Read the Bible in a Year: Week 32 – Micah 5-7 and John 1-15

In week 32 of our Bible Reading journey, we will finish the Old Testament book of Micah and then move to the New Testament and begin our exploration of the Gospel of John. Micah is filled with themes of justice, mercy, and the need for repentance. John is one of the 4 gospels in the New Testament and is famous for its emphasis on Jesus theological teachings. If you want to explore what Jesus says about his divine nature, John is a great choice!

Micah 5-7

Last week we read Micah 1-4, learning about the consequences of disobedience, addressing issues like corruption in leadership, and finding a ray of hope in God’s promise of restoration. This week, our focus will shift to Micah 5-7. In chapter 5, Micah will introduces a prophecy about a future ruler born in Bethlehem, which will offer a glimpse of hope for redemption. In Chapters 6 and 7, Micah will take us into God’s courtroom, where charges against Israel are presented alongside a straightforward discussion on justice, mercy, and the need for repentance. Micah will continue his discourse, encouraging us to explore the dynamics of judgment, restoration, and the enduring themes connecting the Old and New Testaments.

John 1-15

This will lead us to the Gospel of John. While John doesn’t tell us about the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, this is only found in Matthew and Luke, he does offer a unique lens through which we will explore the essence of Jesus’ divinity and the transformative impact of his ministry. The opening chapters set the stage, introducing Jesus as the eternal Word and ushering in a series of remarkable events, including miraculous signs like turning water into wine and healing the afflicted. Intimate encounters with individuals such as Nicodemus and the Samaritan woman reveal distinctive teachings that will shape the unfolding story. As the narrative progresses, Jesus’ authority over disease and nature becomes evident, and symbolic imagery, like the portrayal of Jesus as the Good Shepherd, adds depth to the unfolding tale. Looking ahead, the exploration of faith, the coming of the Holy Spirit, and the enduring connection between Jesus and his disciples will captivate us, inviting us to delve into the profound truths embedded in the Gospel of John.

Flexible Plan: Reading for Week 32

If you are following the flexible plan for reading the Bible in a year, here is your reading assignment. You can break up the reading however you like throughout the week!

Passage 1: Micah 5-7
Passage 2: John 1-15

Printable Resource: Bible in a Year Reading Plan: Weekly Assignments

7-Day Reading Assignment: Week 32

For those who prefer a more organized approach, the weekly assignment can be broken into seven sections:

Day 1: Micah 5-7
Day 2: John 1-2
Day 3: John 3-5
Day 4: John 6-7
Day 5: John 8-10
Day 6: John 11-12
Day 7: John 13-15

Printable Resource: Bible in a Year Reading Plan: Daily Assignments

5-Day Reading Assignment: Week 32

Or if you know that you are likely to miss a day or two of reading, the weekly assignment can be broken into five sections:

Day 1: Micah 5-7
Day 2: John 1-4
Day 3: John 5-8
Day 4: John 9-12
Day 5: John 13-15

Reflection Questions

After you read these passages, consider the following reflection questions.

Micah 5-7

What significance do you find in Micah’s prophecy about a future ruler born in Bethlehem, especially in the context of biblical history and the fulfillment of this prophecy in the New Testament?
How does the imagery of God’s courtroom impact your understanding of justice, mercy, and the need for repentance? How do these themes resonate with your personal beliefs and experiences?
Reflect on Micah’s discourse regarding judgment and restoration. How does this interplay contribute to the broader narrative of Micah, and how might it inform your perspectives on God’s dealings with humanity?

John 1-15

In what ways does John’s Gospel provide a unique perspective on Jesus’ divinity and the transformative impact of his ministry compared to the other Gospels? How does this uniqueness shape your understanding of Jesus?
Consider the miraculous signs and symbolic imagery in the early chapters of John. How do these events and images contribute to the portrayal of Jesus and the message he conveys?
Reflect on the intimate encounters with individuals like Nicodemus and the Samaritan woman. What do these encounters reveal about Jesus’ teachings and his approach to individuals with diverse backgrounds and circumstances?
How does John’s narrative explore the themes of faith and the coming of the Holy Spirit? In what ways do these aspects contribute to the overall message of the Gospel?
Consider the enduring connection between Jesus and his disciples. How does this connection evolve throughout John 1-15, and what insights does it offer into the nature of discipleship and relationship with Jesus?