“Nothing less than a whole Bible can make a whole Christian.” If this is true, many of us are living the Christian life without the fullness of the complete Word of God. There are 66 books in the Bible, yet most adults gravitate to only a handful. If we truly believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God, then we must prioritize reading all of the Scripture.” —AW. Tozer.

Have you ever found yourself flipping through your Bible, reading a verse here and a chapter there, but feeling like you’re missing the bigger picture? You’re not alone.  Individual passages of the Bible hold great power and can profoundly impact a person’s life, leading to personal growth and transformation, but we should not limit our Bible study to the “usual suspects” of familiar passages.

God did not give us just some books of the Bible, or parts of some books. He gave us 66 entire books because the whole of Scripture can be a place where we encounter God. A large portion of the Bible is completed before we reach the book of Matthew. It might seem prudent to focus on the Gospels to meet with Jesus. Many of our Bibles are far more well-thumbed in the New Testament and, perhaps, Isaiah and the Psalms — the most obviously Jesus-centered parts of Scripture. Some parts of the Bible seem a little too gory and some a little too graphic (Song of Songs).

Think about a mystery novel. We are presented with a seemingly unrelated set of events and characters. One of the characters is involved in this crime, but which one is it? And how? As we navigate through the novel, we find ourselves suspecting one person after another. But just when uncertainty starts to set in, we are given a vital clue.  And then another. And with a smile, we now see past all the red herrings and blind alleys and know who the villain is. We close the book with a smile and mentally say, “Of course — it all makes sense!”

Now, imagine going back to the book for a second time. Returning to the first page, we already know how the entire story will unfold. When we first meet the murderer, we know he is the murderer. At the first mention of a vital clue, we already know its significance. We see the hints that we missed before. The book has fundamentally changed, for we now have the bigger picture. The story still unwinds along the same course; the detective still reaches the same conclusions. But our reading is so different. Events and remarks we hadn’t noticed the first time take on a fresh significance. Characters emerge in a new light. We have seen behind the curtain. What if we could read Scripture in this way?

Reading the entire Bible, as opposed to select chapters or verses, offers significant benefits: Reading the Bible as a whole reveals God’s character, purposes, and plan of salvation from Genesis to Revelation. You’ll see how the Old Testament points to Jesus and how the New Testament fulfills those prophecies, leading to a fuller understanding of the Gospel. Reading the whole Bible allows you to see the “big picture” and understand how different books and genres fit together to tell a single, overarching story.

Discussion Questions:

1. Reading the entire Bible, from cover to cover, allows you to grasp the overarching narrative of Scripture and see how individual books and passages fit into the larger story. This helps in understanding the context of specific verses and passages, which can be missed when reading selectively. Agree or disagree, and why?
2. Do you believe reading the whole Bible will enable you to know God and yourself better? Why or why not?

“The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy,  making wise the simple. The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living. Reverence for the Lord is pure, lasting forever. The laws of the Lord are true; each one is fair. They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold.” – Psalms 19:7-10

Most people enjoy reading a good book. Reading offers a variety of benefits and pleasures, including entertainment, learning, relaxation, and the ability to explore new worlds and perspectives. The Bible is more than a good book. It is the single most important book ever written, an eyewitness account of historical events of such magnitude that they have shaped the world in which we live. Don’t be fooled by the form it has taken and the label we have given it as a book, because what makes it great is far beyond what any book can offer.

The power of Scripture lies in its ability to transform lives through the truth, guidance, and inspiration it provides. It acts as a lamp for our path, a mirror revealing our true selves, and a sword that cuts through darkness. Meditating on God’s Word and applying it to our lives brings us closer to God.

As Christ-followers, we don’t believe that we are left in the dark, wondering who God is or what He is like. We don’t have to settle for nonverbal communication. Instead, we have a God that speaks to us through Scripture. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.”

The power of scripture is available to everyone. Perhaps one of the reasons that people avoid the Bible is that it is like a mirror. Often, we are reluctant to confront the truth about ourselves. The Scripture tells us, “For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like.” (James 1:23-24).

