27 July-2 August 2026 (Genesis, Matthew, Psalms)
Bible Reading Plan
Monday: Genesis 20:1-21:34
Tuesday: Genesis 22:1-23:20
Wednesday: Genesis 24:1-25:18
Thursday: Matthew 16:21-18:35
Friday: Matthew 19:1-20:34
Fluid (fit in any time): Psalm 5:1-12
Reflection and Discussion Questions
Monday (Day 1): Genesis 20:1-21:34
Who was Abimelech, and how did Abraham come to know him?
Does this make you think of an earlier incident involving Abram and Sarai? Where and when was this?
What are some insights you gained after reflecting on Gen 20:6-7?
In the Hebrew, the words “You will surely die,” echoes God’s original command to the Adam in the Garden of Eden in Gen 2:17? What does this correlation signal to Abimelech and the readers/listeners of the text?
While Abraham is a central and venerated figure of the Jews throughout Scripture, do you see flaws recorded about him? If the Jews were to be proud of the father, Abraham, would it make more sense to cut out his weaknesses as this would provide a more admirable figure? Why do you think various errors of his errors are included?
How did Abimelech respond to the situation? For instance, was land given to Abraham? Did they pay for it? What gifts did Abimelech give Abraham? Does Abraham pray for the house of Abimelech, and if so, what for?
Who was Sarah’s son? What did his name mean? Did Abraham circumcise his son, and if so, when and why?
How old were Abraham and Sarah when there son was born?
Any thoughts to share about the passage regarding Hagar and Ishmael (Gen 21:8-21)?
What friction evolved between Abraham and Abimelech? What was the reason for the naming of Beersheba? Find a map and see where Beersheba is located.
It may be valuable to note that Abraham living in the land of the Philistines is technically anachronistic, as “the Philistines did not enter Palestine until the beginning of the Iron Age, at roughly the same time as Israel’s entrance into Canaan” (Kissling, 2009, p. 188). The reason for this is clarity for the audience, as the author was not alive in the age of Abraham.
What significance do you see in Abraham’s action in in Gen 21:33? Do you see any connection to the imagery of Psalm 1:3?
Tueday (Day 2): Genesis 22:1-23:20
Did Abraham question God’s request to offer his son?
Looking at verses such as Gen 22:1 and Gen 22:11, is it fair to say that Abraham was always prepared to respond to God’s divine word and instruction? Do you find it intriguing that this is the last recorded interaction between God and Abraham? Had Abraham reached a point where his faith had fully matured?
It may be useful to note that “fear” as we see in Genesis 22:12, is not to be interpreted in the sense of terror. It is more about piety and having the reverence to respect God and obey His commands (cf. Exodus 20:20).
Theologically, I would describe this type of fear as a sign of righteousness, where the relationships (which includes faith, loyalty, love, etc.) mean that while the fear of God is present in the sense of awe, it is not a negative force that separates the two parties by driving them apart.
About to kill his son, the Angel of Yahweh stops him. In Gen 22:13 Abraham sees the ram with its horns stuck in a thicket. Consider some of this chapter’s parallels with the Passion narratives
Who was, or what is, the Angel of Yahweh?
What do you find interesting about Genesis 22?
Does Abraham move to Hebron in the land of Canaan? To what people did this land belong (cf. Gen 23:3)? Were these people good to Abraham? Did Abraham pay for the field and the cave in Machpelah where he buried Sarah? If so, how much?
Was Sarah a good model for us to see as a woman of God? The New Testament commends her for faith (Hebrews 11:11) and obedience to Abraham (1 Peter 3:6). What do you think? Was she flawless, or did she err at times?
Wednesday (Day 3): Genesis 24:1-25:18
What does Gen 24:1 mean when it said that Yahweh had blessed Abraham in everything?
Why did Abraham ask his servant to put his hand under Abraham’s thigh?
Was Abraham showing ethnic animosity in not looking for a wife for his son from the Canaanites?
How did Abraham’s servant meet Rebekah?
In Gen 24:21 Abraham’s servant is silently looking at Rebekah wondering if she was the answer to his prayer. Was this a sign of prudent diligence or a lack of faith?
What lesson can we learn from Abraham’s servant in Gen 24:26?
Who was Laban?
The servant paraphrases Abraham’s actual words (Gen 24:7) in Gen 24:40. Why do you think the servant might do this?
