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Bible Reading Plan

This year, we’re encouraging our whole church to read God’s Word every day. For convenience, we’re including suggested passages at the top of each devotional Monday through Friday to prepare your heart and mind for each weekend’s teaching. This plan connects your daily Bible reading directly to what you’ll hear on Sunday, creating deeper understanding and life application. Enjoy!

Today’s Passage: Matthew 5:1-12

Introduction to the Sermon on the Mount

Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, ² and he began to teach them.

The Beatitudes

He said:

³ “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
⁴ Blessed are those who mourn,
    for they will be comforted.
⁵ Blessed are the meek,
    for they will inherit the earth.
⁶ Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
    for they will be filled.
⁷ Blessed are the merciful,
    for they will be shown mercy.
⁸ Blessed are the pure in heart,
    for they will see God.
⁹ Blessed are the peacemakers,
    for they will be called children of God.
¹⁰ Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

¹¹ “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. ¹² Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

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The daily devotional is written by Willow staff and volunteers to help you reflect on God’s word in a different way. It’s based on the weekend teaching, but isn’t aligned with the Bible reading plan.

Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them.
Matthew 5:1-2

I enjoy cooking. When I was a kid, I’d curiously watch Yan Can Cook on PBS and glean skills that I still use today. I’ve got a binder of handed-down family recipes, a couple of go-to cookbooks, and a drawer full of spices. Over the years, I’ve discovered which flavors mix well, and many that don’t. I’ve come a long way through trial and error, with a dash of online recipes and YouTube tutorials sprinkled in. I did get to cook a little when I worked in restaurants, but it wasn’t why I was hired. Some might say I’ve become more than a culinary dabbler,but I’m clearly not a master chef.

In Matthew 5, Jesus the Master steps away from massive crowds to teach the Sermon on the Mount. He heads to the hill country knowing that only the more than curious would follow. There was still a broad spectrum of serious disciples, though with way fewer dabblers than before. Curiosity is a great starting point, but more is needed to become a true believer or a devoted disciple. If Jesus’ disciples had followed Him the same way I’ve learned to cook, I doubt the gospel and the global Christian church would have taken root.

The disciples referenced in Matthew 5:1-2 were clearly more than curious. And if you’re reading today’s devotion, I’d say you are too. They had believed Jesus up to this point. But they had no idea if hearing the Sermon on the Mount would put their hearts on guard or draw them deeper into discipleship. The same is true for you and me as we go through The Jesus Way series together. “Blessed are the poor in spirit…the meek…persecuted…insulted…rejoice and be glad,” (Matt. 5:1-12). Really? Jesus can’t be serious, or can He? Instead of dabbling in discipleship, let’s seize the opportunity to sit at Jesus’ feet—to listen to, trust, and become more like Him this year.

Next Steps

People who are more than curious about following Jesus live differently. Are you familiar with The Seven Rhythms of Rooted? No checklist defines discipleship, but proven practices are important for lasting growth. Sign up for a Willow Rooted Group or meet with your current small group during The Jesus Way series.