However, only by reading the Bible daily will we reap its intended benefits. We cannot simply skim through our favorite passages whenever we need a pick-me-up. We must value every page and benefit from every truth we can. We need to understand the Bible and its history. We need to examine the background and context of each passage we read and meditate on it in prayer. We need to ask the Holy Spirit for guidance every time we open God’s Book.

Scripture can bring God into our lives. Imagine a life where the weight of struggles is lifted and replaced with joy. We should approach the Bible not just for information but for transformation, knowing God and desiring to obey Him because there is more here than simply ink on a page; Scripture can bring us into the presence of God, the one who put the spinning galaxies into being and whose nail-marked hands are stretched out towards us in love. Other books may speak of God, but the Bible is the primary source for understanding and connecting with God.

Discussion Questions:

1. In what ways has God’s Word impacted or changed your life? Can you think of specific examples? 
2. How does the Bible serve as a source of guidance, encouragement, and wisdom in your daily life? 
3. How does the power of scripture equip you to face challenges and overcome obstacles? 

“When I discovered your words, I devoured them. They are my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, O LORD God of Heaven’s Armies.” – Jeremiah 15:16.

Knowing God is essential; it is more than just learning facts about Him. It’s like trying to get to know your wife by reading her resume. One relevant example is assuming you know a person and thus judging their character and competence based solely on their political party affiliation. We want to go deeper. We need to discover who God is and be drawn into a deeper, more personal relationship with the God of the universe. When you want to deepen your relationship with God, you need to move beyond head knowledge to know Him well enough to seek personal encounters with Him. Daniel 11:32 (TLB) tells us, “…But the people who know their God shall be strong and do great things.”  

John Piper said this about the subject: “But to enjoy Him, we must know him. Reasoning, thinking, knowing God is the necessary means, and delighting in, being satisfied in, enjoying and treasuring God is the ultimate end of the human soul.”

Scripture finds its focus and fulfillment in Christ. It is possible to study the Bible without Christ as our focus. Understanding Jesus through the Scriptures involves recognizing how the entire Bible, comprising both the Old and New Testaments, points to Him as the central figure of God’s plan of salvation. By studying the Bible, particularly the Gospels, and understanding how it relates to Jesus, believers can gain a deeper appreciation for His identity, His mission, and the implications for their own lives. He is not just the beginning of the Christian faith, but the entirety of it.

Jeremiah was a prophet who was called by God to minister to a people who would not heed God’s Word and rejected His holy instructions. Israel rebelled against God’s truth and treated His faithful servant poorly, but Jeremiah found hope and comfort in God’s Word. Jeremiah 15:16 is a powerful verse that speaks to the joy and delight found in God’s word.. It emphasizes the transformative power of God’s word, likening it to food that nourishes the soul and brings joy.

The purpose and power of God’s Word is for all people, at all times in every circumstance, offering life, truth, and equipping us to live fully for God.

Scripture possesses the power to reveal God’s nature, character, and will, providing a pathway for individuals to understand and connect with Him. It serves as a source of truth, guiding believers in their faith and actions, and offering hope and strength in times of difficulty. There are so many ways you can attempt to learn about Jesus in the world today, but there’s only one way to truly know Him: through the Word of God.

Discussion Questions:

1. How does the Bible reveal Jesus’s character, actions, and teachings? 
2. How do specific passages deepen your understanding of who Jesus is? 
3.  How does studying scripture help you grow in your faith and relationship with Jesus? 

“Many of us live like a jar of river water that’s all shaken up. What we need is to sit still long enough that the sentiment can settle and the water can become clear. When we sit quietly, in God’s presence, the sentiment that is swirling in our souls begins to settle. ― Ruth Haley Barton, Invitation to Solitude and Silence: Experiencing God’s Transforming Presence.

Our lives are consistently ongoing, some more than others. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by a packed schedule. Between work commitments, family, and personal responsibilities, finding time for yourself and your relationship with God can seem impossible. However, amidst all the chaos, it’s crucial to carve out moments of solitude to pause, reflect, and reconnect with God.

