10-16 August 2026 (Genesis, Matthew, Psalms)
Bible Reading Plan
Monday: Genesis 28:10-29:30
Tuesday: Genesis 29:30-30:43
Wednesday: Genesis 31:1-55
Thursday: Matthew 24:1-25:46
Friday: Matthew 26:1-28:20
Fluid (fit in any time): Psalm 7:1-17
Reflection and Discussion Questions
Monday (Day 1): Genesis 28:10-29:30
Was Jacob touched and/or inspired by his dream? What change of intention, if any, do you see?
What, if any, connections do you see with the passage regarding the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11?
What do you find interesting about Genesis 28:10-22?
Where (geographically) did this dream occur? Did Jacob rename the place?
Does Jacob love Rachel? Does he love Leah? Was Laban honest and fair to Jacob? Does Jacob show good character? Is this a sign of character development from the former Jacob?
What do you find interesting in Genesis 29:1-30?
Tuesday (Day 2): Genesis 29:30-30:43
Did God sympathise with Leah being unloved? Did he fix all her problems?
Who were Jacob’s children, and who bore them?
Why does Rachel ask Leah for some of her son’s mandrakes? (cf. 30:14)
Looking at the narrative, what are some of the difficulties of polygamy?
Do you think Proverbs 3:23 has relevance to Leah’s position?
While an idolater, Laban acknowledges Yahweh has blessed him because of Jacob (Gen 30:27). Is this possible? How?
Why does Jacob want to leave? What negotiation takes place that keeps him tending and watching over Laban’s flocks?
Wednesday (Day 3): Genesis 31:1-55
Wednesday (Day 3): Genesis 31:1-55
Why does Jacob leave Paddan-Aram to go back to Canaan?
Was Jacob justified in leaving? Was he honest in his leaving?
Do Rachel and Leah appear to feel loved and valued by their father?
Rachel stole her father’s household idols. Was Rachel polytheistic?
What was Laban’s response? Was he forgiving? What did he request?
Where did Rachel place the idols and what was her excuse? Was Jacob justified in his anger when Laban could not find the idols?
Why was it that Jacob left without telling Laban? (Gen 31:31) Do you find the juxtaposition of Jacob’s traits of deception, honesty and good character intriguing? Why and how so?
How long had Jacob served Laban, and how often does he state that Laban had changed his wage? (see Gen 31:41)
Do you sympathise or empathise with Laban? Why or why not?
What covenant did Laban and Jacob make?
In Genesis 31:53, Laban says to Jacob “May the God of Abraham and the God of Nahor, the God of their father judge between us”. Were these two different gods, or the same God? Why do you think Laban used these words?
Do you see any correlations between the stories (and traits) of Abraham and Sarah and Jacob and Rachel?
Thursday (Day 4): Matthew 24:1-25:46
Why was the temple in Jerusalem important to the Jewish people, and what did the fall of the temple in 70 AD signal? Imagine what it would be like if you were a first-century Jew and the temple has been destroyed.
Generation after generation we see chaos, war, sin, lawlessness, new prophets, new leaders and the pains of famines and natural disasters. Each generation has stories to tell, and each generation has a new canvas… with strings attached. All too often it is easier to ‘wait until the storm has passed’ before getting into our work, but can we afford to do this in our current times? Is there no time like the present, or is it better to be discerning? Are the two of these options mutually exclusive? Please explain.
Does living the life of a Christian make our lives on earth easier? Obviously, we have a privilege in Christ, but does this eradicate suffering and difficulty for Christians in our current lives?
A question that is often asked is how is this possible for a God of love to allow such suffering. Any thoughts?
We see apocalyptic language used in this chapter. What are apocalyptic language and apocalyptic literature?
In times of tribulation where should our eyes be fixed? To follow, in times of peace and joy, where should our eyes be fixed? Why?
Should we continue to be weary of false messiahs and false prophets? How can we build our abilities to discern well?
Will Christ’s words pass away? Are they dependable? (cf. Matt 24:35)
Is it important that we are ready for Christ’s return, ensuring that we remain faithful? (cf. Matt 24:44)
Is faithfulness more an immediate action or is it more like a lifestyle or career? Is it like getting ready for work so seen in a professional and positive light, or is it about choosing standards, building reputation, maintain standards and becoming the person or worker you want to be? I ask this because reading Matt 24:45-51 I see the temptation of many Christians to look sharp, but the actions and lives are not always aligning to the presentation that is commonly shown. Many know the answer to the question asked on Sunday morning, but their lives do not demonstrate the principles taught. This was a stumbling point for many of the Pharisees (e.g. Matt 23:3); they were not always willing to see or accept the truth!
A commitment of the heart to God is not just saying you believe in Him. It is acknowledging your identity in Him, and in doing so, looking for His will and acting in good faith and discernment as we do our best to live a life that upholds the faith and responsibilities that He has given to us. The temptation we have is to find security in Him, but then find a way to serve ourselves and God. The truth is, we need to look after ourselves to be in a shape to serve God well. However, the primary issue/question we need to constantly ask ourselves is are we putting our own agenda above God’s or are we looking for His will from us and finding a way to make it happen? The world is not on our shoulders (Christ has completed this for us already!), but we are part of a family and team that is facing some difficult philosophical climates and storms both inside and outside the church.
What is the lesson of the faithful and unfaithful slave? Explain
What is the lesson of The Parable of the Ten Virgins? Explain
What is the lesson of The Parable of the Talents? Explain
Are our actions, priorities and choices in everyday life important to God? How do these apply to the lessons of today’s readings?
Friday (Day 5): Matthew 26:1-28:20
Was it Caiaphas or Annas who was the high priest during Jesus’ ministry?
How does the story of Jesus’ anointing at Bethany encourage us to be open-minded, while still disciplined, in our interpretations of the actions of others? Were the disciples entirely wrong? Would they have benefited from having greater empathy and awareness?
Who betrays Jesus? What is his reward? Who gives him the money?
Jesus states that all the disciples would fall away (Matt 26:31; cf. 26:56), however, Peter and the other disciples affirm their loyalty (Matt 26:33-35). However, as Jesus says He will go ahead of the disciples into Galilee (Matt 26:32; cf. Matt 28:7, 10, 16-20), He clearly accepts the disciples despite their disloyalty. Does this go against the principles of what we have read in the Gospel? Why would Jesus accept His disciples (excluding Judas Iscariot)?
What does Gethsemane mean? Who are the two sons of Zebedee?
Why do think the religious leaders mentioned in Matthew’s Gospel tended to be so opposed to Jesus? Should they have been? In reading of their errors, are there lessons to be learned for leaders of the church today?
What does the story of Judas Iscariot’s life and choices mean or reveal to you?
Who was the Roman governor over Judea who authorised Jesus’ crucifixion?
Who was the prisoner that was released instead of Jesus?
What man from Cyrene carried the cross of Christ? What does Golgotha mean?
What psalm is referred to in Matt 27:35?
What is the significance of the temple curtain being torn in two?
Who were three women that had, from a distance, faithfully followed and served Jesus from Galilee? (see Matt 27:55-56)
Who was Joseph of Arimathea?
What is the Great Commission? What are the three parts, and do you see the general chronology in these parts?
What is the promise the risen Lord makes to his people in Matt 28:20?
What parts of these passages do you find particularly interesting, and why?
Give a flipside of the suffering, and ask about some of the joys and blessings we have as God’s creation and children. Potentially ask for some things to be shared(?)
Psalm 7
What are your thoughts on Psalm 7? How do you see it as being relevant to us today?
References
Kissling, P. (2009). Genesis (Vol. 2). College Press Publishing Company.
