscripts reference the number of followers as being seventy rather than seventy-two (e.g. אּ, A, and several others). Seventy-two however is found in the earliest Greek manuscript of Luke, as well as several other very early manuscripts (Black, 1995).