One consequence of living in an instant culture, which values fast delivery, easy accessibility, and pithy slogans, is good if we are ordering a burger, buying on Amazon Prime, or are happy to get our news from Twitter. There is, however, no such thing as “instant spirituality.” Building a deep connection with God, like any meaningful relationship, requires time and effort. A lasting and meaningful relationship with God typically requires continuous effort and commitment, as well as spending time in God’s presence. This takes time. This takes stillness. This takes solitude and silence. This involves temporarily withdrawing to a private space for spiritual reflection and contemplation. This period of solitude may last only a few minutes or several hours, but the goal remains the same: to be alone with God.

The good news is we don’t have to plan a date or place far ahead because we know exactly where God is at every moment of every day. He promised to come to us and take up residence within us. If we would just be still long enough, be quiet long enough, be alone long enough, we would find Him.

There are many benefits of reconnecting with God in solitude, one of which is being exposed to God’s wisdom. God is all-wise and all-knowing.  Acts 4:13 says that when the religious leaders saw the boldness of Peter and John and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled, and they realized that they had been with Jesus. Secondly, you can benefit from God’s perspective. God gives His people the capacity to see all of life from His vantage point. Having God’s perspective allows us to rise above the daily grind of life and the actions of others and realize there is a sovereign God who rules over His creation and directs the activities of mankind.

Lastly, we benefit from God’s guidance. God promises to guide us throughout our lives. The psalmist writes, “For that is what God is like. He is our God forever and ever, and he will guide us until we die” (Psalm 48:14). But how do we receive this guidance? Psalm 48:9 says: “meditate on your unfailing love.”

Discussion Questions:

1. What does solitude look like in your life? 
2. What are the biggest barriers to practicing solitude? 
3. How can Jesus’ example of prioritizing solitude reshape your pursuit of time alone with God?

“Solitude well practiced will break the power of busyness, haste, isolation, and loneliness.” – Dallas Willard.

It may not seem like it, but there is real value in solitude,  in making time and space to hear from God. We need quiet to tune our ears to the still, small voice of God. We need the type of peace that only comes from quieting our hearts and minds.

There is a difference between solitude and loneliness. Modern life opposes solitude with its non-stop noise and bustle, and many people wrestle with the idea of being alone for any length of time. To be truly healthy, we need to be able to be alone with ourselves—and alone with God to listen to the “still small voice” heard by Elijah. (1 Kings 19:12)

Christians are called to community; however, the Gospels demonstrate that although Jesus loved to be with people, He also clearly relished the time He spent alone. The Holy Spirit, in the same way, delights in silence and solitude as well as community.

The Holy Spirit is a source of strength, renewal, and restoration for believers. Through faith and surrender to the Spirit, we can experience a fresh infusion of power, joy, and peace, enabling us to overcome weariness and fulfill God’s purpose.  King David experienced the beauty of the Holy Spirit’s work: “Do not banish me from your presence, and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you” (Psalms 51:11-12). The biblical account of Paul and Silas in prison describes a powerful experience of spiritual refreshment and revival through the Holy Spirit. Despite being beaten and unjustly imprisoned, they prayed and sang hymns, which led to an earthquake that miraculously opened the prison doors and released everyone’s chains. This event, in turn, led to the conversion of the jailer and his household.

We may encounter the Holy Spirit as quiet encouragement to forgive someone, through a persistent nudge to step out in faith, or during an awe-inspiring encounter that changes the course of our lives. Whether we experience the Holy Spirit in subtle or striking ways, the Spirit’s power helps us live out God’s purposes for us.  Hearing the Holy Spirit speak involves recognizing the subtle ways God communicates with believers, often through impressions, nudges, or a sense of peace, rather than an audible voice.

We read many stories in Scripture of those who had profound, life-changing encounters with God in out-of-the-way places like the desert, the mountains, or in the quiet of the night. Away from the distractions of crowds and their contemporaries, they opened their hearts to the Lord and came back to the responsibilities and stresses of their lives, empowered and refreshed.

The Holy Spirit often speaks through an inner witness, a sense of knowing or conviction that aligns with God’s character and Word. We may receive gentle nudges or impressions about what to do, where to go, or what to say, or it may be a sense of peace and harmony that often accompanies the Spirit’s guidance. The Holy Spirit can speak through the circumstances of life, aligning events and situations to guide us, but can only do so when we are silent enough to hear.

