12-18 October 2026 (Exodus, Luke, Psalms)

Written By Cameron Blair

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

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?

  • 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 are your thoughts about the ethic(s) encouraged in Exodus 34:4-5, 6, 7, 8 & 9?

  • 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?

  • 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)

  • 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)

  • What do you find interesting about Exodus 24?

  • What parallels do you see between Genesis 22 and Exodus 24

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?

  • 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 important or valuable in the passage regarding the sending out of the 72[1] (Lk 10:1-20)

  • 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?

  • 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?

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] 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).

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).

Cameron Blair https://www.strengthinthefaith.com
Next

5-11 October (Exodus, Luke & Psalms)