Talking to Laban in Gen 24:42-49 there is a sense of engagement, intrigue, excitement, amazement, or even déjà vu, as the prayer is answered before the eyes of the servant. Have you ever had an experience, or experiences like this where the answer(s) to prayers unfold before your eyes?
Does Rebekah choose/agree to go to Canaan and marry Isaac, or is she forced by family to do so?
Did Isaac love Rebekah?
Who was Abraham’s wife after Sarah? Did she have children? If so, did his inheritance still go exclusively to Isaac?
How old was Abraham when he died, and where was he buried?
Thursday (Day 4): Matthew 16:21-18:35
Do you see how the previous passages build up to what Jesus says in Matt 16:21, as he looks towards the sombre path to Jerusalem? What connections can you make?
Do Peter’s errors in judgement, in addition to his moments of enlightenment, give you comfort in developing and sharpening your theological understanding, faith and relationship with God?
Can you see the connection between Peter’s dismay at Jesus suffering and death, and Jesus’ instructions in Matthew 16:24-28?
The fact that we should be willing to die for the will of God encourage us to see the depth of duty we have to God? Do you think in the West that our identity in God is all too often trivialised by other worldly agendas?
Any ideas, thoughts or suggestions on how to help Christians develop and appreciate the seriousness of the application and understanding of their faiths and identity in Him?
What are some thoughts, questions and insights about the Transfiguration that you have? Please share.
Do you see the parallel between Matt 17:1-21 and Moses’ experience in Sinai (cf. Ex 32:15-20)? Please share.
Do you find it intriguing that Jesus, like Moses (e.g. Exod 17:4) and Elijah (e.g. 1 Kgs 19:10) also shows human emotion in his frustration with his disciples’ lack of faith?
Regarding God’s potential despair in our efforts at times, does this mean that He disowns us?
You may have felt times of separation from God before, but do you think that distancing (a time of separation where we do not feel as close to God) is the same as disownment?
What do you find interesting, and/or how would you interpret Matthew 17:14-21?
What was the two-drachma tax mentioned in Matthew 17:24?
Jesus shares some critical instruction for his disciples – and to us – in Matt 18:3-6. What does this passage mean to you. Please share some experiences and examples where you have seen this wisdom illustrated.
What value do you see in the combination of humility, love and selflessness?
Does Matt 18:7 encourage us to take responsibility for sin? What is meant by this verse?
Do you think that Matt 18:8-9 should be taken literally, or do you think it is hyperbole? What is the message the author (and Jesus) is looking to communicate here?
What responsibility does the parable of the lost sheep suggest (Matt 18:10-14)? Is this a common issue of neglect within the church? If so, what can or could be done to address this?
What themes do you see continue to develop throughout chapters 18? What does this discourse on relationships tell us about the responsibilities we have as members of His kingdom?
Friday (Day 5): Matthew 19:1-20:34
Where was Jesus going after he left Galilee?
How do Matthew 19-20 build on the relationships discourse in Matthew 18? What themes do you see emphasised?
Do you see or feel that Jesus is teaching the spirit of the law?
After Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 18 we see some real-life examples in Matthew 19. Do you think these reinforce what Jesus taught in chapter 18?
Does Matt 19:29 agree or disagree with the parable of the workers in the vineyard (Matt 20:1-16)
Honour, justice and grace are themes that keep arising. I find the testimony of the two humble blind men complements the issues of the disciples grappling with what they are facing and why. The two blind men received the gift of sight, something many of us take for granted, and the compassion of Christ leads to their following him to the grim path of crucifixion (cf. Matt 20:17-19) (something the disciples were repeatedly distressed by; cf. Matt 16:21-23; 17:22-23). Sometimes this humility and gratefulness is what reminds us of our privilege and sets the example that we need to appreciate. These two men are important examples that leaders should remember and be inspired by (look for similar people in your own communities!). It also brings home Jesus’ point that “many who are first will be last, and last will be first” (Matt 19:30). Forget about yourself and think of what the team needs; the ‘star team’ principle is important in Christianity.
Can you see how these points connect back to the passage discussion the question of who is the greatest back in 18:1-9?
Follow those who have been given sight and are willing to follow Christ. The blind men asked the Messiah (“Son of David”) to have mercy and give them sight. When Christ had compassion, they showed their gratefulness by their actions, as they followed him to Jerusalem.
Were we also lost? Has the Son of God given us sight? Do we show our appreciation with actions? Are we worried about whether we will receive what we deserve? What do these
Psalm 5
What are your thoughts about the morning prayer for protection?