Discussion Questions:

1. How does God speak to us?
2. What are some ways the Spirit communicates with us?
3. What role does scripture play in hearing God’s voice?

 Summary: Finding intentional rest involves deliberately setting aside time and space to disconnect from busyness and reconnect with God, allowing for spiritual, mental, and physical refreshment. It’s not just about physical inactivity, but about aligning with God’s rhythm of rest, cultivating peace, and experiencing His presence.

The COVID pandemic forced us to slow down. At a time when the pace of our lives seemed to be accelerating rapidly, the lockdown forced us to slow down suddenly. We found ourselves letting go of some responsibilities and spending more time with God and family. But then the pandemic was over.

 An experiment was conducted in which participants received a mild electric shock. All the participants said they would pay money not to be shocked again. Each person was then left in the room alone for 15 minutes, without their phone or any distractions. Rather than being bored and alone with their thoughts, two-thirds of the participants (who said they would pay money not to be shocked) voluntarily chose to shock themselves rather than to sit there and do nothing. Pretty compelling evidence that we don’t do well with boredom or with rest.

If you study Jesus’ life you will see that He set boundaries for work and rest. In the Gospel of Luke, we read about a busy day. After teaching in the synagogue, and curing a demoniac, Jesus  visits Simon and cures his mother-in-law. Then the passage says, “As the sun went down that evening, people throughout the village brought sick family members to Jesus. No matter what their diseases were, the touch of his hand healed every one” (Luke 4:40).  The next paragraph begins, “Early the next morning …” He left and went to a deserted place. But then the passage says, “The crowds went looking for him, and when they came to him, they tried to prevent him from leaving them.” Jesus stands firm. “I must preach the Good News of the Kingdom of God in other towns, too, because that is why I was sent.” So he continued to travel around, preaching in synagogues throughout Judea” (Luke 4:43-44).

Jesus did not ask permission to go, nor did he leave anyone behind “on call,” or even let His disciples know where He was going. Jesus obeyed a deeper rhythm. When the moment for rest had come, the time for healing was over. He would simply stop, retire to a quiet place, and pray.

Silence is hard because everything in our culture, everything in our hearts, and everything in our world pushes us to share our thoughts and express our opinions. Op-eds in the paper, conversations around the water cooler at work, the news media, social media, and other platforms tempt us to voice our opinions, rather than remain silent. Being still is not easy for us in this modern age. It means that we have to stop doing, scrolling, planning, talking, watching, and hashtagging. It means that we cease all activity. It seems unnatural to be still, and there is a tendency to want to fill the silence. To counteract that, we need to be intentional.

Discussion Questions:

1. How can we be intentional in finding rest?
2. How can silence help us hear God’s voice?”
3. What are some ways we can practice silence in our daily lives?

“We all know we need rest from work, but we don’t realize we have to work hard just to rest. We have to plan for breaks. We have to schedule time to be unscheduled. That’s the way life is for most of us. Scattered, frantic, boundary-less busyness comes naturally. The rhythms of work and rest require planning.” – Kevin DeYoung.

In 1964, 17-year-old Randy Gardner, a high school student, broke the world record for staying awake (264 hours). According to NPR, his experiment also demonstrated significant negative effects on cognitive function and mood. Gardner said, “I had a very short fuse on day 11. I remember snapping at reporters. They were asking me the same questions over and over. And I was just — I was a brat.”

There is a consensus that when people don’t get enough rest, they often experience increased irritability and a tendency towards cynicism. Prioritizing rest is vital for maintaining a positive and balanced perspective. The answer is finding rest in Jesus.

In a world constantly buzzing with notifications and overflowing with responsibilities, the simple act of finding rest in Jesus can feel like a big task. We often feel pressured to be constantly productive, fearing that we might miss out or fall behind. But God wants you to release your worries to the One who truly cares for you. It’s your invitation to discover inner peace amidst life’s chaos.

Jesus said that if we come to Him, He will give us rest. And not just any rest but deep, soul rest. Listen to our Savior’s words. “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest”(Matthew 11:28). He gives us rest through faith in Him.

