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Bible Reading Plan

Reading Plan: Matthew 5:21-48

Murder

“You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.

“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.

“Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.

Adultery

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.

Divorce

“It has been said, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’ But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

Oaths

“Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.’ But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.

Eye for Eye

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

Love for Enemies

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

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Daily Devotional: Bible Blindness

“Leave them; they are blind guides. If the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.”

Matthew 15:14

The last time I bought a suit, a manager-in-training assisted me. He was helpful, but I’m pretty sure he was colorblind. I wanted something stylish in dark gray. “It’s mainly for weddings and funerals,” I said. His face lit up, “Ahh, yes, I have just the one for you.” His confidence put me at ease until he proudly handed me a two-piece in burgundy. Long story short, we couldn’t see eye-to-eye on the color. I motioned for the manager to insert a third opinion. “Hmm, no, this is wine color. Try this one, it’s charcoal or midnight gray.” Crisis averted, or so I thought. But then my salesman blindly picked out several mismatched shirt and tie colors.

I’m no fashion expert, but I know when something is off. And I’m confident enough to speak up. I wonder if the same is true when it comes to Bible blindness?

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus illuminates the dangers of the blind leading the blind. This applies to any leader-follower situation. But in context, our Master Teacher warns us not to be led off a spiritual cliff by so-called Scripture experts. That isn’t to say all preachers and Bible teachers can’t be trusted. But how will we know when they’re wrong if we’re Bible blind? We have a responsibility before God and one another to align with the truth of Scripture. Jesus called pious, hypocritical religious leaders to account, but He also challenges everyday followers like you and me to see and think for ourselves.

In the spirit of believing the best, most Christian churches and church leaders desire to present biblical truth accurately, clearly, and wisely. But that isn’t a green light for followers of Jesus to remain Bible blind. Our Christ-like spiritual formation is catalyzed significantly through consistent, intentional, personal engagement with God’s Word. Rather than stumble into a pit, we need to discern whether what’s being taught from the Bible up front aligns with what’s true in the pages of Scripture.

Like my suit-buying experience, I’m sure you’ll walk into a situation sometime where the color of the Bible teaching seems off. Maybe it is, or maybe it isn’t. Commit today not to stay Bible blind so you can see and think, and even speak up, for yourself.

Next Steps

How have you been enjoying The Jesus Way Bible Reading Plan so far? Maybe you started out the year strong. Maybe you’ve missed some days. Jump back in anytime. Reading God’s Word consistently, intentionally, and personally at least four times per week will help keep Bible blindness at bay.