That was the whole point of the Sabbath. God wanted His people to rest and remember. To rest from their labors and to remember that when they were slaves in Egypt, God rescued them. He delivered them, so how could they remember? God wanted His people to focus on and remember His wondrous acts of love and mercy each Sabbath Day. And even today, God still wants us to gather together—to rest and remember.

We need that because life can be a grind, and we need physical and spiritual rest. We need both physical and spiritual rest because God designed us to thrive with both. Physical rest, like sleep and breaks, is essential for our bodies to recover and function properly. Spiritual rest, found in connection with God through prayer, meditation, and spending time in His Word, nourishes our souls and provides peace and perspective. Ignoring either leads to burnout and hinders our ability to live fully as God intends.

By prioritizing both physical and spiritual rest, we honor God’s design for our lives and experience the fullness of His blessings.

Discussion Questions:

1. How does prioritizing physical rest help you be more attentive to spiritual matters and connect with God? 
2. What does the concept of “spiritual rest” mean to you, and why is it important to find rest for your soul? 
3. In what ways can you cultivate a life of “restful trust” and surrender to God’s will? 

“Since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it.—Hebrews 4:1.”   

The word Sabbath means “a day of rest.” This word first appears in Genesis after God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 2:3 says, “And God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, because it was the day when he rested from all his work of creation.” In the Old Testament of the Bible, we read that God commanded His people to observe the Sabbath day as a reflection of God’s day of rest after He created the universe (Exodus 20:8-11).

God gave His people this holy day of rest so they could recharge and trust that God would provide for them. When Jesus came to earth, He reminded the people that the Sabbath was a gift. In Mark 2:27-28, Jesus tells the Pharisees that man was not made for the Sabbath; instead, the Sabbath was made for man.”Then Jesus said to them, “The Sabbath was made to meet the needs of people, and not people to meet the requirements of the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord, even over the Sabbath!”

Taking a Sabbath is not something we do because we want to check off something from our to-do list. It is not meant to be an obligation, but to refresh and delight us in what the Lord has provided for us.

But in 2025, rest can seem a bit weird. There always seems to be something that needs to be done even on the Sabbath. Scheduling a whole day of rest seems impractical if not costly. But we prioritize what is important to us.

The idea that setting aside a day to rest completely is not just a commandment but an act of worship where we acknowledge God’s power and authority by surrendering our need to work constantly. Making adjustments to create space for Sabbath is hard, but so worth it.  A chance to rest. An opportunity to trust. An invitation to experience His faithfulness. The Sabbath is a gift we should want to open every week.

When was the last time you took a real Sabbath? Not a Saturday where you didn’t work but still ran errands, not a Sunday morning at church followed by doing the week’s laundry, not five minutes of reading the verse of the day from your Bible app before launching into the workday.  Sabbath rest goes much deeper. The Sabbath is a time to step back from daily routines and actively reflect on our relationship with God, considering how we can better align our lives with His will. Setting aside time for quiet contemplation, prayer, and fellowship with others allows us to experience spiritual renewal and be refreshed for the week ahead.

“God told us to set aside one day out of seven for a very good reason: He knew we needed it. If we work all the time, not only will we wear out physically, but we’ll also neglect our relationship with God” (Billy Graham).

Discussion Questions:

1. How does the Sabbath represent a time to step away from our efforts and rely on God’s work? 
2. How can you intentionally create a space for rest and reflection on your Sabbath day? 
3. How can you incorporate acts of worship and service into your Sabbath?  

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33.

The reality is that the news about the news is bad. And seemingly getting worse. Negative, distressing events captivate us because that’s all there seems to be. There are situations where you can’t help but feel anxious, because things that you could never anticipate would happen do happen.

If you were out of touch for a week or so, you would have returned to a new conflict in the Middle East, where ideological clashes create constant tension. The potential for escalation remains, and a wider regional conflict could have widespread and devastating consequences. Then you would read about LA, where protests and riots have the city reeling. You wonder if humanity is once again on the brink, and you are genuinely worried about how it might affect you, your children, and your grandchildren.

Being “suddenly afraid” when something unexpected happens is perfectly normal. If a deer suddenly runs onto the road, you swerve to miss it, your adrenaline spikes, and you are suddenly afraid. You feel an instant rush of temporary fear. But then, when the deer is safely back in the woods and your car is back on the road, you return to a non-afraid state.

The type of fear we are talking about is different. Fear, in this case, is a way of life. We reach a point where we cautiously welcome life’s joyful moments, but are waiting for the other shoe to drop.  There are certainly things to be worried about.

In Psalm 10, David asks the Lord why it appeared He wasn’t doing anything about the wickedness of the world, or taking control of the cruelty, violence, and injustices that ran rampant through their corrupt society. He questioned why wicked people were allowed to get away with their wrongdoings. David wanted to know when God would step in and do something.

You may feel the same way. Perhaps you are struggling with difficult circumstances and feel as if God is standing far away, or maybe you, too, are frustrated with the direction our world seems to be heading. This is how David felt as well, but in Psalm 10:16-18a, we see his tone change from frustration to hope when he says, “The Lord is king forever and ever! The godless nations will vanish from the land. Lord, you know the hopes of the helpless. Surely you will hear their cries and comfort them. You will bring justice to the orphans and the oppressed, …” David took comfort in remembering and believing that God was with him, and in due time, He would prevail.

Life can be worrisome, but even so, you can have peace. Instead of focusing on what could happen, God invites you to focus on what did happen. Colossians 2:15 says, “In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross.”

If you are struggling with anxiety about the future, be encouraged. Have peace and take refuge in the One who overcame the world.

Discussion Questions:

1. Reflect on personal experiences: What current events or global issues cause you the most concern or anxiety?
2. Understanding God’s sovereignty: How can understanding God’s control over all circumstances help navigate worries about world events?
3. Seeking peace amidst turmoil: How can the peace of God be experienced amid anxieties about the world? What steps can be taken to nurture that peace?

“At just the right time Christ will be revealed from heaven by the blessed and only almighty God, the King of all kings and Lord of all lords. He alone can never die, and he lives in light so brilliant that no human can approach him. No human eye has ever seen him, nor ever will. All honor and power to him forever! Amen.” – 1 Timothy 6:15-16.

There is a lot of conversation happening about “kings” these days, either in the form of real kings or perceived kings as people. We imagine kings as powerful leaders, wise and just. They have wealth and riches. They have authority and influence. As Christians, we should have a different view: we should be concerned that our country doesn’t have a king because we do need a king, and that king is the King of kings and Lord of lords,  Jesus Christ. Out of every king in history, none can compare to  Jesus. Our Messiah is unlike any other king who has ever lived.

Fundamentally, the idea of Jesus being King of kings and Lord of lords means that there is no higher authority. His reign over all things is absolute and inviolable. God raised Him from the dead and placed Him over all things, “Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come. 22 God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself.” (Ephesians 1:21–23).

Jesus is the only King whose scepter will never depart from Him, as Genesis 49:10 tells us: “The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from his descendants, until the coming of the one to whom it belongs, the one whom all nations will honor.”

He is the only King who is all-wise: ”For the time is coming,”  says the Lord, “when I will raise up a righteous descendant from King David’s line. He will be a King who rules with wisdom. He will do what is just and right throughout the land. And this will be his name: ‘The Lord Is Our Righteousness.’ In that day Judah will be saved, and Israel will live in safety” (Jeremiah 23:5-6).

He is the only King who rules all the earth: “And the Lord will be king over all the earth. On that day there will be one Lord—his name alone will be worshiped.” (Zechariah 14:9).

In John 1:9-13, the Bible describes the tragedy of failing to see Jesus for who he truly is, as well as the blessing that comes when we honor Him as King: “The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.”

Every day of our lives, we face the same fundamental question. Who’s wearing the crown? What’s the most important thing in my life? Am I honoring Christ as King? Or is something else king in my life?  There’s only room for one king in our lives, and that king is Jesus.

Discussion Questions:

1. What comes to mind when you hear the title “King” applied to Jesus? How does this differ from your understanding of earthly kings? 
2. In what ways does Jesus’ kingship differ from the expectations or images of power we see in the world around us? 
3. How does recognizing Jesus as King impact your daily life, your decisions, and your perspective on the world?